Highlights 

• A beautifully restored example of the iconic BJ40 Land Cruiser 
• Expertly restored to retain full originality and period-correct presentation
• Featuring the well-regarded and less common “B,” 3L diesel engine
  
  

The Appeal

It is this legendary ruggedness that has, ironically, made these vehicles an increasingly rare sight on today’s roads. Many went to areas where conditions were not conducive to delivering pristine classic examples some 5 decades later.

That’s what helps make this beautifully restored example such a find.

The History and Paperwork

• The Land Cruiser includes its current Italian registration document (pictured)
• The vehicle holds its current “Revisione” (Italian MOT equivalent) until October 2022
• The vehicle was fully and professionally restored in 2020/21 
• Every aspect of the vehicle is understood to have been addressed at this stage
• This includes mechanical, body and interior aspects of the BJ40 
  
  

The Interior

• The interior is utilitarian in nature but appears to be entirely period-correct
• The front seats are dressed in grey fabric with vinyl bolster inserts
• Nicely sculpted with head rests, the seats appear to be in excellent condition
• The dashboard is a combination of body coloured, painted metal and padded top and bottom panels
• A small instrument binnacle sits ahead of the big, period steering wheel
• Various labelled switches populate the dashboard together with a metal fronted glove box
• Door cards are finished in grey vinyl and the floors are finished in ribbed rubber matting
• The rear cabin is accessed via the signature “barn doors”
• It features a twin, folding bench seat finished in grey vinyl
• The rear cabin floor is covered with hard-wearing, textured rubber matting
• A full headlining is present, and a sturdy roll bar is fitted to the aft of the front seats

Despite its fastidious restoration, this Land Cruiser has lost none of its utilitarian charm inside the cabin.

Whilst it appears to be in a first-class condition throughout, it is entirely functional as a rugged, off-roader. There is nothing superfluous or just “for show” in here and helps underline the lasting charm of this go-anywhere Japanese icon vehicle.

The Exterior

• This BJ40 is presented in the two door, hard top configuration
• It is finished in a very fetching “Rustic Green” with a contrasting Off-White roof and grill surround
• As you might expect from a restored vehicle, all panels appear to be in excellent condition
• The panel gaps appear tight and symmetrical as would be expected from a Toyota of this period
• The vehicle stands high and level on big wheels and tyres
• The wheels are painted steel and finished with bright chrome hub caps
• The front wheels feature locking hubs finished in back
• The tyres are new Bridgestone Dueler All Terrain items in a period-correct profile
• The rear, twin “barn doors” feature a spare wheel mounting and number plate mounting
• A rear tow hitch with electrics socket is fitted below the doors
• All period correct badging, lights and even serrated mud flaps are present and in fine fettle
  
  

It’s the details that make it really pop, however. The contrasting, off-white accents, the big, painted bumpers and those big, yet narrow, wheels and tyres.

It really is an object lesson in rough and rugged off-roader design.

The Mechanics

• This BJ40 is fitted with the less common, 3L “B,” diesel engine
• Designed for longevity the engine was tuned to produce a relatively modest 84 bhp and 145 lb-ft of torque
• Being a 1976 vehicle, this BJ features the 4-speed manual gearbox rather than the earlier 3-speed
• A low range gearbox is fitted for optimal off-road capability
• The mechanicals are understood to have been addressed as part of the restoration
• The underside presents very well too with new shock absorbers evident
• The leaf springs and chassis rails all appear to have been renovated as part of the restoration
• The current owner attests to the excellent mechanical condition of the vehicle
  
  

The recipe for the perfect rugged off-roader is well proven and evident in spades in this BJ40.

A torquey engine, mildly tuned to promote longevity. A four-wheel-drive powertrain with low ratio transfer box for optimal off-road performance. A boxy and simple body, sparsely equipped to promote usability in all conditions.

A Land Cruiser of this era really hits the brief and, when beautifully restored like this one, makes for a charming, useable classic companion.

Summary