The FJ60-series Toyota Land Cruiser may seem like an archaic truck by today’s standards, but it was a significant step forward for a classic SUV that could now be used as a daily driver. The Land Cruiser was always celebrated for being tough as nails, but Toyota saw customer sentiments shifting towards a still-capable SUV that was a bit softer around the edges. Creature comforts were added, and the FJ60 paved the way for the classic 4×4 becoming the high-end model it is today. This 4-speed manual Land Cruiser is equipped with the rarely-seen Fairey overdrive and is listed here on eBay with bids to $10,300 and no reserve.
The seller notes that this FJ60 runs and drives without issues but it will likely need some deferred maintenance work performed; it hasn’t been used much following a death in the family and was mainly held onto for sentimental reasons. The paint is faded and shows signs of being left in the California sun for a prolonged period of time but that’s OK – there doesn’t appear to be any rust. When shopping FJ60s, you always opt for burned-off paint from a no rust state versus a decent finish in the rust belt where the undersides are likely gone. I’ve seen a number of FJ60s in New England salvage yards over the years that look like they could crumble if you pushed on a body panel.
The interior is in excellent condition, and speaks to this truck being well-loved in its time with the deceased owner. While the outside bears the signs of prolonged exposure, the cabin indicates it was looked after while in regular use. The 4-speed manual transmission is a major selling feature of this FJ60, as they weren’t exactly powerful and having the option to row your own gears and make the most out of the powerband will add to your driving enjoyment. The Fairey overdrive was offered through your Toyota dealer as an option to make highway cruising more pleasant, but it doesn’t seem to have been a big seller in terms of factory options. Fairey was known for its overdrive units offered on Land Rovers of the same vintage, and are considered to be bomb-proof.
The seller notes there are some leaks and seals that likely need replacing, but the list of maintenance needs seems to be limited to some basic servicing. The mileage of 187K is believed to be accurate, and while the truck is currently on non-op status in California, the title is clean and clear. The 4.0L inline-six engine made around 155 horsepower and a healthy 220 lb.-ft. of torque, and while it’s not fast, it can still handle modern traffic and highway speeds (avoid police chases at all costs.) The FJ60 seems to have stabilized price-wise at the moment, so I wouldn’t be too concerned about overpaying in a no-reserve auction like this. Do you think the rare optional overdrive adds some value here?
Well, I’ll tell ya’, pixx poor that someone like me has to start this off. Far as I’m concerned, this was the best 4×4 SUV to come down the pike. Having had a FJ55, I always wanted one of these, but way out of my price range at the time. I never heard of the O/D, and read 1984 was the 1st year for a 5 speed in a Landcruiser, so why was this a 4 speed O/D? Great trucks, 187K, pfft, this was Toyotas mainstay engine for lo 42 years until 1992. Best,,,motor,,,EVER! Had one in my FJ55, a Chevy Stovebolt knockoff with none of the problems.( what problems?) Most importantly, no goofy electronics to drive a person like me nuts,,moreso, but no comments from the “peanut gallery” means 2 things. People don’t know a good truck today when they see it, or our comment section has gone ka-phlooey.
Hi Howard! I worked at a Toyota store when these came out. (And still have my FJ40 now for over 40 years) I believe that the 5 speed was only available on the BJ60 (diesel) that was available almost in any country but the US. (Smog issues) My BIL bought a new one from the dealership where I worked and when I found out about the 5 speed transmission, I tried to order one. (I had a “friend ” in the parts system who would order any “other” country parts for me. But the transmission was in such high demand, that only warranty replacement parts were available at the time.) The Fairey overdrive units were very popular with the FJ40 crowd. It fits between the bell housing and the transmission basically doubling the number of gears available. (With 2 reverse gears!) Naturally you have to lengthen the front drives haft and shorten the rear. (But I seem to remember hearing because if the thickness of the Fairey, either only one driveshaft needed surgery and the other just swapped ends or it was just a front to rear swap.) Anyway, I never heard of it being a “Toyota approved ” accessory to be dealer installed. A close, now late friend had a beautiful FJ60 with a 400 Chevy small block, a Fairey overdrive and some kind of transfer case that had extra low gears. You could put it in low range and let it idle and walk along side of it very slowly. I wish that I had bought it from his widow, but, how many Landcruisers do you really need?
Yep im looking for an H55 5 speed for my 88 fj62 and bin the auto. I have an Hj45 w 2H diesel and 5 speed its the way to go.
Per the rust aspect, the Japanese simply did not comprehend the amount of salt that we dumped on the streets here in the snowbelt. After Fairey stopped making aircraft they branched into electrohydraulic equipment for airplanes. i doubt there is much support around for the O/D, the first time it looks at me funny I’d pull it. At 10k it sounds expensive for a winter beater but it would make a nice one you can use as a Home Depot haulet also.
Hi Kim, well, being the skeptical type, I always thought the road salt was dual purpose. It enabled life to go on in the worst of conditions, but also funded by the car makers to help rot out cars prematurely, making the owner get a new one. Brilliant strategy! I’m sure the Asians knew that.
Beautiful looking Cruiser. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember this generation Toyota Land Cruiser. I’d buy one and keep what I can original, while also upgrading a few things.
I had an ’84 – wonderful, bullet-proof truck. Only issue, which I understand was very common, was an intake manifold crack/leak. That prevented me from being able to get it “smogged” in the Portland metro area (back before the DEQ requirements became state-wide). Sold it to a guy outside the metro area – problem solved! I would have had it fixed if my wife didn’t hate it on the freeway (it wanted to jump in and out of the ruts on the freeway … a bit disconcerting, I admit).