Reliable, worldly, rugged: sounds like a Match.com ad, but it’s not. It’s the tip of the iceberg on the list of “advantages” describing the Toyota Land Cruiser, the longest-running production car in Toyota’s history. Sold in 170 countries, the Land Cruiser had its roots in a 1950 Toyota “Jeep” built for its police force. The company swiftly learned that “Jeep” was a trademark infringement; after some consideration, the new class of vehicles was renamed. In 1958 the vehicle became the first Toyota model exported to the US. From 1961 to 1965, it was the best-selling Toyota vehicle in the US. Ok, it was competing with the Toyopet Crown, but still. Here on eBay is a very spiffy 1967 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45L pickup bid to $19,100, reserve not met. The truck is located in Gainesville, Georgia. These are 4x4s with plenty of torque from their 3.9-liter six-cylinder motors. This is a long-bed FJ – a reasonably rare model in the US. It has had one repaint in putty.
The engine generates about 125 hp. While the FJ45’s top speed isn’t going to light up the pavement and gas mileage is horrible at about 15 mpg, this rig is nearly unsurpassed at climbing rocks, traversing the desert, or just about anything else you can think of. The transmission is a three-speed column-shift manual; the four-wheel drive controls include a knob to engage 4WD and a shifter on the dash. The ad doesn’t specifically say this truck runs, but the seller claims it is in “excellent pre-owned condition”.
The interior is about as clean as they come, with minor wear on the pedals, the 4WD shift instruction plate, and the paintwork. The rubber mats are great – you can hose out dirt with abandon. The glass is unblemished and the rubber seals look new. A winch is installed on the front end, adding to the “I mean business” look here. The seller says the tires are old but the tread is fine. A reminder: tires are about 50% of a vehicle’s suspension and rubber starts to harden in about six years, so best to replace these asap, even if the tread is perfect.
The underside shows no sign of abuse; in fact, it looks like someone steam-cleaned it not long ago! The eBay ad points to the seller’s website, where several more undercarriage shots are available. The bed is similarly clean, with nary a bump or paint chip in evidence. The bid seems a bit light given other offerings, but there’s still time left for the most avid bidders to come forth with a few more bucks. Any guesses where this one will land?
What a find, and especially with a longbed! To my understanding these were never “officially” imported into the U.S. but more than a few showed up on some of the more well-to-do ranches around here.
Unfortunately almost all near here were worked to death and junked or sold off when the ranchers realized what kind of money they were again worth.
I’ll bet this goes to $25-30k.
Anyone else?
Another clarification is in order. While I normally trash the Asian vehicles, THIS is the exception. One of the few I had, was a FJ “double nickel”, and was the best,,well, ONE of the best vehicles I ever had. The 3.9, which is a direct knockoff of the GM 235, was Toyotas flagship motor. It powered everything from dump trucks to limos. It can’t be killed. Rust, however, did. Fact is, I knew a guy had a FJ40, no body, and all he used the truck for was to charge batteries.
While this is an unusual find, in my little town, with more millionaires than NY, it seems, me excluded, someone had one of these. IDK, as usual, I couldn’t imagine spending $20grand on one, but all hail P.T. Barnum, I suppose,,
Had a 64 FJ45 LB as a daily driver.
Moved to Atlanta, too much humidity to use daily. Traded it for an XJS back in 94. Top speed 57 with a tail wind.
Still miss it.
How did you get that extra 2MPH? Mine seemed to top out at 55… Can’t imagine driving that slow as a DD on the freeways these days
I have wanted 1 of these in a diesel to use as a DD for over 20 yrs and watched 15 yrs ago the perfect truck didn’t make reserve at 13,000. At the time I felt it was over priced, wow was I wrong.
I own an unrestored, rust free ’67 FJ40 factory soft top. Three on tree. No synchro. Manual steering. Manual brakes. No overhead protection or seatbelts.
She’s a handful and TBH doesn’t get driven all that much. But she’s a wonderful survivor.
In 1975,I had a guy with an FJ40 who wanted to trade me
straight across for my tricked out ’72-1/2 Toyota pickup.I passed,
but often thought maybe I should’ve traded.
This vehicle is a true tribute to the intended definition of “Utility Vehicle”. The old FJ vehicles are legendary. I hope it finds a deserving home, and will probably sell in the mid to high $20k range. Rare find now-a-days in this condition.
Toyota had issues not only using the jeep name but also again with the Land Cruiser name as it had been in use since the ’40’s by a bus converter.
I drove a diesel model while stationed in Japan. Built like an anvil and indestructible, however, acceleration and top speed would be best measured with a calendar.
I have always liked these everyone I have seen in person has been beat to death and just hammerd
Ended:Dec 09, 2022 , 2:38PM
Current bid:US $24,500.00[ 51 bids ]
Should have bought 100 of them at 1967-1970 prices , parked them in a steel barn to earn interest …better than paper Simoleons / later Samolians for retirement investment .
Next year maybe.
Is this vehicle still available?