1980 Suzuki Vitara 80

Manufacturer: Carrosso Classic & Sportscars

Eekstraat 2, 8375HN Oldemarkt, NL

Phone: 0625351515

Website: http://www.carrosso.com

Email: [email protected]

See below for information in English.

Suzuki LJ80 1980

This vehicle features an original body with a soft top and has been fully restored. It has a sturdy, damage-free chassis and is an agile 4x4. It is an early model from the best series in the LJ lineup (LJ80).

History and Documentation:

The Suzuki LJ80 is a small off-road vehicle with a rugged character. It looks almost toy-like with narrow track width, tall narrow tires, small fenders, and an upright windshield. Despite its appearance, it is built for serious off-road capability. The model offered here is an early-production example, first registered on November 28, 1980. It was fully restored around 2019, with comprehensive cosmetic and mechanical overhaul. The car comes with numerous technical manuals. Fully road-ready, it was imported from Italy.

Exterior:

The car has been repainted in a beautiful beige color. It features original wheels fitted with good-condition Michelin 4x4 tires. The original body includes a canvas roof in good condition that can be opened. This example remains in its original condition, unlike many modified versions. It is in very good visual condition with its original configuration. In front of the grille are attractive Carello spotlights.

Interior:

The interior is designed for ease of use and off-road driving. The dashboard has a minimalist layout with analog gauges, simple switches, and few luxury features. The seats are upholstered in black faux leather and are spacious and upright. The interior has been restored and is in excellent condition. The spare tire is located in the rear.

Technical:

The small 797 cc four-cylinder engine delivers 41 horsepower and produces a distinctive mechanical sound. It has no complicated electronics or unnecessary luxuries—just pure engineering with solid axles, leaf springs, a transfer case, and lightweight construction. Weighing just over 800 kilograms, the LJ80 is lighter than many modern city cars. It excels on narrow mountain trails where larger off-road vehicles struggle, moving forward almost effortlessly. Despite its rustic appearance with drum brakes and sluggish steering, it has been thoroughly overhauled and drives, brakes, and shifts well. The engine is in excellent condition.

General:

The Suzuki LJ80 is a characterful compact off-road vehicle from the 1970s and an important part of Suzuki’s 4x4 history. Introduced in 1978 as the successor to the LJ50, it was designed to be simple, reliable, and affordable, capable of navigating challenging terrain. It features a 797 cc four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 41 hp, with four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, solid axles, and leaf springs—focused on off-road performance. Its lightweight design, compact dimensions, and short overhangs provided impressive capabilities despite its modest appearance. Sold worldwide, it laid the groundwork for the later Suzuki Samurai. Its simple engineering, distinctive design, removable canvas roof, and authentic driving experience make it a unique collector’s item.