Vehicle Description
Toyota's legendary Land Cruiser is one of those rare vehicles that
has proven itself time and again in the harshest of environments,
earning every bit of its impeccable reputation for faithful
dependability and bullet-proof reliability. Like the Land Rover and
the Jeep, the 'Cruiser was built for military duty - capable of
traversing virtually any surface from muddy jungles to desert sand.
This Japanese take on the all-purpose off-roader has the American
Jeep to thank for its existence, which is little surprise when
comparing the two vehicles side-by-side. In 1950, the US Government
commissioned Toyota to build 100 Willys Jeeps for use by soldiers
and Military Police stationed in Japan during the Korean War.
Toyota obliged but immediately saw room for improvement on the old
American design. In 1951 Toyota developed a prototype that drew the
best the Jeep and the British Land Rover had to offer, combined
into one new package. Production of the "Toyota Jeep BJ" began in
1953, and the vehicle was put into service by American MPs. In
1954, a civilian version followed, gaining theLand Cruisername.
Like the Jeep in America, the Land Cruiser proved to be quite
popular with farmers, utilities, or anyone needing a versatile
vehicle capable of handling the harshest conditions imaginable. In
1960, Toyota introduced the 40-series Land Cruiser with all-new
body styling, an improved chassis, and new engine options. Just as
its commercial rivals from England and the USA, Toyota offered the
Land Cruiser in a variety of body styles ranging tailored to the
buyer's needs. It remained in regular production for 24 years,
gaining legendary status for its incredible ruggedness as much as
its tough-guy good looks. Our featured 1978 Toyota FJ40 rides on
the most popular 90" short-wheelbase chassis, equipped with the
factory two-door hardtop body. This truck also features the
desirable "ambulance door" rear treatment, allowing for easy access
to the rear jump seats. In 2006, this truck received a body-off,
nut-and-bolt restoration performed by a passionate FJ enthusiast
from the Pacific Northwest. He painstakingly documented the entire
process, assembling an impressive binder of photos, records, and
stacks of receipts for the host of new-old-stock parts used on the
project. Today, this gorgeous FJ40 presents in excellent condition
throughout, having seen only light use in the hands of collectors
since completion of the restoration. Finished in Toyota Beige (464)
with a white roof, the body presents in superb order. The restorer
used factory new and new-old-stock panels exclusively, and the body
remains stock with the only exception being the fitment of a Warn
8000lb winch. It is straight and tidy, with excellent paint and
factory appropriate panel fit and finish. The utilitarian cabin
presents as original, with black vinyl seats and a simple,
functional dash. Soft trim items are in superb condition, including
the side-facing jump seats in the rear, and the factory-style
rubber floor mats. In the interest of comfort and preservation,
black carpet overlays protect the rubber mats from scuffs. Upgrades
include a two-post style Pyle AM/FM stereo with a USB input and a
beautifully integrated Vintage Air A/C system for all-year comfort.
According to the restoration records, the frame was stripped
completely bare, media blasted and coated with POR-15 for lifetime
protection. The FJ now sits proudly on HFS Suspension, a
high-quality package designed by the Toyota experts at Cool
Cruisers of Texas. The moderate lift allows for the fitment of
chunky 33" BF Goodrich tires which fill out the arches and give the
truck a purposeful and rugged look - and, of course, vastly
improving its already impressive off-road capabilities. Those tires
are mounted to original steel wheels with dog-dish hubcaps to
retain a period-correct aesthetic. Also, the restorer upgraded the
chassis to accommodate power steering; the system consisting of a
GM-Saginaw box that reduced effort and increases reliability,
particularly with the larger tires. The 4.2-liter "2F" inline-six
was completely rebuilt as part of the resto and detailed with
correct markings, fittings, and hardware. The engine and chassis
presentation are excellent, showing signs of light use since the
rebuild. This desirable FJ40 hardtop has enjoyed regular care and
maintenance since its superb restoration and is ready for
adventure. Sensible upgrades ensure it is comfortable and
dependable in all conditions without sacrificing the ruggedness and
dependability that makes the FJ40 Land Cruiser one of the world's
most legendary vehicles. This FJ40 is a marvelous example of the
breed, ready for anything from runs to the shops to backcountry
off-road adventures. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6612-1978-toyota-fj40-land-cruiser/