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In terms of iconic four-wheel drive utility vehicles from the 20th century, Toyota’s first generation Land Cruiser is right up there with the best of them.

Initially offered as a two-door Hardtop, Toyota subsequently added Soft-Top and Pick-Up versions along with longer wheelbase derivatives and myriad engine options. Most importantly though, as a consequence of its rugged, almost indestructible nature and simple technical specification, the Land Cruiser took over from Britain’s Land Rover as the world’s off-road workhorse.

Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in the first generation Land Cruiser and, with values rising, it has become increasingly justifiable to spend big money on restoration with the handful of internationally renowned specialists that have sprung up.

One such operation is the factory-endorsed Teseven Toyota Classic team in southern France which restored this historically important Land Cruiser that is heading to auction at Bonhams’ Zoute Concours d’Elegance sale on October 12th.

Chassis BJ43-003040 was purchased new by Thierry Sabine and Diane Thierry-Mieg to serve as a reconnaissance and assistance vehicle on Sabine’s first running of the Paris-Dakar Rally which took place between December 26th 1978 and January 14th 1979. Uprated with extra jerry cans and spare wheels, a CB radio and tripmeter, the little red Toyota which was emblazoned with the number 200 ran for almost 24 hours a day and completed the 10,000km course without any problems.

The car performed a similar role during the second running of the Paris-Dakar, after which it was sold to a family friend of the Sabines who used it for domestic duties.

Chassis BJ43-003040 was tracked down by Teseven in the 2010s and put through a 450 hour restoration that has resulted in one of the best first generation Land Cruisers to exist.

For more information visit the Bonhams website at: https://cars.bonhams.com/