Japanese Jeep: 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

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The Land Cruiser (model FJ40) was a series of SUVs made by Toyota from 1960 until 2001. While the earlier versions were built in Japan, the more recent ones originated in Brazil and are more commonly seen on the road now. The Land Cruiser competed with the Jeep CJ and has slightly larger physical dimensions. This 1972 edition looks to be in good – but well-used condition – and is said to do its job well. From Gainesville, Florida, this Toyota is available here on craigslist for $20,000. Another tip from our busy bee, T.J.!

These 4X4s came in three wheelbase lengths (short, medium, and large) and could be powered by both gasoline and diesel fuel-fed six-cylinder engines. The former is said to be in the seller’s “truck” and is either 3.8 or 4.2 liters in displacement. I had a neighbor who owned one of these in the 1970s and he would beat the tar out of it and it kept going and going (like the Eveready Bunny). We would go sand-dune hopping in the thing and never got stuck (for more than a few minutes, anyway).

As the story goes, this imported truck (with U.S. specs; F = fuel/gasoline, J = Jeep) spent its early days out in Montana where 4WD was much more needed than in Florida where it resides today. We suspect the truck had been sitting for a time as the vehicle now has a new carburetor, gas tank, fuel lines, lockout hub seals, and an upgraded and rebuilt gear reduction starter. The white wheels seen in some of the photos have been replaced with period-correct FJ40 wheels and hubcaps with new all-terrain tires.

This is the hardtop edition of the F40 (a soft top was also available). It has been removed and disassembled for storage but will come with the deal. As we said earlier, this SUV has been well-used so the body has its share of little dents and dings and there is some rust on the rear panels (but the frame is clean). With a 3-speed manual transmission, we’re told the truck runs well. The odometer reading is 28,000 which could be accurate for an off-road vehicle, but it could have turned over as well. If you like the genre but there are too many Jeeps out there to suit your fancy, maybe this Toyota would fit nicely in your garage.

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Comments

  1. Bruce Ironmonger

    A diesel “shorty” in Australia in good condition are bringing $50k + nowadays.

    Like 4
  2. Jace F.

    I feel like this is a steal for what they usually go for.

    Like 0
  3. R. Lee Parks

    My dad was a Toyota dealer from 1968 until 1984. I drove original Land Cruisers when they were new. I have a difficult time referring to the FJs as “SUVs”. They are simply rugged bare bones Land Cruisers and shouldn’t be mixed with the likes of Explorers, Blazers, and especially modern crossover SUVs.

    Like 4
  4. Howie

    I had a 75 that i put a V8 in, i guess photo 1 is the latest photo with the stock wheels and top off. Fair price.

    Like 0
  5. Glenn SchwassMember

    That is very nice and worth every penny. Of course you have to keep it dry and indoors, definitely not in salt or it will disappear before your eyes in a couple years…

    Like 1
  6. Rw

    I have tried to leave About 6 post on this vehicle, nothing shows, what up.

    Like 0
  7. Jon Hellinga

    You mean “Energizer Bunny” right? Lol

    Like 0

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