When the Japanese Government introduced the Kei Car (small car) regulations in 1949 to 

encourage growth in their struggling car industry, no one would have predicted that it would pave the way for the emergence of a 4×4 cult classic.

The regulations were introduced as part of the Japanese Government’s post-war efforts to stimulate growth in an automotive industry, which saw consumers becoming dependent on the more affordable and fuel-efficient motorcycle instead.

As the name implied, the Kei Car regulations were designed to encourage the development and manufacturing of smaller, more affordable cars in exchange for tax and insurance benefits.

Initially limited to a displacement of 150cc, the limit was increased to 360cc in 1955, paving the way for Suzuki Jimny to be introduced in April 1970. Branded the LJ10 (Light Jeep 10), the Jimny was released with the diminutive dimensions of 1.5m wide and less than 3m long, sporting a Mitsubishi 360cc, two-stroke engine, making it the first four-wheel drive in the Kei Car category to enter series production.

Australian first got a taste of the Jimny in 1975 with the LJ50 model, which was essentially a re-powered LJ20 with a water-cooled 540cc three-cylinder two-stroke engine. The LJ50 was an instant success in Australia; both as a recreational 4×4 and as a farm vehicle. In its day, the Jimny embarrassed many larger, more powerful 4x4s.

Various iteration of the LJ series, the LJ80 were introduced in Australia in the late 70s including a long-wheelbase ute version, designated the LJ81 and called the Stockman with a particular focus, as the name suggests, on the farming sector.

The 2nd generation model saw the name Sierra introduced in Australia and the 3rd generation version was dubbed the Jimny Sierra. Holden also sold a rebadged version of the Suzuki Sierra from March 1985 until 1987.

The Jimny is now in its 4th generation, with the latest model released in Australia in late January, 2019. Additional power and sophistication hasn’t distracted from its core character, paying homage to the qualities that has made it a retro cult-hero classic and a global 4×4 favourite.

If you’re still enjoying the outback or just doing the school run in your Suzuki Jimny, it’s reassuring to know that Transgold stocks some 10 replacement suspension, transmission and engine mounting parts for your your model.

  We’ve got you covered!