Frame Off Restored 18,202 Actual Mile FJ40 Land Cruiser

In America's vast and ever expanding collector car culture you can find many different definitions of cool. There are rarities with long stories and big exclusivity that are bought to be shown, talked about and referenced. There are purpose-built performance machines which are tailored to specific activities or events. There are chrome-laden classics that honor years, eras and even lifestyles which have come and gone. And then there are pieces like this 18K mile, two-owner Land Cruiser that are utilitarian, easy to own and just a blast to drive! Fully-sorted and professionally polished, this trail blazing Toyota is one of the toughest and most capable SUVs ever built. And, thanks to an extensive restoration, it's just as versatile on the show field as it is in the mud. If you're looking for a cool classic that's fun, unique and ready to hit the road, this rugged FJ40 is just your style!

Born from practicality and wartime necessity, the Land Cruiser began life as a reverse engineered Bantam GP that Toyota assembled for the Imperial Japanese Army. The truck's rugged construction and tidy proportions proved extremely useful when it came to transporting soldiers, towing equipment and all-terrain motoring. And eventually, circa 1953, Toyota decided to market its proven creation directly to civilian consumers. This two owner, 18,202 original mile Land Cruiser, frame-off restored in late 2008 by Del Sol Tire and Auto in Dade City, Florida, carries mostly original metal that was disassembled, completely sand-blasted inside and out, sprayed six times over in Toyota code 653 Sicilian Olive paint and sealed in a durable clearcoat shell. Presently, there isn't a dent or crease anywhere to be found on its Rhino-inspired body; and that body's wet-looking finish has a spectacular shine that casts glares and shoots reflections much, MUCH better than old school single-stage pigment.

Aesthetically this vintage Toyota is pretty predictable, but I mean that in a good way. It's an excellent incarnation of the tough, boxy persona which populated the sports utility vehicle segment until the early part of this century. The only difference is: this truck's basic open bodywork is productive function instead of pure form. At its nose, a bright white grille hangs a simple “TOYOTA” script between large halogen headlights, fender-mounted parking lights and a beefy Warn winch. At its top, a bright white roof caps like-new glass that's sealed between a hinged windshield frame, satin-finished windshield wipers and a sculpted hood with silver catches. At its sides, tough vertical panels hang removable doors behind gnarly “TOYOTA Land Cruiser” scripts, spotless chrome mirrors, flush fitting door handles and clear square marker lights. And out back, split doors hang a simple chrome handle and a full-size spare tire above crystal clear tail lights, a black and silver bumper, and fresh “TOYOTA” and “4 wheel drive” emblems.

Pop this venerable FJ's hood and you'll find an original 135 horsepower 2F six cylinder which looks good and runs great! Based on General Motor's stalwart Stovebolt Six, Toyota's famous overhead valve mill isn't a grossly overpowered piece; but it's certainly proven its ability to get this compact 4x4 out of many tight situations and tow just about any moderately sized toy its owners can imagine. At the top of the block, a snazzy “Land Cruiser” branded air cleaner sends air from a re-usable filter element to a modern Holley throttle body that's wired with Downey Off-Road Fuel Injection. At the base of that throttle body, a stamped valve cover caps a factory intake manifold and a ceramic coated long tube header. And at the base of that valve cover, an MSD ignition cable shoots fire between a small coil, an aftermarket points distributor and fresh Yazaki plug wires. Visually, this 46 year old powerplant looks incredibly clean thanks to a thorough steam pressure wash and a full-scale leak test; both of which were conducted during the truck's extensive restoration. And the engine bay itself is dotted with many trail ready essentials including an Optima gel cell battery, a small battery charger and fresh Painless wiring.

Originally built to mimic America's hella tough Jeep, this old school SUV features part-time four wheel drive and enough ground clearance to give new meaning to the phrase 'stump jumper'. The truck's original 4-speed manual transmission sends power through a correct open rear end, which is complete with tall 3.70 gears, and a correct transfer case to serve up an awesome combination of off-roading prowess and inclement weather capability. Traditional manual steering will make sure you have the buff arms to match your ride's buff stance. And a new-for-1976 front disc and rear drum brake combination will bring all your newfound bulk to a quick and uneventful stop. This Toyota's suspension, which consists of rugged solid axles and leaf springs at both ends, has been augmented by a Hell For Stout lift kit to create a raised stance and even more off road capability. Exhaust is handled by a welded factory replacement system that runs into one subdued sounding Magnaflow muffler. At the back of the truck's frame, a heavy duty hitch is ready and waiting to tow the toy of your choosing. And at the corners of its floor, 15 inch Battle Ship Gray wheels spin 33x10.50 BF Goodrich Mud Terrain T/As around reliable Warn hubs and spotless stainless center caps. The bottom of this clean Toyota is exactly what you should expect from a lightly used restoration and proves that, while this Land Cruiser is exceptionally nice, it's not something you should be afraid to get dirty.

Inside this classic 4x4 you'll find a spacious and comfortable driving environment that has enough room to be your vehicle of choice for weekend adventures. The firm front, and folding and opposing rear, bucket seat are wrapped in high quality vinyl covers which are actually pretty ornate given this truck's original purpose. A new black floor mats runs from under the dash to the bottom of those front seats, and again from the opposing rear seats to the aforementioned dual rear doors. In front of the driver, a boxy dash hangs a warp-free pad over clear gauges, controls for the truck's accessories and a correct AM/FM radio. Between the front passengers, two simple black shifters, one for the 4-speed transmission and one for the four-wheel drive system, center themselves on a retrofitted armrest and console combination. Opposite that console black plastic door panels, which display virtually no weathering, frame simple plastic handles and window cranks. At the top of the cockpit, the truck's bright white roof is only broken by a glossy black roll bar. And connecting the driver to the road is a factory issue steering wheel which spins around a retro, blue Toyota emblem.

The sale of this square-jawed rock crawler includes an extensive list of both the NOS components and highly detailed processes used to complete its restoration, a small stack of restoration receipts, and a well-worn Haynes manual.

Ready for show and ready to go, this Sicilian Olive 4x4 is one very cool SUV that's still every bit as functional today as it was in when it drove off the showroom floor. It's the kind of cool piece that would be right at home parked at your favorite Friday night dive next to other vintage cars, or perched on a mountain conquering your latest Saturday afternoon adventure. Super nice, professionally restored Land Cruisers are virtually impossible to find; don't miss your chance to own the nicest one we've ever seen!