Out Of Dry Storage: 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

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Here’s another in the SUV/MPV category that is showing growth in the collectability department. Just like early ’70s Ford Broncos, Toyota’s Land Cruiser FJ40 values appear to be on the way up and today, we have a 1980 survivor to review. It is located in Glastonbury, Connecticut and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $10,600, reserve not yet met.

Built between 1960 and 1984, The Toyota Land Cruiser J40, the original version, and then the and FJ40 (a J40 with an F series engine), was a two-door Land Cruiser designed with Jeep CJ size and characteristics in mind. The J40 and FJ40 were the shortest of a trio of sizes offered with the “40” series having a rather truncated 90″ wheelbase. There were other body styles including a four-door and a pickup truck, both known as FJ45’s, though some models were limited by geography. While J and FJ40 production technically ended in 1984, it did continue in Brazil through 2001 with what was known as the Bandeirante produced by Toyota of Brazil. You can peruse some FJ40 history here.

Not the actual vehicle engine!

This is another one of those maddening, tight-lipped listings that only states, “1980 Toyota Land Cruiser stored in a garage. Please email with questions. Have exterior/interior images hopefully helps with condition of FJ40. Vehicle runs“. And that’s all she wrote. There are no images of the engine but it should be a Toyota 2F which is a six-cylinder, in-line unit, good for 135 HP. The included image above is a stock photo, not the actual engine from this vehicle. In this case, the motor works through a four-speed manual transmission with a transfer case attached for 4X4 operation. As previously noted by the seller, “it runs” – not exactly a ringing endorsement!

The mileage is recorded as 37K, so it has probably been once around but the exterior shows pretty well nevertheless. There is some rust along the edge of the rear doors and maybe the rain gutter too, while the white stripe is fading away in places but beyond that, no issues. This FJ40 is domiciled in Connecticut but there is no word if The Constitution State is its original home. Such a vehicle would be appropriate for CT’s winter weather and the good news is that there doesn’t appear to be any visible salt damage on this Toyota. Of note are the spring shackles, they look like recent replacements.

The interior is about as utilitarian as one would expect. The assumption is that there would be a rubber mat on the floor but one isn’t evident, and what is, is not painted the same color as the rest of the interior. Curiously, the bare steel ceiling is showing what looks like a patina of surface rust – that’s the sort of thing car restorers seem to want on the outside these days, but not necessarily inside. The instrument panel and steering wheel are groody looking but it’s probably from accumulated use, age, and handling – but the seats and door cards look fine. As is too often the case, the cargo area is loaded up with odds and ends making viewing difficult – the spare tire should probably be attached to something and just not riding footloose in the rear.

Toyotas are high milers so even if the mileage is 137K, this FJ40 should still have plenty of life, assuming that it has been maintained and not abused. A quick cruise around Hemmings shows FJ40 values from this era at $50K and up, in some cases, considerably more, depending on condition – something to consider. Anyway, what do you think, a good alternative to a Jeep CJ or a vehicle unto its own?

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Comments

  1. Vance

    The windows are the great part of this vehicle, you can see everything from any angle. The newer FJ’s were nice looking but had the WORST blind spot of any passenger vehicle i ever drove in. I don’t know how anyone bought one of those if they drove it prior to buying it. This is a nice truck and probably worth the asking price.

    Like 3
  2. Doyler

    Every time I see an FJ, I’m reminded of how badly I played my own acquisition.

    Sigh.

    Like 1
  3. Piros1

    Looks like it sold for $12250.00

    I had a 1974 model and loved it except I couldn’t keep up with the body cancer. Drove and handled great. I never had any issues with a blind spot.

    Like 1
  4. Butch

    Picture shows a GM throttle body fuel injection, an excellent upgrade, I’ve done several.
    Butch

    Like 0
  5. douglas hunt

    i am a huge fan of these FJ40’s.
    unfortunately they have climbed out of my reach to do one justice, i do however own a FZJ80 series

    Like 1
  6. Ralph

    At the price it sold for, someone may have gotten a great deal. But rust never sleeps, hope they have the bucks to make it right.

    Like 1
  7. Butch

    I have 3 FJ40’s, a 79 FJ55, a 1964 FJ45 SWB pickup, and 2 FZJ80’s.
    I have an addiction….
    The
    Butch

    Like 3
    • douglas hunt

      Butch, you are my hero
      I luv the iron pig too
      Once saw one sitting inside a local storage facility, must have broken down and was temporarily parked up
      Was gone before i could even get a pic😞

      Like 1
    • Jon.in.Chico

      How’s your back, Butch … these things had square wheels …

      Like 0
      • Butch

        Back is great…..you can buy round tires n wheels now…..

        Like 1

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