The history of off-road vehicles begins and ends with the Jeep. Of course, this isn’t true, it actually starts right at the beginning with the Benz Patent Motorwagen, which undoubtedly had decent off-road capabilities, as well as some incredibly interesting pre-war mudding races that have risen in popularity lately. However, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and few cars have been as copied as the Willys/Bantam/Ford/AMC/whatever-you-want-to-call-it four wheel drive vehicle used by the United States military beginning in World War II. After the Japanese occupied the Philippines in the early 1940s, a captured Jeep was sent to Japan to be reverse engineered. Toyota was tasked with building a similar vehicle, and the proto-Land Cruiser was born. Decidedly not a Land Cruiser, it taught Toyota how to make a capable off-roader for civilian use, which they did beginning in 1951 with the BJ. This clean 1970 FJ40 example of the evolution of that original model can be found here on eBay.
When you want to build a really good off-roader, it needs to be small, light, with a lot of ground clearance, and the wheels at the furthest corners of the car. That’s one of the reasons the Jeep was so successful, and the main reason behind why basically every good off-roader looks so alike. If the formula is perfect, why change it? Of course, this formula can be tweaked to make life off the beaten path more comfortable. This is evidenced here by in-car heating (with also what appears to be an auxiliary heater in the back), very nice leather seats, and downright luxurious rubber floor mats.
Under the hood is, according to the seller, the original 3.6 liter inline six cylinder gasoline engine. All of the information I can find says that Toyota never fitted the FJ40 with a 3.6 liter gasoline engine. They had a 3.6 liter diesel, but that is definitely a carburetor, meaning this likely is powered by the F series engine in either 3.9 liter or 4.2 liter capacities, making enough horsepower, and powering all four wheels through a manual transmission and two-speed transfer case.
Regardless of what’s powering it, it’s a Toyota and will run and drive until the heat death of the universe. It has plenty of utility, complete with bench seats facing each other for all your friends. Or, alternatively, they can be folded into the walls to make room for your camping equipment. The important thing is that this FJ40 has not a speck of rust on it, is said to have strong mechanicals, and will undoubtedly be a solid weekend camping car for the exploring-minded person looking to have something interesting. If you want to go into the outback, take a Land Rover. If you want to come back, take a Land Cruiser.
I would bet money on this FJ having had a restoration. Cosmetic or total, who knows?
And, speaking of money, wish I had the dosh to be on the board when the auction ends. It will go for a pretty penny, I’m sure. Within reason, it will be worth it.
I almost bought an FJ40 back in 1975 or thereabouts, and probably should have done so. At least in those days, the rust bug hadn’t yet bitten too many of them, and the used example I looked at and drove didn’t appear to have had much more use than this one.
I was told at the time that the engine was a virtual copy of a Chevy “Stovebolt” six. A high-school friend had an FJ40, and bolted in a Chevy engine after the OE unit failed.
Oh,, such a hot item not too long ago, 5 figures easy, 19 bids and can’t even muster $10g’s. Wha’ happent? I’m no visionary, just a person raised with common sense, and a hefty knowledge of a wide array of vehicles, and always said, these, and Broncos, are not 5 figure vehicles. I agree with Ray, these were never this nice and has modern Toyota wheels. Still, a very nice truck, the column shift will spoil the party for many today, perhaps the lack of interest in these types of manually shifted vehicles. This is very similar to my 1970 FJ55, with 3 speed and a corny way of engaging the 4wd. I hope the new owner knows what a lockout is. Good friend had a ’74, many updates from these, and was a nice truck, but still, it’s no Grand Highlander. I think people are finding this out the hard way.
Nicely done with a touch of modernity! The wheels are later model Toyota pick up wheels which add a nice touch. When the Japanese reverse engineer something, it always turns out better than the original!!
I was surprised to see a 3 speed on the column. I always thought they had 4 speed floor shifts by this era, but as always, I learn something new from Barnfinds just about every day
The 4 speed to my knowledge as I had purchased a new 1974 FJ40 LC was first used in a FJ40 in 1974 at least here in the states. 1975 came with ambulance doors in the rear rather than a lift gate upper and swing lower doors. I really enjoyed my 1974 as did my wife. It drove excellent and handled pretty well. I taught my wife how to drive a stick shift in it. It many creature comforts but still a nice driver. Of course back in those days AC and power anything was optional and not on all vehicles so the old FJ seemed pretty normal back then. Brings back some fond memories for me. It turned into a rust bucket before it was ten years old, not sure why because I kept it well washed after the snow cleared.
Nice FJ the modern wheels look horrible.
Absolutely agree.
This is the three speed transmission FJ40, since it has column shift and pull out vacuum control for the front axle activation and transfer case gear change. I bought a new 1971 way back when. Great tough vehicles with constant speed front axle flex joints. No steering wheel wobble when off road in 4 wheel drive during sharp turns. Not many 4X4’s have that feature. A great feature no one ever talks about. Not many 4X4’s have this. Most use regular U joints.
Love these things… Best looking (and probably the most reliable) of all the jeep types.
At the current price ($13k) it seems priced right also.
Repainted inside and outside – overspray in engine compartment and interior. Rear leaf springs have shackle extensions probably due to springs need to be rebuilt or replaced. Potential buyer needs to take a closer look before sealing the deal.
I learnt to drive in a troop carrier one of these, I was 10 at the time, can’t remember if the clutch was heavy.
Use to drive it on the beach all the time. (The beaches in Australia are classified as a public hway, lol)
Dad also had CJ5, V8, loved it.
I have a 1967 fj40 zero rust all factor stock parts ect.with a v8 350 460hp 2hrs on engine.new front end rebuilt tranny B&M racete auto star shifter.many more extras doors tire mount back window ect.30000
Send it in and we’ll feature it on the site!
I am interested. What state is it in.