A Toyota Land Cruiser BJ43 that race founder Thierry Sabine used during the inaugural Paris–Dakar Rally will go up for auction at Bonhams’ Zoute Sale on October 12.

Sabine founded the Dakar Rally in 1977 before the first edition took place the following December, running into January 1979. He and his wife Diane Thierry-Mieg bought the Land Cruiser prior to the race to be used for course reconnaissance and eventually as an assistance vehicle.

As an organizer’s vehicle, it was given #200. Sabine split driving duties with Formula Renault driver and future open-wheel car builder Daniel Lentaigne. Although it reached Dakar, the Land Cruiser technically didn’t finish due to a late electrical issue caused by stress incurred from helping so many competitors.

The Land Cruiser was also used in 1980, after which it was sold as the TSO’s fleet of vehicles for officials grew. It remained in private use until the 2010s when Teseven Toyota Classic, who specializes in restoring old Land Cruisers, got their hands on it. The restoration took roughly 450 work hours as the team fully tore it apart and rebuilt it from the ground up.

Some changes were made like the introduction of a 12-volt electric winch and electric power steering along with modern BFGoodrich tires. Otherwise, everything on the BJ43 is period accurate like the TwinMaster rally counter and a Président Valery citizens band radio. The BJ43 also comes with a three-liter Toyota B diesel engine, long-range Cibié headlights, and Koni shock absorbers.

Once complete, Thierry-Mieg brought the Land Cruiser to the 2024 La Route des Légendes, a rally through France for Dakar alumni.

It is estimated to go for between USD$120,000 and $180,000. Teseven also indicated to Bonhams that they “would like to continue to service the Toyota in years to come if it can occasionally be loaned for promotional purposes.”

Featured image credit: Bonhams