25-Years-Owned 1986 Suzuki Samurai JX 5-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1986 Suzuki Samurai marked the U.S. debut of Suzuki’s first four-wheeled vehicle, a compact 4x4 derived from the Japanese-market Jimny. Originally developed from the HopeStar ON360 micro-Jeep in the late 1960s, Suzuki acquired the design and launched the LJ10 in 1970. By 1981, the second-generation Jimny was ready, and in 1985, Suzuki began exporting it to the U.S. as the Samurai.

Powered by a carbureted 1.3-liter inline-four producing 63 horsepower, the Samurai was slow but rugged. It featured a five-speed manual transmission and part-time four-wheel drive with manual-locking hubs. Its boxy design, light weight, and solid axles made it a favorite among off-road enthusiasts. With a base price around $6,550, it was significantly cheaper than competitors like the Jeep Wrangler.

The Samurai, which ended its U.S. run in 1995, remains a cult classic. Its legacy lives on through the Jimny, still sold globally and revered for its simplicity, durability, and off-road prowess. This 1986 model was originally a California car, and it has been driven only in the summers in Illinois since the seller acquired the vehicle in the fall of 2000. After 25 years of careful stewardship, this fun runabout 4x4 is ready for it's next adventure and owner.

Highlights

• Seller has owned the car for 25 years, since the fall of 2000

• Finished in black paint over gray cloth upholstery

• Powered by a 1.3-liter inline-four engine rated at 60 hp

• Five-speed manual transmission

• Part-time 4WD with high and low range (floor-mounted transfer case)

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report

Features

• Fog lights

• 90 mph speedometer and gauges for fuel level and temperature

• Front disc (floating caliper), rear drum (leading and trailing) brakes

• 15-inch, white-painted steel wheels

• Primewell PS850 205/70R15 tires

• New battery

• Trailer hitch

• Curb Weight: 2,094 pounds

Known Imperfections

• Paint chips up front and other minor imperfections

• Roof is worn and missing paint

• Wheels are scuffed and chipped

• Headliner removed due to aging

Included

• Rear-mounted spare tire

• Lug wrench

• Haynes Repair Manual

• Replacement bulbs

Ownership History

Originally a California car, the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report now places this 1986 Suzuki Samurai Hardtop in Illinois. The seller says, “A sister of a good friend moved back here [Illinois] from California and towed it back with her motorhome. I bought it from her in the fall of 2000. I only drove it around town in the summertime, and it was garaged every winter. No rust anywhere on the body. To my knowledge, everything is original. Mechanically, it is in excellent shape.”