It always amazes me which vehicles used to pass for “hunting trucks” that were left on a land lease somewhere, picked up when hunting season started and put back down when it was over. I’ve seen numerous listings for vintage Isuzu Troopers like mine over the years where they turn up after years in the Texas wilderness, rust-free and still running despite not being registered for road use in eons. That’s the story with this desirable FJ55 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser, that runs and drives well and has mostly cosmetic needs at the moment. Find it here on eBay with a suggested opening bid of $10,000 and no action yet.

The seller has listed it locally, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one disappear before the listing ends. The fact is that most FJ55s that aren’t restored show up with rust everywhere and half-dead drivetrains, as these things get beaten like a stubborn mule when not owned by collectors. Blame it on their resiliency, I guess, which is what tends to happen to old trucks that were never intended to be collector’s items. The interior is in decent shape with good cloth still on the seats, though the seller notes it will need sun visors, door panels, headliner, window gaskets, and more to make the inside more livable.

Then again, the guys on the hunting lease sure weren’t worried about some fancy headliners! The big trouble spot with these “Iron Pig” Land Cruisers is the bodywork, which is fragile at best. Fortunately, this Land Cruiser lives in Washington State, where all the wonderful old cars and trucks that still run go to live out their retirement (or so it seems). The seller notes it has some small rust spots in the body but nothing major, and that the frame is sold. The drivetrain is supposedly leak-free, and the four wheel drive works correctly as well. Up front, you’ll find a period-correct and factory-optional Warn winch that still functions, too.

All electrical equipment is said to work, too, and the gunrack is included. The seller notes he has replaced all four wheel cylinders but that the Toyota still pulls when braking. The backseat looks to be in decent shape, but it’s hard to tell what sort of impact any hunting dogs may have had on the upholstery. I love the idea of driving through wheat fields in the Pacific Northwest in a truck like this with a few friends, out hunting for whatever prey a sportsman would be seeking out there. While there’s part of me that would like to see this FJ55 live out its years in the wilderness, it’s good to see it might be treated to a warm garage for the first time in years.