- Seller: Calvin C
- Location: Marysville, California
- Mileage: 00000 Shown
- Chassis #: FJ40113681
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – A start-up and walkaround video has been added to the listing!
The Toyota FJ40 enjoys a well-earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability. Other off-roaders can take you to your wilderness destination, but some “pretenders” won’t return you home safely. This 1972 model is as tough as they come, and the V8 engine and automatic transmission updates give it the torque and effortless flexibility to climb into areas that would defeat the opposition. After five years of enjoyment, the owner feels it needs a new home. Therefore, he has listed the FJ40 with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Toyota released its “J” series off-roader in 1960, and the vehicles remained on sale with ongoing updates until 1984. This FJ40 rolled off the line in 1972, and it would be best to describe it as anything but average. Its panels wear a paint shade called Rustic Green, a color that Toyota offered from 1972 until 1979. The vehicle’s presentation is tidy for an off-roader, and its lack of perfection is one of its strengths. Beating a path into the wilderness invariably involves close encounters with tree branches and other items. Owners of pristine vehicles are sometimes reluctant to venture into such areas for fear of accumulating scratches and panel damage. A close inspection of this Toyota reveals some scratches, marks, and areas of paint checking. There are no horrendous problems, but it means the winning bidder can attack their adventures with a relaxed attitude. The aluminum plate covering this classic’s quarter panels and back protects the more prone areas from damage, adding another distinctive touch to the exterior. A life spent in California means that while there are a couple of rust spots, the tub is solid, and there are no significant issues. The soft top provides cover from the sun, while the sturdy roll cage is a wise addition, offering occupant protection if things go awry and this Toyota finds itself shiny-side down. Rounding out the exterior are an XRC Winch and a rear-mounted spare and lock box for security.
Buyers ordering an FJ40 in 1972 received Toyota’s 3.9-liter six that fed its power to a dual-range transfer case via a three-speed manual transmission. The combination provided excellent off-road capabilities, but an FJ40 worked pretty hard at highway speed. That is no longer an issue with this classic because it received a heart transplant that unlocked its full potential. A previous owner handed it to a specialist organization called Custom Cruisers in San Francisco’s Bay Area. They whipped out the original engine and transmission, bolting in a Chevrolet small-block and a four-speed 4L80 automatic. They rebuilt the Toyota transfer case and resized the driveshafts. Fuel starvation can be a problem when off-roaders achieve certain angles, but the Holly fuel injection system removes that problem from the equation. An MSD ignition system provides a reliable spark, while this FJ also features a lift kit and larger wheels and tires to enhance its off-road capabilities. The owner purchased the Toyota approximately five years ago and has had his fun. The inherent torque from the V8 and the automatic transmission make it an excellent weapon when the going gets tough. However, the updated transmission gives the vehicle longer legs, making it an effortless highway cruiser. This gem is in excellent mechanical health, and potential bidders can consider it a turnkey proposition.
An FJ40 is not a luxury vehicle, and buyers don’t expect to find features like air conditioning and power windows. Toyota designed these beauties to be unerringly practical and tough, but the owner has added some well-considered creature comforts. This classic seats four, with all occupants sinking into body-hugging sports seats that should provide excellent support in all circumstances. The driver grips a chunky sports wheel, peering through this at an array of matching aftermarket gauges that monitor everything from road speed to engine health. A neat box between the front seat houses a Bluetooth stereo, while a lockbox behind this, and another pair in the back offers secure storage. The only non-functioning item is the heater. The lines are run, but the wiring is incomplete. The wipers are missing their arms, but the motor is intact. Therefore, sourcing replacements shouldn’t be challenging. It may not have the creature comforts of many modern and luxurious off-roaders, but cleaning this interior after a trip through the mud and slush will be as easy as pie.
This 1972 Toyota FJ40 is anything but average, possessing power and torque that would have been unimaginable to its creators. It isn’t perfect, but most potential buyers wouldn’t expect that from a vehicle of this type. The mechanical upgrades are well-executed, and the interior changes preserve its practicality while improving occupant comfort. If a life of adventure is on your radar, I can’t think of a better candidate to take you to those destinations than this Toyota. That’s why submitting a bid makes perfect sense.
Bid On This Auction
Desert rat bid $3,000.00 2023-10-31 08:58:07
Will bid $2,500.00 2023-10-29 16:44:23
Bill bid $2,000.00 2023-10-29 15:49:30
Felice_R107 bid $1,200.00 2023-10-27 17:16:05
Louie bid $700.00 2023-10-27 11:00:29- Felice_R107 bid $200.00 2023-10-26 16:15:59
Oh, oh, hear that?( sound of air deflating) I’ve long said, Toyotas game changer in the 4×4 market, great vehicles, and the SBC was a very common swap, even though, there was nothing wrong with the 6. This is a very nice one, but the no bids and no comments, tells me, the ship may have sailed on 5 figure ‘Cruisers. I foresee a similar fate for 1st gen Broncos and Scouts. People may have found out, it’s no Grand Highlander. Don’t get me wrong, these types of 4x4s are all over here in Colorado, and for good reason. Due to the lack of road( if you can call them that) maintenance, most back trails are nothing more than rock climbing, and this truck is exactly what one needs to see some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see, but not in a Grand Highlander. Someone did a really nice job here, and somebody is going to get a sweet truck.
Actually, the Land Cruiser market is as strong as ever. You were just the first one to comment. The auction just launched so it’ll get more action soon. This one has been modified though so that does limit its appeal for some. It’ll be interesting to see where bidding goes.
They say never argue with the boss, but I tried many times, unsuccessfully. The saying was, “rule #1, the boss is always right, rule #2, if the boss is wrong, see rule #1”. According to your own writers, even they believe the steam has fizzled on these, specifically, the 1980 FJ55 posted. I feel BFs auctions represent an accurate display of prices, and $1200, so far, is a slap in the face and a far cry from what they would like to get. I think, like Harleys, the market is over stuffed with monster 4×4 renditions, and with a limited market, these will become more of a tough sell in the future. Most looking for adventure where these trucks would take them, have opted for a ATV, with much better results.
Sold these “back in the day” … we nick-named them “Land Crushers” … they rode like they had square wheels … but they always sold over list and we couldn’t keep ’em in stock … pretty basic, no AT, PW, PL, AC, etc, just a hard-working off-roader …
about to say “build these pretty stout, nota road machine tho” but it has been converted. Now a more multipurpose vehicle I’d pass over in favor of the real off rd rig it was. Y? be’cuz THIS builder chose the wrong components (for me) to make on/off rd-er. Congrats on the build. May it sell well, happy new owner~
All the FJ’s were made to be driven. 40’s, 60’s, 62’s and the the Cruisers. They are tough, tough vehicles. I had a 60 with a 4 speed manual and it was a brute! Gas mileage was the killer if you drove it a lot. The untrained eye calls the 40 a Jeep! This looks like a good build but the automatic trans turns me off ( to each his own). These are great vehicles for those that want ‘no frills’. Stay away if you want a smooth riding late model Wrangler with all the toys!! My 2 cents!! The market does seem to be very static lately on many special interest vehicles.