1978 Toyota BJ40 Land Cruiser
For Sale, Available
$45,000
VIN: BJ40-014212 | Miles: 78 Miles shown | Location: township of washington, new jersey 07676
Complete Frame Off Restoration
Fully Rebuilt 4WD Powertrain
Custom Designed
4-cylinder “B” Diesel Engine
4-speed Manual Transmission
Mustard Yellow Paint
Tuscany Crest Italian Leather
Air Conditioning and Heat
Power Brakes and Steering
LED Lighting
Impeccably designed and completely restored
1978 toyota BJ40 land cruiser
Classic 4x4 is elated to present this fully restored and custom-designed 1978 Toyota BJ40 Land Cruiser. This Land Cruiser recently underwent a complete frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration in Costa Rica, completed in 2024. The restoration was designed, commissioned, and overseen by our client, a renowned United States-based Doctor of Architecture with Costa Rican heritage. Finished in Mustard Yellow with Tuscany diamond-stitched Crest Italian Leather upholstery, no detail has been overlooked. Custom elements include modern 3-way adjustable front bucket seats and a front-facing rear bench seat, light beige canvas and brown marine vinyl soft top, rear-mounted jerry can, and an intuitively redesigned dashboard. Power is sourced by a rebuilt original powertrain with an inline 4-cylinder diesel engine, 4-speed manual transmission, and dual-range transfer case. This impeccably designed vehicle cruises comfortably with modern amenities, including air conditioning, heat, power steering, power brakes, LED lighting, and a touchscreen digital infotainment system with custom speaker mounts.
History
Toyota Land Cruisers are synonymous with capability and reliability. Toyota produced the J40 Series from 1960 to 1984. The J40 short-wheelbase version was widely available in the global markets powered by a 4-cylinder "B" diesel engine or 6-cylinder "F" gasoline engine. The United States only saw the FJ40 with “F” gasoline engine variants. The BJ40 was only available in the international markets and produced for five years, from 1974 to 1979. The few BJ40s currently in the United States were imported from abroad. This BJ40 began its life in Costa Rica, where it was acquired by the current owner in 2022 and subsequently underwent a full restoration completed in 2024. The current owner legally imported the vehicle into the United States in December 2024. It is located with our client and current owner in New Jersey. In addition to a clean and clear New Jersey title in the current owner's name, import documentation is included in the sale.
Exterior
The body presents itself impeccably and is finished in Toyota factory color 532, Mustard Yellow. The body and frame were sandblasted, refinished, and painted during the restoration. They are free of any rust, rot, or imperfections, and the paint shows with shine and depth. The frame, rear swing-out tire carrier, front bumper, jerry can holder, roll bar, wheels and underside suspension, braking, and powertrain components were painted in gloss black. The rear entry step and rear-mounted jerry can are finished in Mustard Yellow. Retaining the classic look, the BJ40 drives on the original 15-inch steel wheels wrapped in 7-15LT Goodyear Custom Xtra Grip Hi-Miler tires. A custom-designed light beige canvas and brown marine vinyl soft top, with folding Mustard Yellow frame, shields passengers from the elements or allows for open-air fun in the sun. A custom-designed and fabricated roll bar was added for additional safety. Unique attributes with this BJ40 are the front half doors and rear half swing-out tailgate, which allow the half doors and tailgate to remain when the soft top is removed. The glass and door gaskets, and body mounts were replaced during the restoration. The glass and plastic soft top windows are in good condition and free of any cracks or chips. Light wiper etching is noted on the windshield. The exterior lighting was replaced, upgrades include LED headlights and front bumper mounted amber LED fog lights. There are no known major cosmetic imperfections, as pictured in the gallery and noted in the CarScore inspection report.
Interior
The interior presents itself flawlessly. The modern 3-way front bucket seats and rear forward-facing bench, door panels, visors, and shift boots were upholstered in Tuscany Crest Italian Leather. The seats and door panels are accented with diamond stitching. The dash was completely redesigned to incorporate a clean and modern look with new recessed switches and air vents. It also features a new gauge cluster, touch-activated LED lighting, 12V USB outlets, and a Boss touchscreen digital infotainment system. The new air-conditioning and heating systems and infotainment and custom speaker mounts seamlessly integrate into the design. The odometer shows 78 miles since the restoration was completed, though the true mileage is unknown. There are no known major cosmetic imperfections, as pictured in the gallery and noted in the CarScore inspection report.
Mechanical
The powertrain was completely rebuilt and the braking, electrical, steering and suspension systems were updated, replaced or refurbished. The Toyota “B” 3.0 Liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine is mated to a H41 four-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case that sends power to the wheels through front and rear K082 axles. A smoother and more capable ride is provided by updated suspension with new leaf springs, shocks and increased clearance and articulating shackles. Stopping power is controlled by front disc and rear drum brakes with new components, lines, power brake booster, master cylinder and proportioning valve. Responsive steering is produced by a refurbished power steering pump and components with new high and low-pressure lines. Electrical components are powered by a new wiring harness. Under the hood, the BJ40 was fitted with new hoses, belts, starter, windshield washer fluid reservoir, battery and custom LED lighting.There are no known mechanical, electrical or systems flaws and all components function as designed.
More Information? Question? Ready to Buy?
Classic 4x4 is marketing and representing the sale on behalf of the current owner and will assist with all questions, inquiries and nationwide transportation. Kindly contact Chris Picconi at 973-222-0135 or chris@classic4x4.com.