Toyota's legendary Land Cruiser hardly needs an introduction. From
its arrival in 1951 through today, the Land Cruiser has been the
vehicle of choice for traversing the wilds of Africa, crossing the
desolate Australian Outback, or navigating snowy urban streets.
Toyota applied the Land Cruiser name to a wide variety of vehicles,
ranging from utilitarian to luxurious, and virtually every
variation can lay claim to legions of loyal fans. However, the FJ40
stands proudly at the top of the heap and is recognized as the most
iconic and widely adored member of the Land Cruiser family.
This 1978 FJ40 is a superb example fresh from a nut-and-bolt,
ground-up restoration by a marque specialist. An original U.S. spec
truck, desirably equipped with a hardtop and ambulance doors, this
Land Cruiser is finished to a very high standard and features
several carefully selected updates to improve its everyday
usability. Photos from the restoration show the body was restored
using an original all-steel Toyota tub, with other rust-free
original panels sourced as needed. After repairs, the body was
completely stripped and coated inside and underneath with textured
Raptor liner for an additional layer of weather protection and
sound deadening. It was then painted in the period correct shade of
Olive Green (Code 653) using PPG paint for an authentic,
factory-quality finish. The body received all new OE Toyota rubber
gaskets, seals, and emblems, and it rides on new Toyota OEM steel
wheels, painted the correct shade of gray, and fitted with chunky
33 x 10.50-15 BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/As for the perfect,
purposeful off-road stance.
Inside, the cabin is restored to better-than-new standards, with
factory-correct black vinyl upholstery on the seats and door
panels, rubber floor liners, and superb detailing everywhere you
look. The instrument panel is restored with refurbished gauges,
switches, and controls, and the knobs and vents for the new Vintage
Air Gen 3 A/C system integrate nicely into the fascia. Additional
soft trim items such as the headliner, sun visors, and dash pad are
new and correct to factory specs.
Mechanically, this FJ is in superb condition, with virtually no
fastener left unturned during the restoration. The 2F engine was
tested, inspected, cleaned, resealed, and topped with a
reconditioned cylinder head. Ancillaries, including the alternator
and exhaust system, are new, and the chassis features later-model
Toyota "mini-truck" power steering. The suspension is by Old Man
Emu, with new springs, shocks, greaseable shackles, stainless steel
brake lines, and polyurethane bushings. Additionally, the front and
rear axles were rebuilt with new bearings, gaskets, and seals.
As his tenth complete body-off project, the restorer applied his
years of experience to this meticulously thorough restoration,
which shows in every facet of this superb FJ40. The attention to
detail and well-integrated modern amenities makes it effortless to
drive and remarkably comfortable to use in all manner of conditions
- on or off the beaten path.
Offers welcome and trades considered.
Vehicle Details
1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Listing ID:CC-2015805
Price:$84,500
Location:Saint Louis, Missouri
Year:1978
Make:Toyota
Model:Land Cruiser FJ40
Odometer:0
Stock Number:7942
VIN:FJ40272914
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