Vehicle Description
After a decade of shaky gas prices and soft, car-based
'crossovers', it seems the world's largest vehicle markets are
re-discovering the magic of compact, body-on-frame utility
vehicles. Some of those offerings, like the legendary Jeep Wrangler
and popular Toyota Tacoma, never really left. But, in general, the
segment is seeing a big resurgence through additions like the Chevy
Trailblazer, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger and rumored Ford Bronco. All
that numbers talk simply reinforces the fact that trucks, and
truck-based vehicles, will simply never go out of style. And that
level of consumer confidence bodes extremely well for classics like
this exclusive FJ43 Land Cruiser. Freshly restored and
professionally polished, this tough Toyota is one of the most
capable SUVs ever built. And if you're looking to put a little fun
on your map, it's a worldly 4x4 that will not disappoint!
BODYWORK
Born from practicality and wartime necessity, the Land Cruiser
began life as a reverse engineered Bantam GP that Toyota assembled
for the Imperial Japanese Army. The truck's rugged construction and
tidy proportions proved extremely useful when it came to
transporting soldiers, towing equipment and all-terrain motoring.
And eventually, circa 1953, Toyota decided to market its proven
creation directly to civilians. This 1972 FJ43 is a rare medium
wheelbase Land Cruiser that is the beneficiary of a professional,
body-off restoration that took place at Vintage Land in Colombia,
South America. The truck's mostly-original body was worked all the
way to bare metal, promptly re-sprayed in quaint Nebula Green
pigment and shrouded in a fresh canvas roof. And presently, that
Rhino-inspired shell creates a classy, wet-look profile that mixes
searing glares with smooth reflections.
ENGINE
Mechanically, this FJ exemplifies that top-notch restoration with a
correct Type F engine, which wears a familiar "F" assembly stamp.
Based on General Motor's stalwart Stovebolt Six, Toyota's famous
overhead valve mill isn't a grossly overpowered piece, producing a
competent 125 horsepower. But it's certainly proven its ability to
get this compact 4x4 out of many tight situations and tow just
about any moderately sized toy its owners can imagine. At the top
of the black block, restored Dry Type induction pipes wind to a
small Aisan carburetor. At the base of that carb, a monochromatic,
"F155" branded valve cover caps factory intake and exhaust
manifolds. At the base of that cover, a traditional points
distributor sequences spark between a Toyota-branded coil, a Seiwa
coil wire and correct Yazaki plug wires. And the truck's clean
engine bay is dotted with many trail-ready essentials, including a
re-cored radiator, a rebuilt alternator, a Kyosan fuel pump and a
proven MAC battery.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Built to mimic America's hella tough Jeep, this old school SUV
features part-time 4-wheel drive and enough ground clearance to
give new meaning to the phrase "stump jumper". The truck's rugged
3-speed utilizes big gears to serve up an awesome combination of
inclement weather capability and off-road prowess. A manual
steering rack provides the kind of vintage feedback that excites
off-roading purists. Big drum brakes bring everything to a halt.
The truck's chassis rides a factory-spec suspension that mixes a
pair of solid axles with a quartet of leaf springs. Factory
replacement pipes shuttle spent gases through a mid-mount muffler.
And at the corners of the floor, Charcoal steelies spin 31x10.50R15
BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/As around AVM hubs and simple stainless
center caps.
INTERIOR
Inside this classic, you'll find a spacious and comfortable cockpit
that has enough room to be your vehicle of choice for any weekend
adventure. The professionally restored seats, front bucket and
folding, opposing rear jump, are wrapped in high quality vinyl. In
front of the driver, a boxy, color-keyed dash frames clear gauges
and restored accessory knobs. Below that dash, a duo of shifters,
one for the 3-speed and one for the 4-wheel drive, ride thick floor
mats. Opposite those shifters, Nebula Green doors frame small
handles and traditional window cranks. And the driver stays
connected to the road thanks to a factory-issue steering wheel.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
Copies of the truck's original documentation
Restoration photos
A Vintage Land Build Book
Despite volatile gas prices and increasing emissions standards,
it's pretty evident that truck-based people movers will continue as
some of consumers' most popular investments. That means offerings
like this exclusive Toyota are all around winners when it comes to
restoration and appreciation. So, what are you waiting for? Break
out the compass and set your heading to RK Motors Charlotte for
your chance to own one of the nicest Land Cruisers on the
planet!
SUMMARY
Professional body-off frame restoration
Correct F 6-cylinder engine
Correct 3-speed manual transmission
Exclusive FJ43 medium wheelbase chassis
Largely-original sheetmetal
Fresh Nebula Green paint
Lifted suspension
31x10.50R15 All Terrain Tires
Rear fold-down seats
Canvas soft top
Sale includes copies of the truck's original documentation and
restoration photos
All RK Motors vehicles receive a comprehensive, multi-point
inspection
We can arrange shipment of your purchase anywhere in the world