Vehicle Description
Hours of television news story footage over its years of service
showing the venerable Toyota FJ40 navigating some of the toughest
terrain on the planet helped cement its reputation as a true
"adventure vehicle" - and it's an association that's been
reinforced through decades of trusty service all over the world.
This was always one seriously dependable and durable performer: a
true SUV before the term was even widely used. Meticulously
restored to obviously high standards, this 1980 Toyota FJ40 Land
Cruiser is about as impressive an example of the model as you're
likely going to find.
There are restorations and then there are restorations, with this
one being so extensive it appears that this FJ didn't so much go
into the shop but rather was rushed to a hermetically sealed
environment upon leaving the assembly line to slumber - Rip Van
Winkle-like - only to be rediscovered in its current impressive
condition. The Mustard Yellow exterior, a factory-correct hue, is
looking especially impressive and is the result of a 2-stage paint
job that obviously included an appreciable amount of prep work.
Even the smaller details were clearly looked after - all the
exterior housings, chrome trim and badging have a definite newness
about them. Land Cruisers of this era were renowned for the
dependable, worry-free open-air motoring experience they provided,
but in less forgiving weather, the very well-fitted manual
convertible top on this classic will provide all the shelter from
the elements you would need and its tan shade is a perfect
complement to the exterior's vibrant color.
Inside, you'll find a black vinyl interior that appears to have
been carefully treated post-restoration. The split bench seat is
very well-padded and looks as if it's seen virtually no use. Climb
inside and you'll see fresh door panels to either side of you that
feature the original stitching pattern and sit flush against their
steel surroundings. This is one very carefully restored interior -
even the factory-installed gear-shifting instructions mounted on
the silver glove box drawer retain their deep black background and
show nary a scratch. In back, those military jump seats you see to
each side are no mere novelties - they fold upwards with ease,
combined with those ambulance style doors providing both
appreciably more storage space than was offered by the FJ's
competitors of the day, as well as much easier access to cargo
inside.
Built for glitch-free driving, this vehicle has a very capable 4.2
liter inline 6 sitting under the hood in an exceedingly clean
engine compartment, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission.
Despite the "museum piece" look of this Land Cruiser, it's properly
configured for action. 4x4 capability and generously- sized tires
provide admirable surefootedness should you detour from the
asphalt, a benefit made all the more evident by the installation of
new suspension components during its restoration. Take a look below
and you'll see a truly impressive undercarriage for any vehicle,
let alone one that first saw the light of day more than 35 years
ago - a sea of unscuffed, flat-black against a backdrop of mustard
yellow. This impressively-restored "old school SUV" carries its
original stock stance, with just the right amount of elevation for
optimum wheel clearance over less forgiving terrain, and meets the
road on a set of 15" original-issue steel rims, wrapped in Maxxis
Mudder Buckshot all-terrain tires.
Looking for a truly unique, classic off-road vehicle that's not
only looking and driving great, but was also a pace-setting
influence on motoring history? Check out this 1980 Toyota FJ
Landcruiser. Call today!
