1979 Toyota BJ40

Vendor Douglas bought this Land Cruiser in November 2015. “It had spent most of its life in Australia and remained in really good, original condition. I would best describe the work that I’ve carried out as more of a refresh, as it was a good solid example before I began.”

The included V5c document indicates the vehicle’s date of first UK registration as the 1st of January 2011 and also that it’s had a grand total of three owners in that time. You’ll also find all of the import documentation in the little truck’s history file, which can be viewed in our Photographic Gallery, below.

“Most parts that I sourced were OEM from Toyota, as it has now started reproducing scarce parts for the BJ and FJ models. I think this shows just how well respected these models are.”

Although, like many classic cars of its vintage, the BJ doesn’t require an MOT Douglas put it through anyway and the ticket has 10 months remaining on it.

It’s the condition though that sets this particular example apart; the total refresh has left this little Sahara Beige Toyota in particularly fine fettle.

As indicated, the Land Cruiser’s exterior is in first class condition. “The chassis was power cleaned and given a fresh coat of POR-15,” explains Douglas. “The BJ is constructed like a giant Meccano with stainless steel bolts and nuts, so it’s not a difficult job to dismantle one. All panels were removed and soda blasted, before being given a coat of epoxy resin.”

He says that the only welding required was carried out on the underside of the rear tub. “A bit of rust was found on the underside of the rear cross member where it sits against it, but that was the only sign of corrosion on the whole car.”

The original wheels were also blasted, powder-coated and fitted with new wheels. So, what’s the net result? Well, a quick look at our photographs and Video Review will reveal a sharp looking BJ40.

The colour scheme is particularly fetching and brings forth a riot of dune-climbing images. Paintwork is very good and the panels’ epoxy paint prep work should help to ensure surface finish longevity.

Up front is a clean and nicely finished front bumper, all light lenses look to be crack and fade free and panel securing nuts and bolts also appear to be in excellent health (you just have to look at similar Land Rover fittings for them to start going rusty!). The matching spare wheel is mounted on the rear door.

Overall, it’s charming.

Let’s be honest, you don’t buy a period 4x4 for their luxury trim and interior opulence. Instead, as here, it’s a case of minimal goodies but a purity of finish that gladdens the soul.

“The original seat covers had a couple of holes in them, caused I think by thing in occupants’ pockets, so I sourced a new set and had them fitted. As to the circa 30k mileage being correct… looking at the pedals and rubber mat, it’s a hard one to call.”

The passenger side of the rubber floor mat has a one and a half inch nick at the upper edge and there’s another rip on the driver’s side that are both minor but worth noting. What sets this example apart though, is the general condition. It’s very clean. A quick look under the painted dashboard reveals a very smart picture, while lifting the mats in the rear cabin exposes first class metalwork.

The white headlining is clean and door cards are good. It’s a very pleasant, airy and pleasing cabin from which to pilot this BJ40.

Mechanically, the Land Cruiser has recently received new brake slave and master cylinders, brake liners and a new clutch. Most noteworthy is the fact that it has also seen the addition of an EZ Electric Power Steering system. “For me it’s the best conversion that can be carried out on a BJ, as before steering it was like steering a tank; now, it can be manoeuvred with your little finger!”

Lifting the bonnet reveals a nicely presented engine bay but it’s the underneath of this Toyota that’s the star of the show; get down on your honkers and you’ll find a tremendously clean chassis, excellent metalwork and even scrupulously clean suspension components. Will you want to sully it with driving? That’s a question for the next owner.

The engine starts nicely and as you would expect its runs and idles truer the warmer it gets.

The last several we have auctioned have emitted smoke from the exhaust but the vendor informs us this is diesel on the bores and if you start the car as per the instructions supplied then this shouldn't happen.

As well as the V5c document you will also find the BJ40’s current MOT test certificate, which runs until the 19th of July 2023. A couple of previous tickets are also included as well as various invoices (most dating from the years immediately after the time of the truck’s import). They show that it had a new alternator and starter motor fitted around this time.

The various import documents make for interesting reading, as do the added handwritten notes (cobwebs in the cabin!). That makes the sum total of what can be found in the history file, so it’s fairly short and sharp. You’ll be buying this little baby mainly for it’s lovely condition and 4x4 collectability.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of the paperwork to support our claim that this car has been refreshed to a very good standard.

We do love a Land Cruiser here at The Market and there is always a frisson of excitement when one arrives; that’s down to one part visual cheekiness and another, bulletproof Japanese reliability. They’re ultra collectible classic 4x4 chariots, too – enough to get any model fans’ auction paddle (even electronic ones!) poised, and ready to be raised.

Given all of the above, we think that Douglas’s lovely little BJ40 will sell for somewhere between £25,000 and £35,000. For that, the next owner will receive a very nice and original example; its chassis has never seen a welder’s torch and it the bodywork required minimal work before the vendor worked his refresh magic on it.

The result of his considerable labours is clear. A bit of a tune-up and some starting TLC and this BJ40 should be ready to wow all and sundry at any show, beach or even in a city as the ultimate in ultra cool urban transport.

Our estimate for this car is £25,000 - £35,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.