1978 Toyota BJ40 Land Cruiser – Diesel-Powered

While the American market proved lucrative for Toyota's Land Cruiser FJ40, its diesel stablemate, the BJ40 was never officially sold here. Fortunately, that hasn't stopped intrepid importers from offering the likes of this 1978 Toyota BJ40 Land Cruiser. Described as a one-owner car, this BJ was reportedly purchased by an accountant who worked for a Toyota dealership in Costa Rica. The seller adds that it was lightly used and that the odometer hasn't gone around. He suggests that the first owner never used the low range. The vehicle was reportedly properly imported from Costa Rica, and the seller has a title. The Land Cruiser is powered by Toyota's 3B 3.4-liter inline-four diesel. The underhood photos appear clean, aside from some light surface rust on the exhaust manifold.- that the engine is original, has no leaks, and starts after 10 to 15 seconds of letting the glow plugs heat up. - it idles well, with no excessive smoke. The transmission is a four-speed manual, which shifts well through all the gears. The transfer case has high and low ranges, plus a neutral position. This BJ40 is finished in a bright green hue.- that the exterior was repainted about 10 years ago, and today presents in overall good condition, but does show signs of an old respray.- no blemishes on the exterior other than the original spot welds from the factory. He indicates that the glass is in good condition, and has the original license plate number etched in the panes as a security measure. - that all of the seals on the doors and the tailgate have been replaced, and it has no water leaks. The BJ40 has a chrome bumper up front and bumper loops in the rear, which appear to be undamaged. - The seller points out that the painted surfaces inside are original to the truck. The black vinyl seats appear to be in excellent condition in all three positions up front and on the bench seats in the rear. The black vinyl door panels appear to be excellent, with no signs of wear around the window cranks or the armrests. The floor is covered with what appears to be an original TOYOTA branded black rubber mat. The dash pad appears to be in excellent shape, with no signs of cracks. The instrument cluster looks undamaged, and the seller reports that the gauges are all functional. The truck has a Toyota AM/FM/CD player that appears to be from the early 1990s. UNDERCARRIAGE Several photos provide a glimpse of the underside, which appears to be clean and well prepared. The BJ40 has manual steering, and the seller points out that the minimal play in the wheel is normal. - that the shocks have all been replaced in preparation for sale. The springs appear to be in excellent condition with no rust showing between the leaves. - 's notes, the brakes have ben serviced with new rear drums, new front shoes, and the master cylinder and wheel cylinders were replaced prior to this listing. The BJ40 rides on its original steel wheels, painted gray. They appear to be in excellent condition, and are equipped with Firestone All-Traction tires, which show date codes from 2006. Come with an original tool kit, an owner's manual, receipts for work performed in Costa Rica and what appears to be a Costa Rican registration, the mileage shown on the paperwork is in kilometers. Diesel-powered Land Cruisers were forbidden fruit here in the 1970s and 1980s, but this 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40 appears to be in very good condition throughout.