Highlights
- Low mileage
- UK registered
- Rebuilt engine
- Great condition
The Appeal
It has been said that come the apocalypse, the only survivors will be cockroaches and Toyota Land Cruisers. Their hard-won reputation for durability has been forged over many years and the HZJ80 is a key part of that legacy which makes the engine failure that this one experienced a surprising anomaly. With the engine now fully rebuilt using genuine Toyota parts, a new clutch and a total spend of over €7,000 refreshing the mechanics, it’s place among the insects in the hopefully distant future looks more likely than ever.
The reason for this considerable outlay was that the owner had planned to keep it for as long as possible but transferring its registration to France was becoming too much of an admin headache and so he’s decided to let it go to a new owner. Currently registered in the UK, it would be of particular interest to anyone with homes in the UK and Europe or indeed those who might be interested in adventuring in Africa, where the Land Cruiser is the vehicle of choice. It's within easy reach of UK buyers, too, located less than an hour from Bergerac Roumanille airport which has regular flights to Stansted. With low miles, a history of being pampered and now fully refreshed, this is a Land Cruiser not to be missed.
The History and Paperwork
- Registered new in Saudi Arabia, 1997 to British owner
- Relocated to Northern Ireland after 7 years and spent 4 years in the province
- Speedo changed to read in miles per hour but odometer still reads km
- Located in South West France since 2008
- Title passed from the first owner to his widow, then to a family friend
- Acquired by the current owner following engine failure
- Engine rebored and fully rebuilt with new Toyota pistons and rings (sourced at considerable expense), water pump, timing belts, thermostat, head bolts
- At the same time, new clutch fitted as a precautionary measure
- Full service carried out including all fluids and filters, belts, new battery and air conditioning evaporator. The engine and gearbox mounts were also replaced. Total cost over €7,000
- Planned to keep and use it but French registration proved challenging
- Owner’s manuals, 2 keys and service records present
- Evidence of regular maintenance throughout its life
- Has passed the French MOT equivalent, but now expired
- V5 present
The Interior
- Very original
- Air conditioning front and rear
- Centre console-mounted fridge
- Great condition
The cabin of this Land Cruiser is in what can only be described as time warp condition. Despite its low mileage, it is testament to the build quality of the Land Cruiser and the care of the previous owners that there are no significant blemishes to report on the seats, carpets, headlining or dashboard. Everything is original and works just as it should, including the radio and air conditioning.
There is the bonus of air conditioning to the rear seats and a fridge on the centre console between the front seats, all of which is in full working order thanks to the replacement of the air conditioning compressor and subsequent re-gas. The cavernous boot is in lovely condition and houses a full toolkit.
The Exterior
- Presents well
- Good wheels and tyres
- Witter tow bar
Red over grey suits the vehicle and to our eyes it looks both rugged and classy. The bodywork is all straight and the only area letting the paintwork down is just aft of the passenger side rear door where there is some lacquer peel on the wing. The paint is reportedly all intact though so it should be easily rectified.
The wheels are all in good condition and wear a matching set of Michelin tyres which, although fitted in 2014, have covered just 5,000km since. Underneath is very clean and shows only a little surface corrosion. There’s no sign of any serious offroading nor of any leaks. Overall, again, it’s a credit to its owners.
The Mechanics
- 4.2 litre inline 6 diesel
- Engine rebuilt 1,000km ago
- New clutch
- Extra fuel tank
- All changed spare parts included
The engine bay is very clean and sports a fresh battery and the engine fires first time. Now run in after 1,000km from the rebuild, the seller reports that the vehicle drives exactly as it should, accelerating well and braking in a straight line. With a fresh clutch, gear changes are smooth up and down the box and there are no untoward noises from the drivetrain or suspension. In short, it’s ready to be enjoyed.
Summary
A very well preserved Land Cruiser that has received the preventative maintenance to keep it in prime condition.
Notice to bidders
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