Toyota Land Cruiser

Toyota Land Cruiser BJ 40

Some vehicles are bought to reach a destination; the Land Cruiser BJ40 is bought to invent new ones. This 1980 example keeps the square, honest profile that made it a benchmark on trails all over the world.

Under the bonnet sits Toyota's B-type diesel, a three-litre four-cylinder. The four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case let it crawl, slowly and in full control, up the steepest ground.

The 40 Series went on sale in August 1960 and stayed in production for 24 years, earning a worldwide reputation as a dependable off-roader. The B diesel joined the range in 1974, as diesels fell into a small-truck class with tax advantages.