Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser 1978 - World Of Classic Cars -

Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser 1978

From its humble beginnings as a rural police vehicle in Japan, the Toyota FJ40’s reputation has spread worldwide. When Toyota and Land Rover went head to head in the 1960s, Toyota prevailed in the roughest and toughest parts of the world, as the short-wheelbase FJ40 required less maintenance than its British counterpart.
Not surprisingly, collectors have recognized the value of Toyota’s back-country workhorse, and their enthusiasm is reflected in rising prices. Exceptional FJ40s can command as much as the most sophisticated modern 4X4s, with the certain knowledge that they are as tough, and far easier to repair. While some Land Rovers enjoy limited use as weekend showpieces, FJ40s are still doing the job for which they were designed.

Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser 1978

The FJ40 also made considerable inroads into the Jeep market in the U.S. in the 1960s and ’70s, prized for the excellent factory hardtop, not offered by their American counterpart. The last FJ40s were imported to the U.S. in 1983, when it was replaced by a softer Land Cruiser SUV aimed at suburban travel. Toyota shifted its barebones focus to the rest of the world, and the FJ40 was built in Brazil (as the Bandeirante) and in Venezuela (as the Macho), while Australia still gets the updated 70 series for Outback use.

Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser 1978

The FJ40 on shown has enjoyed single-family ownership in Colombia, where it was used as a city vehicle and for occasional trips to rural farms. It was restored by respected marque specialists The FJ Company of Miami, Florida, whose owners have a lifetime’s experience with FJ40s. The concours-quality restoration was fully documented and photographed. The frame was powder-coated, and two coats of urethane sealed the chassis and floors. Two coats of anti-corrosive primer preceded multiple coats of the original Sky Blue paint, with the top of the factory hardtop finished in Cygnus White. The roll bar was repainted, and the seats were upholstered in the correct grey material. The wiring harness was replaced, along with all fuse blocks and relays, and the gauges were refinished.

Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser 1978

The 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine, four-speed transmission, and four-wheel-drive system were systematically rebuilt, using Toyota OEM parts wherever possible, and Old Man Emu suspension parts were fitted. The original air conditioning was overhauled, all seals and bearings were replaced throughout, and all fixtures and nuts and bolts were zinc-plated.