Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Late Production Model: 1982 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

When I saw the year 1982 on this listing for an FJ40 Landcruiser, the first thought was that it must have been imported as a Brazilian-market model. But the seller quickly dispels this suspicion, as he notes it’s one of just 3,088 models imported in 1982, and I certainly can’t recall the last time I saw one this “new.” The truck looks good, with no major rust anywhere, and the seller has updated it slightly with 31″ tires; otherwise, the only other tweaks are the brush guard and aluminum tub that were installed sometime in the long-term ownership of the previous two owners. Find this late-production Landcruiser here on craigslist with an asking price of $45,000.

The first owner reportedly owned the FJ40 for 35 years, and then a dealer snatched it up for their own private collection. When the dealers want to buy your vintage vehicle and not for immediately resale purposes, it’s generally a good sign that your vehicle is a prized specimen. I have to wonder if that original owner was still bringing it to the dealer for the occasional oil change, hence why a dealer has first dibs. The bodywork looks great and the body-colored wheels are a sharp look. The brush guard and winch have been on the truck for over 30 years, according to the seller.

The interior is downright handsome, with a gray rubber floor mat and matching  vinyl seats. In addition to the late production year, I can’t recall seeing too many Landcruisers of this vintage with a gray interior; most all of them are seemingly brown or some shade of tan. The front seat upholstery, radio, and center console have all been replaced. The rubber surfaces and dashboard switch gear all appear to be in great shape, and although I briefly questioned the seller’s asking price, it starts to make sense when you see the total package. Plus, that aluminum bottom tub has effectively eliminated the potential for rust.

The FJ40 has clearly never been lifted, which in and of itself is an anomaly among this era of Landcruiser. The truck features a 3:70 rear end, so as the seller notes, it will happily do 70 miles per hour on the freeway. The engine is original to the truck, and although the odometer is flaky, the seller estimates there’s around 160,000 miles on it. Some minor engine leaks are the only noted major flaws at this juncture, and while there’s seemingly always an FJ or two to choose from on the market, late production models don’t come along nearly as often. Would you pay near $50K for one in this sort of condition?

Comments

  1. Avatar angliagt Member

    It’s located near Charlotte,NC.
    I’ve never seen one that color before.
    Original,or repaint?

    Like 0
    • Avatar RayT

      I’d say repaint. I’ve never seen a Land Bruiser in that color. I recall a pastel blue on some early models, but it didn’t look like this.

      Like 0
    • Avatar ace10

      I’d say it resembles Capri Blue, but that’s an early 40 color.

      Like 0
    • Avatar Scott McGrath

      Maybe a late-color? (Only mentioning as I had a buddy with a lifted (& swapped) on back in ’84-88 that was that color and it sure looked original.

      Like 2
  2. Avatar tom McHugh

    Definitely a repaint, not a 82 factory color. Looks good though

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Steve Clinton

    I’d never thought I’d ever say this, but it appears the asking price is fair.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar notrevo

    Technically the 3,000 NAS import number is for 1982 Landcruisers. That number includes the FJ60. The exact number of 40’s imported to the US is a bit of a mystery but most agree it’s somewhere between 300 -350. The majority of the sales at that time were for the FJ60. Yes I own a 1982 NAS FJ40.
    This is a nice looking rig and ‘82 is a great year for these all around.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar delboy

    Damn. A small country near me had a fleet of these. Both long and short wheelbase model in ‘hearing aid beige’. They were used by the police and thus had a somewhat pampered life. Then poof! They all disappeared overnight to be replaced with Mitsubishi Pajaros. Would have killed for one but no doubt were spirited off en mass with a little palm greasing along the way.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Randy Hall

    An Old Man lift will cost about $3500 installed. Those engine and oil leaks will likely add $2500 in parts and labor (mostly labor) to stop. The gaskets are cheap, but it takes time and patience. Another $1600 for larger tires and she will be perfect. I’d check the color code plate under the hood to determine what color was stock. You would want to be in under $50k with all work done. The color doesn’t really have to match the stock plate, if the new color is desirable. I have a 1980 in Capri Blue (a 1972 color) and it get more attention than the correct medium blue could hope for.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar David Ulrey

    Beautiful for sure but unfortunately another one that is too nice to use as intended and probably was used as intended at some point in its past. She’s pretty though!

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Chris

    “updated it slightly” by replacing the entire body with aluminum….

    Like 1
  9. Avatar Doyler

    Ugh.

    Everytime I see an FJ40 for sale, I’m reminded of my own project and ultimately how stupid I am

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Alistair

    Only one problem….. That’s not a 1982 FJ40. That’s a 1975-1978 FJ40. You can tell because the fuel door is rectangular, the floor is a 70s door, the vertical gutter doesn’t extend to all the way down to the bottom of the kick vent panel and the rocker panels and don’t bib is 1975-1978 as well.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Daniel Gavin

    I like it………not certain the asking price is in reality range.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.