1977 Toyota Land Cruiser

- Rare BJ40 Convertible

4 - Cyl.

Manual

BJ40009365

Diesel

1977 Toyota BJ40 Hard to find Japanese Market diesel version 49,700 original kilometers (30,882 miles) Exceptionally well preserved example Up for bids is this fantastic, low-mile Toyota Land Cruiser.  This vehicle saw limited use as an airport service vehicle in Japan for many years.  It was imported to Canada in 2003 by a specialty dealer and then sold to a Land Cruiser collector in Washington State.  The car passed US Customs upon importation from Canada and has a clear WA State title which will be valid for re-assignment in any US State, or through Customs once again for importation to another country.  The owner who imported the vehicle into the US is a knowledgeable LC enthusiast who tastefully updated this truck while taking care to maintain its originality.  It benefits from new OME suspension components, new tires, and a new soft top.  Mechanically, the truck is simply excellent and offers a driving experience that only a low mile original can bring.  Click to enlarge any of the photos below, a link to a slideshow of all the enlarged images is available to view at the bottom of the page. This is part of the paperwork from when the car left Japan in 2003.  The copy on the left is the translated version of the original document on the right. Incredibly, the truck wears almost all of its original paint.  Finished in the classic "Mustard Yellow", code 532, the paint still has a good shine to it with no oxidation.  There are no dents, scrapes, or even dings, it's just about as clean as they get.   It appears that the 2 doors have been repainted, it is my understanding that this was to cover graphics from its airport service livery.  The body on this Land Cruiser is really terrific, you'll find no rust problems anywhere on it - zero - it's just incredibly well preserved.  The undercarriage and frame are likewise excellent.  Panel fit is good, doors close precisely.  Tires are BF Goodrichs T/A's with about 200 miles on them.  Headlights are Koito originals. Both bumpers are straight with no damage.  The winch is a PTO driven Toyota factory unit.  All lights and electrical accesories operate correctly, this truck is 24V and has a 12V inverter installed.  The suspension features an Old Man Emu kit, with new springs, shocks and bushings front and rear. Clean, crisp, and original details everywhere you look on this truck.  All of the glass are original Asahi Temperlite pieces, in super condition. The interior carries over the time warp theme, it's completely original and in excellent condition.  The seats are without flaw, the original rubber mat is mint, the dash pad has no cracks. All of the controls function as they should - lights, wiper, horn, even the original radio works.  The heater and fan operate effectively.  All gauges in the instrument cluster are working. The jump seats don't appear to have seen much use.  Even the nooks and crannies in this rig are clean, with no hint of rust anywhere.  Door panels are clean and unmarked, with no warping from moisture.  All of the weatherstripping is original and still pliable.  The original mats are pliable as well, with no brittleness or cracking. Seeing as how easy it is to remove the seats, I took the opportunity to photograph the floors underneath.  The color balance from this set is off compared to the rest of the photos, in reality it's a match to the exterior. The soft top is a high quality replacement by Ehsan Kiani in Pakistan, the fit and finish is first rate.  The 2 forward side windows on each side have a small stain in the plastic, not even visible in the photos, otherwise the windows are clear, pliable, and in great shape - see photos above.  The top has no rips or tears, all of the hardware is present and operable.  With the window sections rolled up, the interior takes on a nice, open feel. The original top is included and aside from some yellowing to the windows, it's in good shape.  The material has stiffened up a bit and there's a few mended seams but overall it's hanging in there after 34 years.  The original barn doors still have good weatherstripping, straight frames, and all mounting hardware. And finally, the motor.  As you would assume from the low miles, this truck runs and drives fantastic.  It starts easily, idles smoothly, and has enough power to keep up with traffic.  With the 3.0L diesel engine, you can expect between 25-30 mpg.  It will belch out some smoke on startup but doesn't smoke at all afterwards.  The motor purrs along like a well oiled sewing machine, I recorded it for those that appreciate the cacophony of diesel, you can access the audio file here.  This was recorded with the hood up, right next to the engine, the motor is not this loud when you're sitting inside the cab. The motor is mated to a H41 4-speed transmission, it shifts just as it should, with smooth, positive engagement.   1st speed is a granny gear, so I usually start out in 2nd, never a problem for this torquey diesel.  The brakes on this LC are excellent, and with the upgraded suspension, it rides down the road with a nice solid feel. Lots of original details, right down to the hose clamps. The 3rd photo below shows the perfect gauge readouts you'll find on this Land Cruiser.  Partially hidden on the far left is oil pressure.  To the right is the temp gauge, it never goes above the 1/3 mark.  Speedometer is in KM. The 4th photo gives you a glimpse behind the wheel, driving RHD in the US pretty quickly becomes no big deal. Nice looking undercarriage with no rust issues to deal with.  The truck shows no history of accident damage or repair. Click here for a slideshow of all of the enlarged images. About the Reserve Price:   The reserve is held in confidence, simply bid at the level that you are comfortable paying.  This auction ends Thursday, 3-31-11 at at 12 Noon Pacific Time , 2 PM Central , 3 PM Eastern, 7 PM GMT. About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion.  I would like a $500 deposit (paypal, money order or bank check) within 2 days.  Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The truck will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid.   Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid.   Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this truck.  Truck is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied.  License plates are for illustrative purposes only.  Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws.  By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon.  I own this truck outright and the pictures were taken last week.  You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the truck in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5.  Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I can certainly help with logistics.  I have a wholesale account with a transport booking service and can help you find a reasonable shipping rate.   Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo Horizon Auto Services California Shipping Feel free to email me with any questions: mail(at)cascadiaclassic.com Thanks for looking!