Vehicle Description
The Toyota Land Cruiser, along with its rivals from Jeep and Land
Rover, are legendary for their off-road capability, reliability and
near indestructability. From the rockiest outreaches of Patagonia
to the parch deserts of Africa, the Land Cruiser has conquered any
terrain its adventurous owners have dared to venture into. It was
there, in some of the world's most remote and toughest corners,
that Toyota earned its reputation for reliability, thus creating a
legend in the process. The Land Cruiser's origins trace back to the
Korean War. The U.S. military, still stationed in Japan, tasked
Japanese domestic automotive manufactures to create an equivalent
to the Willys MB, or Jeep, for its resident forces. Toyota's entry,
the BJ (the initials referred to B-series engine and Jeep) was the
design chosen. Produced from 1951 to 1955, the Toyota BJ acquired a
new name, Land Cruiser. The name would eventually become the FJ40
(F for the engine type, J for Jeep) Land Cruiser in 1960. It was
not only the U.S. military who appreciated what the Land Cruiser
had to offer, but Japan's National Police Reserve Forces and other
government agencies also recognized and tested the capacities and
reliability of the plucky little Toyota. The Land Cruiser was soon
climbing the formidable heights of Mount Fuji and Atago, reaching
elevations previously achieved only by foot or horseback. The
mountain switchbacks of Japan soon gave way to the far larger
expanses of the American marketplace. The Land Cruiser was among
the first Toyota vehicles to be exported from Japanese shores, and
as such was the standard-bearer for the brand. Leading the way for
Toyota, the Land Cruiser introduced the American public to a wholly
new means of automotive design and manufacturing quality, laying
the foundation for Toyotas future dominance of the US market. In
all its various forms, the Toyota Land Cruiser has been sold in 170
countries, has seen more than 60 years of continuous production,
ably serving duties from military transport, civilian off-roading,
and purpose-built rally racers. This legacy is of no small
consequence, but especially as it paved the way for the enormous
international success of the Toyota brand. It is the longest
continuously produced vehicle in Toyota's history, with more than
10 million FJ units sold. Without question a cult classic, the
venerable FJ40 has become the de facto face of the Land Cruiser
line. Imported to the U.S. from 1963 until 1984, it remains popular
on or off the road and continues to attract new enthusiasts
world-wide. The FJ40 would remain a fixture, with angular styling,
a flat, white roof, wraparound rear windows and short overhangs
that established an entirely new design aesthetic, one that would
become iconic in a production run that lasted for more than 2
decades. This classic FJ40 was treated to a quality full body-off
restoration a few years ago and still presents beautifully.
Finished appropriately in Dune Beige with gray steel wheels wrapped
with period-style off-road tires, it is very clean throughout,
including the undercarriage and engine bay. The paintwork is
attractive and well-presented, with glossy, consistent finishing
and a quality that befits the rugged character. Toyota's venerable
3.9 liter "F" in-line six-cylinder is tidy and authentically
detailed, runs smoothly, and is ready for action, sending power to
all four wheels through a three-speed manual gearbox and two-speed
transfer case. The utilitarian cabin has just what you need and
little else, with attractive orange-tan upholstery covering the
front split bench and side-facing jump seats. Paint quality inside
the body tub is as nice as the exterior, and rubber mats protect
the floors from muddy boots. FJs famously came in many body and top
configurations, and this example features a rarely seen beige
canvas soft top with "ambulance door" layout in the back, affording
driver and occupants the opportunity to enjoy open-air touring, on
or off road. True to its original design, this example has been
preserved with no modifications, giving it a classic, yet rugged
look and feel. Refreshingly presented in period-correct colors and
configuration, this highly desirable and sought-after FJ40 Land
Cruiser is ready take its next owner anywhere they may wish to
go... no roads necessary. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7525-1972-toyota-fj40/
