Vehicle Description
Rooted in a Jeep-like 1951 prototype for an all-terrain utility
vehicle intended for evaluation by Japan's National Police Reserve,
Toyota's BJ was soon renamed "Land Cruiser" by 1954. These rugged
and practical vehicles quickly earned a stellar reputation for
ruggedness, practicality, and their uncanny ability to traverse the
most forbidding terrain. Beyond its military origins, the Land
Cruiser was relentlessly developed, upgraded, and soon made
available in a civilianized version dubbed the J2, a striking
vehicle with rounded fenders, a stylish grille, and even the
addition of fashionable chrome-plated trim. A wide array of Land
Cruiser models followed, with 14 variations offered within the
evolutionary J2/J3 period alone. Importation of the definitive
short-wheelbase FJ40 to the United States commenced in 1960 and for
much of the following decade, it was Toyota's best seller there,
offered through 1983 with Japanese production ending the next year.
Land Cruisers of a bewildering array of model types and body styles
were exported throughout Asia, the Middle East, and South America
through the decades as well. A large part of the FJ's longstanding
success was down to its simple, tough mechanical components and
remarkable ease of maintenance and repair - even in primitive
conditions. Interestingly, the Land Cruiser's "F Series" inline
six-cylinder engine, part of Toyota's arsenal since 1949, was
modeled after the cylinder block and internal assembly of the 235
cubic-inch Chevrolet "Stovebolt" truck engine and contemporary GMC
cylinder-head design. While only rated 125-135 horsepower for much
of the original FJ production run, Toyota's F Series engines more
importantly generated ample low-end torque, capably powering the FJ
through the worst terrain. Every bit as dependable, durable, and
capable as the famous Jeep and arguably even more so, original
FJ-Series Land Cruisers are remarkably rare, with precious few of
these rugged workhorses surviving intact today. Collector interest
is at an all-time high today, though, spurring the hunt for rare
and restorable examples to meet demand, including this distinctive
and extremely rare 1960 FJ28 4-door wagon. Officially designated
the FJ28LVA, this four-door, long-wheelbase 1960 Toyota Land
Cruiser hails from the final year of J2-series Land Cruiser
production. Interestingly, four-door station wagon bodies were
supplied to Toyota by GIFU Auto Body Industries in Japan and this
striking example is one of fewer than five of these exceedingly
rare early Land Cruisers currently known to exist in the United
States. Consistent with its go-anywhere purpose, this FJ28 was
discovered in a remote Venezuelan village and then meticulously
restored by Land Cruiser marque specialists. Evocatively finished
in Pine Green with off-white inserts and roof, the FJ28 is accented
by a fabulous custom tan and tartan interior treatment. Fit and
finish of the paint and body are to factory standards or better.
The venerable F135 OHV inline 6-cylinder engine and underhood
compartment are exceptionally tidy and well detailed, featuring
proper factory components and finishes throughout, with the
exception of the welcome addition of reliable 12-volt electrics
including a modern, GM-type alternator. Inside, the FJ28 features a
factory steering wheel, drive range selector, and floor shifter for
the 3-speed manual transmission, plus a 160 km/h speedometer.
Factory tire inflation and shift-pattern tags are also affixed to
the dash, plus a brass Gifu body ID plate. The interior is
tastefully updated with attractive brown upholstery with green
tartan cloth inserts on the seats, along with custom floor mats
bound in matching brown for touch of upscale feel to the otherwise
utilitarian cabin. A bench-type rear seat provides additional
passenger space, yet leaves a high-capacity rear cargo space, with
the full-size spare wheel/tire assembly correctly mounted upright,
and tidily out of the way. Twin rear ambulance doors provide
exceptional usability when larger cargo handling ability is
required. Other desirable details include useful front
bumper-mounted towing hooks, a rear license-plate light, Gifu Body
mud flaps, and proper body-color steel wheels mounting small chrome
hubcaps and chunky, period style off-road tires. Benefiting from a
quality specialist restoration, this extremely rare, long-wheelbase
1960 Toyota FJ28LVA will certainly enhance any worthy
classic-vehicle collection. It would make a marvelous vintage
camping or fishing vehicle, and best of all, it stands ready to
propel you and your lucky friends virtually anywhere you should
ever care to go! Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7247-1960-toyota-land-cruiser/
