Toyota Land Cruisers are still hot in the market, and this 1979 BJ41 is the one to own. Not only is it just one of very few BJ41 models known in the US, but it was recently treated to a cost-no-object restoration that cost in excess of $100,000. The rarest, most capable, and most beautifully restored Land Cruiser anywhere is right here and ready to go. Thanks to the comprehensive restoration, this truck looks pretty much like it would have... the moment it arrived home in your garage in 1979. The bright yellow paint is a familiar sight on these boxy trucks, and the white top and trim pieces add to its functional, safari-ready look. You can examine it up close and find a few minor flaws, but if it were perfect, well, you probably won't want to use it as intended, and that would really be a shame. But at any show, this one stands head and shoulders above the others, both in its execution and in its attention to detail. As one of the very last of the BJ-series Land Cruisers, it has every update available and as I mentioned, only one other one is known to have been imported to the US, so you'll always have the respect and admiration of other off-road fans. It hasn't been modified or upgraded, and wears its simple bumpers, oversized marker lights on the front fenders, and big spare tire mounted out back, all ready to go have an adventure once again. The interior takes a few liberties, the most notable being the black seats with yellow piping. Yes, this one is right-hand drive, which is how the last of the Land Cruisers were delivered (meaning: anywhere except the US). There's also an aftermarket tachometer tucked neatly into the dash just to the right of the steering wheel, but that piece and the seat covers appear to be the only modifications. The thin-rimmed steering wheel, the simple gauges, and the no-nonsense floor coverings all speak to the Land Cruiser's off-roading DNA. The 4-speed manual transmission will feel familiar, even if you're shifting it with your left hand and you'll probably discover that it takes no time at all to get comfortable with sitting on the "wrong" side of the car. The rear area features the traditional fold-down seats and plenty of cargo space, all of which is beautifully restored. Restored using NOS parts imported from Australia and Japan, the 3.2 liter inline-six diesel engine is the one you always wanted in your Land Cruiser. With huge torque at low RPM, it's ideal for off-roading. It's fully rebuilt and runs beautifully, with just 7100 miles since the restoration was finished. The engine bay was obviously well detailed when the restoration was finished, but it does show a few signs of use today, which is certainly no crime. It starts easily using the glow plugs (there's a switch on the dash) and while the 93 horsepower may seem modest, it's the big torque that makes this one fun to drive on or off road. You'll note it runs on a 24-volt electrical system, which was typical of diesel powerplants in distant lands, and there's a giant radiator up front designed to keep it cool under all conditions. The 4-speed manual transmission shifts easily and it appears that the transmission and axles are correctly coded and original to the vehicle as well. There's a fresh exhaust system, new shocks, and a tidy undercarriage that probably hasn't seen any off-road action since the restoration was complete. The only other modification is those big 33x10.5-15 BFGoodrich Radials, but they look so good, you'll never think twice about it. Rare, beautifully finished, and ready to enjoy, this is a blue-chip Land Cruiser that will satisfy the most demanding off-road enthusiast. Call today!
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