Vehicle Description
Toyota's legendary Land Cruiser name carries an enviable status in
the automotive world. The Land Cruiser is synonymous with
dependability and capability, with a stellar reputation that few
manufacturers can claim. Over 65 years, Land Cruisers of all kinds
proved themselves in some of the harshest environments on the
planet, with only the Jeep and Land Rover counted among the few
capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Toyota's finest. The
origins of the Toyota Land Cruiser trace back to 1950 when the US
Government commissioned Toyota to build 100 Willys Jeeps under
license for use by Military Police stationed in Japan during the
Korean War. Toyota obliged; however, they found plenty of room for
improvement on the older American design. In 1951 Toyota developed
a prototype 4x4 which drew the best the Jeep and the British Land
Rover had to offer, combined into a well-built, thoughtfully
engineered package. Production of the "Toyota Jeep BJ" began in
1953 with the earliest examples reserved strictly for use by
Military and Police. In 1954, a civilian version arrived and was
the first in a long line of trucks to wear the now iconic Land
Cruiser name. Like its American and British counterparts, the
civilian Land Cruiser proved to be popular in the agriculture and
construction industries, or anyone who needed a simple but
versatile vehicle capable of handling rough terrain. Production
gradually ramped-up through the 1950s, and in 1960, Toyota hit its
stride when the J2 and J4-series Land Cruisers debuted with all-new
body styling, an improved chassis, and new engine options. As
Alexander Wolfarth says in his book The Land Cruiser Legend, "The
BJ lit the torch, the J2 carried it around the globe." J4-series
Toyota Land Cruisers were available with a dizzying array of body,
chassis, and engine options. The most recognized of all is the
FJ40: A short-wheelbase, petrol inline-six powered two-door utility
truck, available as a convertible or hard top. This massively
popular version remained in regular production for an astounding 24
years, earning legendary status for its ruggedness and
dependability as much as its tough-guy good looks. In its various
forms, the J2 and J4 served with soldiers, warlords, farmers and
miners on virtually every continent on earth, adapted to handle
countless jobs and earning its legendary status one rugged mile at
a time. This 1974 Land Cruiser FJ40 hardtop is a beautiful example
of Toyota's icon, recently restored by an experienced FJ
specialist. First delivered in Tennessee, this US-Spec FJ40 is
believed to be a low mileage truck that was in remarkably sound and
solid condition before its restoration. Throughout the project, the
restorer took great care to use original-equipment factory parts
and components wherever possible in order to keep the truck in
proper 1974 specification. Power steering and air conditioning are
useful additions to improve the driving experience. The
presentation is attractive, finished in a factory-offered shade of
Rustic Green with a white roof, using PPG single stage paint as
original. The quality of the paintwork is good, with the finish
befitting the utilitarian nature of the FJ40. Wheels are painted in
light gray as original, adorned with period correct dog-dish hub
caps and meaty BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires for an aggressive
and purposeful stance. The cabin is immaculately presented, still
appearing fresh from the restoration. Body-color textured
chip-guard applied to the floors provides useful grip, durability,
and sound dampening, while being easily cleaned out after a day
spent off-roading. Excellent, newly restored front bucket seats
wear factory-correct charcoal upholstery, as do the folding
side-facing jump-seats in the rear. Instruments, controls and most
of the switchgear are original 1974 items. Period-appropriate
controls for the air conditioning are within easy reach on the
dash. Also included is a high-quality sound system with a
period-look digital AM/FM radio with dash-mounted USB auxiliary
input. According to the restorer, the original F155-series
six-cylinder engine was in exceptional condition when he began the
project, with even compression across all cylinders. With the body
removed from the chassis, he took the opportunity to refresh the
engine, ensuring it is up to the same standard as the rest of the
truck. Work included a rebuilt cylinder head, new oil pump as a
preventative measure, and all new gaskets and seals. Engine
accessories and fittings were renewed or replaced as needed, and
the engine is detailed to a very high level with correct labels,
markings, and decals. In addition to the rotary-style air
conditioning compressor, this truck also features power steering
for effortless enjoyment in all conditions. With just a handful of
miles since the restoration, the presentation remains outstanding.
Similarly, the undercarriage is beautifully clean and
well-detailed, and the underside of the body coated in bed lining
to protect from rocks and seal against corrosion, while also
providing a modicum of sound dampening. The Land Cruiser legend is
one that is well-earned, with thousands of examples still running
strong all around the world. This example benefits from an expert
restoration with useful updates that improve the driving experience
without sacrificing the character that makes these trucks so
well-loved. It runs strong and is a joy to drive, ready to
accompany its next owner beyond the pavement's end.
