Highlights
- Very rare LJ80V 4x4
- Light and nimble go-anywhere classic
- Bodywork restored three years ago
- Recent service & maintenance work
- Interior retrimmed less than 12 months ago
- Long MOT to February 2025 with no advisories
- Great condition inside and out
The Appeal
It all began in the late 1960s with an experiment by the Hope Motor Company. When the firm failed, Suzuki bought the assets, which gave it access to a clever, lightweight and brand new ‘Kei’ 4x4: the HopeStar ON360.
A long line of small, light and hugely capable Suzuki 4x4s was born. The original LJ ‘Light Jeep’ evolved into the LJ80 of 1977, which got the firm’s new 4 stroke, 4cyl 767cc motor. The LJ80V was the Indonesian-assembled version.
Thanks to their sheer usability, good survivors are both rare and highly sought after. This LJ80V arrived from Indonesia a year ago and as a 1981 model is one of the last built. It was restored three year ago - covering bodywork and an engine rebuild - before receiving a high quality interior retrim since arriving in the UK. A recent service and mechanical attention further improve the condition.
Few LJ80s are likely as well kept and presented as this one. Although usefully MOT-exempt, it comes with the reassurance of a long MOT to February 2025 with no advisories. As stylish as it is capable, this is a great opportunity for the enthusiast.
The History and Paperwork
- Recorded as a 1981 vehicle by DVLA
- Imported from Indonesia by vendor in 2023
- Vendor has covered around 200 miles since acquisition
- LJ80V models were versions assembled in Indonesia
- We are told the odometer should read 121,426kms
- Engine stripped and rebuilt around three years ago
- Bodywork bare metal respray at same time
- History from vendor’s ownership
- Earlier registration documents from Indonesia
- Total number of registered keepers is unknown
- Registered as a Historic Vehicle with DVLA so MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
- Usefully equipped with MOT to 18th February 2025 with no advisories
- MOT shows 21,393miles on test but this appears to be an error as should read 21,393kms
- Recent service and mechanical work detailed below
The Condition
- Resprayed in Capri Blue 3 years ago following bare metal respray
- Well kept paintwork with some very minor, barely visible marks to note
- Bodywork in very good order with no visible corrosion or damage
- These include light overspray on chassis, small paint chip on top of driver's door, and minor filler crack near driver door handle
- Underside very tidy following restoration with no structural advisories on last MOT
- White deep-dish wheels with all-terrain tyres in good condition
- Exterior fittings in good order with good lights, fittings and glass
- Recent interior retrim in tan with beige seat inserts, all to high standard
- Jimny-embossed headrests and matching door cards
- Just 200 miles covered since cabin refurbishment and condition reflects this
- Smart trimmed carpets in good, unworn condition
- Front tow ropes fitted to undamaged bumper
- Vendor advises minor paint scratches in front footwells, insulation has been fitted to floor of footwells, but underside shows the panels to be solid
The Mechanics
- 4cyl, 4 stroke 767cc Suzuki engine in standard factory trim
- 4spd manual gearbox with high and low range transfer box
- Vendor tells us that the 4x4 system works correctly
- Live front and rear axles
- 200 miles since maintenance work outlined below
- Reported to be in fine mechanical condition with no issues to report
Recent maintenance:
- Serviced including all fluids
- New aluminium radiator
- Gearbox and axle oils changed
- Brakes serviced and fluid changed
- Partial rewire with new relays
- New rear fog lamp
- Wheels balanced and aligned
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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