I don’t know if it’s going to come together just yet, but I’m working on acquiring a new project of the vintage Japanese 4×4 variety. It’s not an FJ40, because those have been far too popular (and expensive) for far too long. Regardless of what ends up in my yard, off-roaders like this Land Cruiser combine go-anywhere versatility with the reliability Japanese makes have become celebrated for. This FJ40 here on eBay is said to be a two-owner example that remains highly original and rust-free.
Fewer and fewer of this generation Land Cruiser are popping up in stock condition. While this one certainly isn’t OEM correct, it hasn’t been taken as far as many other examples, which are either restomodded to the point of ridiculousness or simply pushed to the extremes of off-roading customization. The suspension has been lifted courtesy of Old Man Emu and it rides on larger BF Goodrich tires, but modifications are relatively scarce. It also has a fresh Weber carb with the original unit included in the sale.
The long shifter handle is one of my favorite features of an old 4×4, as it doesn’t even pretend to care how accurate the shift pattern is. I see modern Toyota with the gear lever down close to the floor like any other import sedan and it drives me bonkers – 4x4s need a long-throw shifter, not a short-throw gear box. Anyway, this FJ40’s interior looks quite nice although the steering wheel doesn’t appear to be stock. Seats were re-done about eight years ago and the dash retains most of its original switchgear; a modern stereo with retro looks has been installed.
This Land Cruiser is shockingly clean underneath. The seller mentions that it has some red clay stuck the bottom, but that the frame rails are straight and true and the only rust worth mentioning is a tiny spot in the tailgate. A major spot of weakness for FJs is the body, so to see one this solid underneath is a serious weight off the minds of the any potential future owners. The Buy-It-Now is a heady $27,500 with the option to submit a best offer.
Now that’s a Land Cruiser! I’ve always loved these old-school Toyota Land Cruisers. I don’t know why Toyota discontinued the FJ40 and FJ45 and not offered a worthy replacement. I love Land Cruisers up to the FJ62.
Very cool off road machine, if it’s not modified it wasn’t a regular at all the off road meets I attended years ago.
Love the old FJ’s. Can one yawl ID this one?
Early 60’s judging by the small round signal lights. Never seen the hood hold downs on the front of the hood though.
Thanks and I believe someone moved the hold downs.
Nice FJ. I’m suspicious of the rust situation, because where I live those diamond plate rear corners were always applied to cover the rear tub rot.
These are great machines. This one looks good but I don’t have $27k worth of use for it.
– John
Yup, Diamond plate=rust
Having had two of those (’64 and ’70) I really don’t get it. Loud, cold, low ground clearance, gas sucking, no power steering (catch your wrist in that spinning wheel won’t make your day) and other things I could go on about. Sure they are very tough but so are modern Toyota’s. They do have a certain character and if you don’t have to go far to dink around I guess but for current asking prices?
What bothers me the most is the asking price. However collectible these vehicles may be, however nice its condition may be, I would think $27,500 would be way too much for the vehicle. Given its condition, I’d be willing to pay up to $15,000.
I thought only the ’82/3 hada 6 and it wuz a lill bigger (4.1?)
The ‘double’ tail gait is unusual (4 me) too. Some1 make a weird spare tire carrier there? Like the 32/36 carb as its a progressive.
Mine had a six, direct Chey copy from the 30’s. This one has a different spare carrier than I’ve seen and the fold down gate seams like it should be on a much earlier car, my 64 had that but the ’70 had two swing out doors, (One that looked a lot like what that spare is mounted on). Those rear flares make me think some metal is missing over the rear arches too.