This well-preserved Gen 1 Suzuki Jimny just made our wish list 

Despite its size, the Suzuki Jimny has always managed to hold its own even against bigger, more expensive SUVs. On the strength of its heritage, performance, and styling, the current iteration of the mini 4x4 has proved extremely popular that Suzuki had to commence production in its Indian plant to offset the long global wait list.  

The yellow paintjob makes this Gen 1 Suzuki Jimny even more of a standout 

But the one thing that’s possibly more desirable than a brand-new fourth-generation Jimny? A rare first-generation LJ80 unit, that’s what. New York-based automotive auction site Collecting Cars is offering one such 70s-era example to the best bidder, with the Greek Yellow paint making the Jimny’s strong lines stand out even more.

According to the website, this particular Jimny was imported into the U.S. from Guatemala, as shown by the accompanying badge on the well-worn leather key fob. The hardtop four-wheeler appears to be in stock form, from the rain gutters and vertical door handles right down to the black steel wheels and the spare tire mounted on the side-opening tailgate. 

You either enjoy it behind the wheel or ride it shotgun

Interior accommodations are spartan to say the least, with the instrument panel practically bolted onto the steel dashboard, while purists will likely appreciate the presence of a temperature gauge. Leather seats up front omit the headrests, while rear occupants will have to endure sitting on bulges created by the rear wheel wells, provided there will be those who dare in the first place. 

The engine bay is inhabited by the original 800cc F8A inline-4 gasoline engine that musters 42 horsepower and 60 Nm of torque. Completing the powertrain is a 4-speed manual transmission working with a transfer case that features both high- and low-range gearing when four-wheel-drive is engaged.     

The stark interior enables drivers to focus on what the Jimny does best

Barring slight discoloration and small scratches, the LJ80 is in excellent condition paint-wise. The only known electrical issue is that the horn doesn’t work. With lubricants replaced and the carburetor tuned, the vehicle only has a hair over 5,700 kilometers on the odometer. 

It still runs on the original 800cc inline-4 gasoline engine

As of this writing, there have been 20 bids on the vehicle, the highest so far is at $3,800 (almost Php 194,000), with the auction ending in less than 15 hours. If you have the disposable income and are not too keen on waiting for the current Jimny, this time machine on wheels is something to consider. 

We cast the spotlight on interesting automotive finds at Philkotse.com.