1984 | Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 45

This is the very first Toyota Land Cruiser BJ43 we have ever offered for sale. Right hand drive examples are ultra-rare in the UK. This particular example was imported from Sri Lanka where it was used by the army. It is a very late production model as the series was replaced in late 1984. Originally built as a soft-top it has been restored as a hard top. This is an easy bolt-on job since the soft top has hard doors. This example is a diesel with four speed gearbox, a variant of the iconic J40 series, a line of rugged, off-road vehicles produced by Toyota from 1960 to 2001. The BJ43 is a medium-wheelbase diesel-powered model within this series, known for its durability, off-road capability, and utilitarian design. The Toyota Land Cruiser began as the Toyota Jeep BJ in 1951, developed in response to a U.S. military request during the Korean War for a domestically produced light utility vehicle in Japan. Inspired by American Jeeps, the BJ featured a 3.4L inline-six petrol engine and was initially intended for military and police use. After trademark issues with the ‘Jeep'name, Toyota renamed it the Land Cruiser in 1954, inspired by the British Land Rover. The Land Cruiser evolved through the 20 Series (1955-1960) into the J40 series, which became one of Toyota's most iconic and long-running models.


The BJ43 was introduced in 1974 as part of the J40 series, alongside the BJ40, with the B designating its 3.0L inline-four diesel engine (Type B). This engine was a significant addition to the Land Cruiser lineup, as diesel models offered financial advantages to owners due to lower taxes. The BJ43 suited a variety of roles, from off-road exploration to commercial and agricultural use. The model featured four-speed manual transmission, with a two-speed transfer case for low-range gearing, enhancing off-road capability. Like the British Land Rover, the BJ43's interior was spartan, with vinyl-trimmed seats, and minimal creature comforts, prioritizing functionality. By 1968, 100,000 Land Cruisers had been sold globally; this figure reached 200,000 by 1972 and 300,000 by 1973. The BJ43 was particularly valued in markets like Australia, where it was the best-selling body-on-frame four-wheel-drive vehicle.

The J40 series, including the BJ43, established Toyota's reputation for quality, durability, and reliability. It was used by militaries, police, fire departments, and civilians worldwide, from the Irish Army to Australian outback explorers. Its ability to handle extreme conditions made it a legend in off-road communities.

Today, the BJ43 is highly sought-after by collectors and off-road enthusiasts and good examples like this are rarely available here. It has been in the UK almost two years and has benefitted from the fitment of wider wheels, tyres and wheel arches. It is great fun and an unusual sight on British roads.