Toyota trucks top the list of tactical weapon platforms for one reason: reliability. In the civilian world, reliability may not mean life-or-death (though it might), but it certainly creates die-hard loyalty, something Toyota lovers espouse at any opportunity. The Land Cruiser series continues this tradition, and this 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser in Fryeburg, Maine wheels into its fifth decade with a host of replaced parts, a disc brake conversion, a later ’70s powertrain, and “strong” running condition, according to the seller. The “Iron Pig” moniker came from the swine-ish snout and the vehicle’s reputation for iron-clad reliability. Check out more pictures and well-presented details here on eBay, where at least five bidders have the market value above $13,500 without meeting the seller’s Reserve.
Behold the only picture of the dashboard and interior, showing reportedly recovered seats. Reading between the lines of the description, one might assume this FJ55 (series produced 1967 to 1974) fell into rusty disrepair before a revival including replacement floors, wiring, interior panels, dashboard, fuel system, exhaust, and more.
Roomy and practical, the FJ55 has seen football fields, battle fields, and the odd safari. Like many Toyotas, the Land Cruiser may not cut the sportiest image or accelerate with ferocity, but it holds high odds of returning home sans mechanical drama. Manufacture your own drama and the odds may change!
A larger 4.2L (258 cid) (237 cid) inline six-cylinder 1979 2F engine from an FJ40 replaces the original 3.9L (237 cid) unit. A four-speed manual gearbox and transfer case came from an “early 80’s” FJ60, keeping it all in the Toyota FJ family. The runner-up in the “World’s Most Ridiculous Air Cleaner” competition could be easily replaced with something more appropriate. The DIY wiring may not inspire confidence, but if you’re more the “close the hood and hit the trail” sort, none of this will matter a great deal.
The roomy cargo compartment awaits the loading of field dogs, rifles, recently killed bloody animals, or grocery bags and a beach ball. The FJ55 will make a swell novelty at your family reunion or sports tailgate adventures. This specimen’s replacement powertrain and extensive non-original rework should keep collectors at bay so, by all means, bid to win and put this classic back on the road! Where would you rate this FJ55 on the list of “trucks that will still be driving 50 years from now?”
237 cubic inches would be 3.9L, 4.2 L would be 256 cu in.
Thanks, Slantasaurus! As you suspected I looked up the F60 engine but the page started out with the 3.9 history, so I wrongly grabbed that number. Taking the 4.2 down to actual cc then over to cid gives you 258.1304 in this case. I’ve left my original mistake in strikethrough above. Much appreciated!
Weird to see one in good condition. Usually they have one foot in the rusty grave.
“…fell into rusty disrepair before a revival including replacement floors, wiring, interior panels, dashboard, fuel system, exhaust, and more.”
Iron Pig in a poke?
Throw in new sheet metal and drive it for another million miles. Maybe change the oil too.
I heard rumors the Land Cruiser will be sold here again using the smaller truck called the Prado. Toyota needs to make something like this only with modern anti corrosion methods. The world would beat a path to their doors.
Beautiful looking Land Cruiser. I’ve always loved this generation Toyota Land Cruiser.
as nice as they made this, and I luv Landcruisers [I own a 1996 FZJ80 series] why didn’t they at least clean up and paint that grill ??
I thought the same thing! That grill sticks out like a sore… snout!
My 1970 FJ55 had a column 3 speed, the only transmission available. Someone then took the time to remove the column shifter from the steering column. If I remember, the 4 speed would not fit in the 3.9, updated on the 4.2 and several modifications have been done. Hey, at least it HAS an air cleaner and the Weber(?),,again, the original did just fine. Not to repeat from the last one, but originally bought mine for $200 bucks in the late 70s, just for the front mounted winch, turned out to be one of the best 4x4s I had. Like most in the very environment they were created for, rusted horribly. Great find.
Aha! There’s more. They also replaced the entire steering column, as mine had the column shift and no locking steering. The key switch was to the left of the gauges. Mine also had a clunky , what looked like an emergency brake handle on the lower dash, L-N-H, and a vacuum front axle disconnect, unusual for the time, where most 4x4s were leeeevers and lockouts. Also, this truck had a power rear window( that worked!), an additional heater on the rear passenger floor, that helped some.
Unfortunately, it was just the wrong time for this “advanced”( by our standards) SUV, and I feel pretty much started the whole Asian SUV thing. Before this, choices were limited. Considering where they went from these humble beginnings, I’m glad to say I had the “granddaddy” of them all, and by sheer chance too.
In the early ’70’s, when we all had Jeeps a friend had one and the very first thing he did was plop a SBC 350 in it using a bell housing adaptor. It was a beast! On more than one occasion he pulled our Jeeps out of whatever hole we managed to get ourselves into…