Vehicle Description
The Toyota FJ40 phenomenon is legit, and prices are skyrocketing,
but we'll wager that with all the perfectly restored and
resto-modded examples running around at auctions, this low mileage
original 1962 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser will draw a crowd wherever
it goes.
Yep, it's a mostly original truck with just 39,768 believed to be
original miles, and it has obviously been properly maintained over
the decades because it's beautifully preserved. Wearing a repaint
that was done in 2014, it looks pretty much like all the other Land
Cruisers you see bouncing around in old shows and movies, although
the light green paint is a welcome contrast to all the tan ones
running around. Super straight bodywork suggests it hasn't spent
its life in the rough and since it's from the warm, dry south, you
know that rust is a non-issue. Instead, it's got that intangible
feel that only good original vehicles offer, and the hobby is
responding in a big way to survivors like this. The no-nonsense
look of the nearly vertical windshield, contrasting white roof, and
rear-mounted spare tire are all part of the FJ's charm, and it's
all pretty much the way it was when it was new, a remarkable feat
of preservation. You can also see that there was minimal chrome and
as far as correct finishes, this one can serve as a road map for
those six-figure restorations that are currently underway.
The black interior is comfortable for two and can handle up to
seven if you're well-acquainted. The upholstery is brand new and
shows off high-quality materials that seem to defy the passage of
time. The undercoated and painted floors are all the proof you need
that this is a rust-free truck; they're in just fantastic condition
and the non-slip surface is low-maintenance for playing in the dirt
(not that this pretty truck will ever do anything like that again).
The gauges are all functional and it features a long shifter for
the 3-speed manual gearbox (recently rebuilt along with the
transfer case, and moved to the floor), but that's about it.
Sticking to the basics, there is no radio, but the heater is
powerful enough to melt your shoes, and both the fold-down center
seat in front and the side seats in back are in excellent shape.
The bright green paint makes it bright and airy inside and it's
worth noting that the top has never been off, more proof that this
is a low-mile truck.
The 3.8L F inline-six isn't the most powerful, but what you want in
the remote corners of the globe is reliability, not huge
horsepower. With smart gearing, it feels nimble and lively around
town, and in low range it'll idle over obstacles that would stop
lesser vehicles. The well-dressed engine bay shows off careful and
proper routine maintenance, with the only replacement parts being
the usual: belts, hoses, battery, tires, and brakes. Clean living
has resulted in an extremely tidy engine bay, and if you're a fan
of originality, this truck has to be appealing to you because the
engine has never been apart. Underneath, the chassis is even more
remarkable, looking only a few years old rather than four decades.
The transmission, transfer case, and the brakes were all recently
rebuilt and there's a new drive shaft turning the original rear
axle. There's no evidence that it's been beating around off-road,
and once again, the maintenance it has received has ensured that it
stays in top condition. Factory steel wheels carry H78-15 off-road
tires that may only be the second or third set it's ever worn.
With an awesome look and the feel of an original truck, this is a
remarkable survivor that is far more desirable than a restored Land
Cruiser. Take this one to the next FJ gathering and watch what
happens; that alone will make it worth the purchase price. Call
today!