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 4�4 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.
Offers welcome and trades considered
