Vehicle Description
1979 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
The founder of Toyota Motor Corp. was Kiichiro Toyoda, who wrote in
the July 1941 issue of the magazine Hanjidosha, "Era of the
complete domestically-built car" subtitled "When will Japan produce
one?" in which he expressed his dream and determination to produce
a car fully made in Japan, just as Ford and Chevrolet did in
America. As criteria for a car for the people he listed low price,
high-performance, and economy, and discussed the technical issues
behind these. The car that first fulfilled the dream like the
established world automakers was the Land Cruiser. Moreover, the
Land Cruiser led Toyota's drive into world markets, taking the
all-important first step.
A bit revved up and ready to be rough and rumble in any outdoor
situation, this restored to be used and not trailered 4x4 in
classic 1970's design is here climbing the walls at Classic Auto
Mall. This truck can literally go anywhere, and if you get into
trouble, one can winch themselves out. The only thing it does not
do is drive upside down on the ceiling, which is a bit
disappointing but understandable. Acquired by our consignor in 2020
and then upgraded far beyond the mountain climbing steps the prior
owner performed, this rig is rough, ready, and capable with Iron
Pig Off-Road performing the majority of the new upgrades. These
plusses include but are not limited to a Monster rebuilt automatic
transmission and cooler, a custom auxiliary fuse box, brake and
suspension components and an upgraded cooling system. Let's strap
in, pull the lever into 4-High and take the path less traveled.
Exterior
With any body rust remediated, a nice Toyota Tan respray now covers
this tall 4-wheeler. 15-inch wheels all spit shined and now with
Warn hubs on the fronts, are all wrapped in 37x12.50R15 Dick Cepek
all-terrain rubber. There is a black bikini soft top now covering
the front seat passengers and solid steel doors bolted on this
truck. White was the color of choice for the mirrors, hood latches
and wiper arms and this compliments the sea of tan steel nicely.
Gaps remain well minded, but as with any off roader a few dings and
scratches are noted in the finish. An aftermarket tubular black
steel bumper clears the way in front of you and should you not be
able to climb an obstacle, a Warn winch is on to help pull you
along. Warn foglights hang off the sides of the cowl and just below
are black running boards with extra step bars below. Perfect for a
portly individual such as myself. Black fenders over the rear tires
keep the mud splash at bay and out back is an exterior mounted
spare hanging off the back gate. Another Warn winch is hidden under
the rear of the body and below the tire is another aftermarket
black steel bumper with a towing receiver and auxiliary
reverse/spot lightsbelow. Lest we forget the iconic oval grille in
white color, is now fitted with LED headlights just outboard. Climb
every mountain!
Interior
Utilitarian but effective, with custom aftermarket big black
leather buckets up front which flanka locking center console. These
seats are finished in smooth black leather with tan tuck and roll
inserts and a befitting FJ40 embroidered into the backrests. A
foldable matching aftermarket rear seat is seen, and tough rubber
on the floors makes for a quick cleanup. Floating below the black
padded topper is the silver faced dash with a custom insert with
Autometer gauges. The center of the dash also has Autometer gauges
inserted, as well as many original knobs, a controller for the heat
and AC, switches for the on board air compressor, air locking
axles, and controls for the front and rear winch. A Sony AM/FM/CD
player also has been installed dead center and fronting all of this
is a wood rimmed Grant GT rally style steering wheel. In front of
the passenger is a white painted glove box door sporting a decal
with various shifter controls. Black vinyl makes up the door panels
and is well dressed with custom billet arm rests and chrome manual
window cranks. Finishing off this interior is a full roll cage to
give you and yours proper protection should things go awry. Give me
your mud, your rain, your camping gear, and your firewood...
Drivetrain
A non-original crate GM RamJet 350ci V8 fits nicely into the engine
bay. This chrome valve covered mill is bolted up to a rebuilt
Monster TH350 3-speed automatic and just behind is a overhauled in
2022 dual range transfer case and new front driveshaft. 3.70 geared
axles are seen fore and aft and have been fitted with ARB air
locking carriers. Recent service to the engine includes new motor
mounts, a new starter, a new red top Optima battery and a Champion
aluminum radiator. Some kids grew up on mean streets with crips and
bloods, but me I was born on a back road on a 4x4 rollin through
the mud.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the usual subjects, all is secure and sturdy,
structurally sound underneath with its black finish and light
coating of road dirt. A conversion to Old Man Emu leaf springs with
new bushings and a new traction bar smooth over some of the bumps
and are on all 4 corners of this truck. A 4" lift helps you
traverse most terrain as do the Rancho 9000 Series shocks. Front
and rear ARB Air Lockers also are seen. A new master cylinder helps
power front disc brakes and power drums bring this rig to a halt
along with new parking brake cables and new brake lines by Iron Pig
Off-Road, which is good,because what goes up must come down!
Headers are on for the exhale and breathespent gasses out through a
pair of Glasspack mufflers.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth runner, this truck can get the tires
singing and the exhaust playing a melodious throaty tune. All
functions, including the air conditioning were operational but we
did notice the speedometer reads a bit off over 40mph. Sing with
me: Let's get a little mud on the tires...
With its near 7' and 2" overall height from the ground to the top
of the roll cage you may call this on and off road rig imposing and
you'd be correct. Some restoration, a modern fuel injected crate
350ci motor mated to a new Monster automatic. Utilitarian but nice
interior which can be cleaned with a hose, and a good looker. 4
wheeling in a classic Land Cruiser, you'll have the hikers and
mountain bikers turning their heads when you are coming and
going...throw a little dust or mud on 'em just for kicks!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
