1976 Toyota BJ40 Land Cruiser

Considered by many to be the definitive 20th century 4x4, Toyota’s Land Cruisers are a globally enduring model. With a lineage stretching back to the utilitarian Willys jeeps of WWII, the original Land Cruisers were designed for extremely challenging conditions. In 1974, Toyota introduced its first diesel-powered Land Cruiser, with the three-liter, inline four-cylinder Toyota B-series engine. Named the BJ40, and not sold in the US, the diesel variant quickly proved itself with unmatched reliability.

Purchased new in Costa Rica, this 1976 BJ40 offered ample room for its owner’s large family; it was reportedly garage-kept and used sparingly, with just over 27,500 km, believed by the consignor to be original. It was so much a part of his family that in 2016, when the owner made the difficult decision to sell, three generations came to say goodbye. The BJ40 was acquired by 506 Classic Auto Restorer, a marque expert, which carried out a comprehensive frame-off restoration, sandblasting to the original metal and performing a factory-correct rebuild using OEM parts. Now under new ownership in the US, this Japanese-built Land Cruiser features its original radio, rebuilt brake and suspension systems, and expertly refinished blue exterior with a black vinyl interior.

Whether for the model’s global importance, rugged design, or legendary reliability, this beautiful 1976 BJ40 exhibits everything an adventuring spirit or connoisseur could want in a classic Land Cruiser.