SJ-40/410

The SJ410 was introduced in 1982 as an updated version of the LJ80. It used a larger version of that LJ’s 1.0 liter 4-cylinder engine. This engine produced 45 hp (34 kW) and it had a top speed of 68 mph (109 km/h).

A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, as were non-power assisted drum brakes front and rear. The SJ-410 came as a half-door convertible, pickup truck, 2-door hardtop, raised-roof hardtop, and no-glass hardtop. The SJ was produced in Spain by Santana Motors in their Linares, Jaén factory and sold as a domestic vehicle in Europe due to its over 60% native parts.

After more than a decade of proving their 4×4 prowess in countries all over the world, Suzuki introduced the all-new SJ410 (the nomenclature signifying 4-wheel-drive, 1.0 literengine) in 1982. This truck was also known as the SJ30, the Sierra, Santana, and alsore-badged as the Maruti Gypsy in India, as well as the Holden Drover in Australia, or Katana in Indonesia.

Suzuki SJ410 (SJ30, Sierra)

Larger and more modern than the LJ series, the SJ30 expanded on the LJ’s pluses and addressed many of the minuses. The 970cc 4-cylinder engine was a larger version of the LJ80’s power plant, delivering 45hp and an even bigger improvement in torque, helping to haul its additional 300lbs over that of the LJ more quickly to its identical top speed of 68mph.

Suzuki SJ410 (Santana)

Differences from the familiar Samurai included of course the smaller engine, the narrower track width front and rear with leaf springs mounted further inboard, 12% lower transfer case ratios in high and low range, 10% lower differential gears, a 4-speed transmission, front and rear unboosted drum brakes, a transfer case mounted drum parking brake, seat and dashboard design, lack of a roll bar, and availability of half-door convertible, pickup, hardtop, raised-panoramic-roof, and no-glass hardtop versions. Note: The brakes were still not power on the SJ410 through 1985. The metal grille was kept through 1985 on the SJ410 as well – Eric Bewley.

Suzuki SJ410 (Maruti Gypsy)

Suzuki SJ410 (Holden Drover)

In Britain a “gentlemen’s agreement” between British and Japanese industries limiting Japanese cars to a mere 11% of the market left Suzuki, a late comer, with a very small allocation of market share. The popularity of the SJ series forced Suzuki to investigate overseas production. The Spanish company Land Rover Santana SA wanted a product to complement their Land Rover production, so Suzuki took a 20% (later increased to 32%) share holding in Santana. This arrangement resulted in over 60% European content, allowing the vehicles to be exempt from Suzuki Great Brittain’s quota.

Suzuki Jimny (USA-spec Samurai)
Manufacturer	Suzuki
Also called	Suzuki SJ-30 Suzuki Samurai Suzuki Sierra Holden Drover Maruti Gypsy Suzuki Santana Suzuki Caribbean
Production	1982–1994
Assembly	Linares, Jaén, Spain Gurgaon, India Hamamatsu, Japan Bogota, Colombia
Predecessor	Suzuki LJ
Successor	Suzuki Jimny JA series Suzuki Sidekick (Canada) Suzuki X-90 (United States)
Class	Mini SUV
Body style(s)	2-door SUV 2-door convertible
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive
Engine(s)	1.3L 66 hp I4 970 cc 45 hp I4 550 cc I3 660 cc I3
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual
Wheelbase	79.9 in (2029 mm)
Length	135.0 in (3429 mm) Pre-1989 Hardtop: 135.4 in (3439 mm)
Width	1990-95: 60.6 in (1539 mm) Pre-1989: 60.2 in (1529 mm)
Height	Pre-1989: 65.6 in (1666 mm) 1990-95: 64.6 in (1641 mm)