Some vehicles will inevitably become less desirable as projects over time, owing to demographic shifts and dwindling parts supply (or both). Some others, however, will continue to endure, either due to immense popularity or because they still make sense to restore with plenty of good spares around. The FJ40 series of the venerable Toyota Land Cruiser seems to be one of these vehicles, as they still have quite a following. While prices have dipped in recent years, a good one will still draw a crowd. Find this Capri Blue FJ40 listed here on eBay for $4,950.
The FJ40 is about as ubiquitous as it gets for a vintage truck. Known far and wide for being dirt simple to operate and a billy goat off-road, it has morphed from being the type of rig that is simply used and maintained to one that may become the subject of a six-figure restomod build. While they got even hotter in the last 10 years, I’ve noticed some cooling lately for average-condition trucks. The mint condition rigs will still set you back, but something like this one will sell for far less. As it is, there’s an option to submit a best offer.
Truth be told, it looks better than expected for an example that’s priced under $5,000. The interior doesn’t reveal any major holes in the floor, but the seller does acknowledge the body could use a rear passenger quarter panel patch and both outer rocker panels. The rear floor and sill have both been replaced with diamond plate, which may be functionally fine but far from correct if you’re a purist. Still, this doesn’t seem like the sort of project you’d buy if you want the best. The seller was planning on swapping in a Chevrolet 350 engine, but didn’t get around to doing so.
Underneath, it looks reasonably solid, with just the typical surface rust on exhaust and frame components. The seller will include many extra parts for an additional fee, including the hardtop and doors. He notes both items weren’t present when he bought it, so it seems he’s counting those as extra purchases if you want to bring the truck closer to factory specs. The 2.5-inch lift and locking Warn front hubs are installed and obviously included. The high-torque 3.9-liter F inline-six would be my choice for an off-road rig, but I wouldn’t feel bad taking this project-grade truck in a different direction.
Old school Power Wagons, FJ Land Crushers and cockroaches will still be alive after The Apocalypse.
Similar to my theory. I think the Earth will heal itself after we are gone. It was here long before us and has billions of years before the Sun becomes a giant that absorbs Mercury, Venus and Earth. That is a long way off. What to worry?
And Nevadahalfrack should know! He and I (he in his CJ5 and me in my FJ40) have many miles of crawling around in the Nevada desert and California mountains together. I feel that the condition of this FJ40 is priced a little too high. It still has it’s 3 on the tree shifter which is really rare. (Downey Offroad claimed that they had sold more floor conversions than FJ40s with “tree” shifters were imported) Nevadahalfrack could easily “run away” from me as he had a V8 CJ5. BUT, because of my modifications I could get 20 mpg and it would take a long time for him to catch up because of his extra fuel stops! ( but I waited somewhat patiently while he filled up) I also see that their vacuum 4×4 shifter has been eliminated from this unit. So maybe that is the makeshift “whatever it is” sticking out of the floor. (The center “transmission hump unbolts like many older British sportscars.) I still have mine since 1983 and will never get rid of her. Yes, these rust, but rarely to the point of a safety issue. (Generally perimeter body) Judging by the rust I see here, it is not a long time western or southern vehicle. ( those generally just rust out the rear lower corners of the quarter panels as dirt and moisture collect between the panel and rear, lower horizontal brace. The nice thing about FJ40s is that swapping in of later/upgraded parts is easy. Mine is a ’71 like this one. I have swapped over to a 4 speed, disc brake front end, actual distributor advance (California emissions FJ40s which all “official FJ40s were) all came with vacuum retards which greatly effect fuel economy. Added a header and larger exhaust and newer style carburetor. It has never broke down or not gotten me home. And I have not necessarily been nice to it. My hard top was totaled in a wild fire. So I need a,replacement. (Was sitting next to the barn while the Cruiser was in the garage. (Lost the top AND the barn) It has been sitting for awhile as have not had time to do some maintenance. But anxious to run her again!
It seems kind of slimey to show photos of the car with major parts that are not included.
Why not just include the doors and hardtop and charge a little more?
There’s so much shown but not included it makes me distrust the seller. And somebody took the engine!
lipstick on a pig
How so?
When I was a little kid I had a cool Tomy Pocket Car Land Cruiser in about this color scheme. Had fairly authentic separate wheels and tires and an extended front bumper with a winch.
Interesting. My friend had one just like this way back in the late ’70’s. We used to go 4 wheeling in the Pine Barrens with it.
All the jacked up Ford pickups used to try to go across the flooded sand pits and most would get stuck. Then my friend would drive his Land Cruiser right across, no problem. Then, just for good measure and to splash mud on them, he’d go back across it…in reverse.lol.
Surprised the Jersey Devil didn’t get you!
Good one! lol
I USED to love early Broncos. I grew up with them. Prices now completely turn me off on them. I would take this Land Cruiser in a New York minute. Especially at this price. Would I restore it to complete factory specs? Heck no! That would cost too much and I’d be afraid to use it for what it’s designed for. I have no problem with the factory drive train in these. I wouldn’t mind a mild small block Chevy but it certainly wouldn’t be mandatory for me. My goal would be to make sure this is safe and trustworthy. Excellent find!
Already gone