For years, it seemed like the FJ40-series Toyota Land Cruiser was going to be perpetually out of reach. The market got white-hot for these early off-roaders that were proven to be overbuilt and supremely capable off-road. But like other cars that shot up in value quickly, there’s been a bit of a plateau, with the best of the best still commanding a high price and other, driver-quality examples selling into a more stable price point. This 1979 example listed here on eBay is part of a growing contingent of vehicles imported from South America and is currently bid to $12,700 with the reserve unmet.
This movement towards looking to South America to find cars and trucks for sale is inclusive of all manners of vehicles that typically command high prices in the standard, U.S.-market form. The VW Bus immediately comes to mind, especially since we’ve seen some of the desirable 21-window models start appearing for sale from South America for am much lower price than the Buses sold new in the states. Of course, most collectors want the genuine article, as there are some obvious differences between vehicles like the VW that were sold in a variety of markets.
It’s harder to say if the FJ40 has the same challenge in terms of the perception among collectors if it’s been imported from South America, but I don’t see any glaring differences in photos. It’s strange, but with the VW Type 2, you can tell that something is “off” about the design of the South American models, to the point that values are considerably lower, even in 21-window form. The Land Cruiser has the rear jump seats which, while not comfortable, increase your passenger volume dramatically.
I don’t have a great sense of how much more likely you are to find a rust-free vehicle from South America versus anywhere else, but I would imagine your odds are pretty good given the lack of snow and road salt. I suspect the bigger challenge is not buying a vehicle that has crudely-repaired accident damage or other issues from its past that weren’t properly addressed due to loose regulations. The FJ40 is road registered and passed inspection in Connecticut, so it’s ready to begin its second life in the United States.
Nice write up. Its ColOmbia not ColUmbia. The RoW (Rest of World) FJ40’s had engines with no catalitic converters and 3 speed transmissions. Otherwise they are exactly the same.
The biggest difference I can see in this vehicle compared to a US spec vehicle is the top. The fiberglass cap on the top is different from any I have seen. It appears to be bulkier and I’m guessing that is to accommodate the speakers and possibly more insulation. The other noticeable difference in this model is it has a one piece swing door rather than the two piece ambulance doors typically found on 1975 and newer FJ40’s here in the states. This does have a 4 speed manual transmission as found in FJ40’s since the 1974 model year here in the states. I’m not sure on what emission system it has or probably doesn’t have.
If you were looking for an FJ40 this would probably be a good one to watch as would the green FJ40 on Barnfinds.
Also North American models had front bucket seats and a roll bar. Jump seats were smaller as well.
alot different (& dont care bout re-sale value) & I like it beddah den da merican import that yr. Good spot Jeff, thnx~
Har to price as it’s an odd ball.