1979 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40

The founder of Toyota Motor Corp. was Kiichiro Toyoda, who wrote in the July 1941 issue of the magazine Hanjidosha, "Era of the complete domestically-built car" subtitled "When will Japan produce one?" in which he expressed his dream and determination to produce a car fully made in Japan, just as Ford and Chevrolet did in America.  As criteria for a car for the people he listed low price, high-performance, and economy, and discussed the technical issues behind these.  The car that first fulfilled the dream like the established world automakers was the Land Cruiser.  Moreover, the Land Cruiser led Toyota's drive into world markets, taking the all-important first step.

A bit revved up and ready to be rough and rumble in any outdoor situation, this restored to be used and not trailered 4x4 in classic 1970's design is here climbing the walls at Classic Auto Mall.  This truck can literally go anywhere, and if you get into trouble, one can winch themselves out.  The only thing it does not do is drive upside down on the ceiling, which is a bit disappointing but understandable.  Acquired by our consignor in 2020 and then upgraded far beyond the mountain climbing steps the prior owner performed, this rig is rough, ready, and capable with Iron Pig Off-Road performing the majority of the new upgrades.  These plusses include but are not limited to a Monster rebuilt automatic transmission and cooler, a custom auxiliary fuse box, brake and suspension components and an upgraded cooling system.  Let's strap in, pull the lever into 4-High and take the path less traveled.

Exterior
With any body rust remediated, a nice Toyota Tan respray now covers this tall 4-wheeler.  15-inch wheels all spit shined and now with Warn hubs on the fronts, are all wrapped in 37x12.50R15 Dick Cepek all-terrain rubber.  There is a black bikini soft top now covering the front seat passengers and solid steel doors bolted on this truck.  White was the color of choice for the mirrors, hood latches and wiper arms and this compliments the sea of tan steel nicely.  Gaps remain well minded, but as with any off roader a few dings and scratches are noted in the finish.  An aftermarket tubular black steel bumper clears the way in front of you and should you not be able to climb an obstacle, a Warn winch is on to help pull you along.  Warn foglights hang off the sides of the cowl and just below are black running boards with extra step bars below.  Perfect for a portly individual such as myself.  Black fenders over the rear tires keep the mud splash at bay and out back is an exterior mounted spare hanging off the back gate.  Another Warn winch is hidden under the rear of the body and below the tire is another aftermarket black steel bumper with a towing receiver and auxiliary reverse/spot lights below.  Lest we forget the iconic oval grille in white color, is now fitted with LED headlights just outboard. Climb every mountain!

Interior
Utilitarian but effective, with custom aftermarket big black leather buckets up front which flank a locking center console.  These seats are finished in smooth black leather with tan tuck and roll inserts and a befitting FJ40 embroidered into the backrests.  A foldable matching aftermarket rear seat is seen, and tough rubber on the floors makes for a quick cleanup.  Floating below the black padded topper is the silver faced dash with a custom insert with Autometer gauges.  The center of the dash also has Autometer gauges inserted, as well as many original knobs, a controller for the heat and AC, switches for the on board air compressor, air locking axles, and controls for the front and rear winch.  A Sony AM/FM/CD player also has been installed dead center and fronting all of this is a wood rimmed Grant GT rally style steering wheel.  In front of the passenger is a white painted glove box door sporting a decal with various shifter controls.  Black vinyl makes up the door panels and is well dressed with custom billet arm rests and chrome manual window cranks.  Finishing off this interior is a full roll cage to give you and yours proper protection should things go awry.  Give me your mud, your rain, your camping gear, and your firewood…

Drivetrain
A non-original crate GM RamJet 350ci V8 fits nicely into the engine bay.  This chrome valve covered mill is bolted up to a rebuilt Monster TH350 3-speed automatic and just behind is a overhauled in 2022 dual range transfer case and new front driveshaft.  3.70 geared axles are seen fore and aft and have been fitted with ARB air locking carriers.  Recent service to the engine includes new motor mounts, a new starter, a new red top Optima battery and a Champion aluminum radiator.  Some kids grew up on mean streets with crips and bloods, but me I was born on a back road on a 4x4 rollin through the mud.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the usual subjects, all is secure and sturdy, structurally sound underneath with its black finish and light coating of road dirt.  A conversion to Old Man Emu leaf springs with new bushings and a new traction bar smooth over some of the bumps and are on all 4 corners of this truck.  A 4" lift helps you traverse most terrain as do the Rancho 9000 Series shocks.  Front and rear ARB Air Lockers also are seen.  A new master cylinder helps power front disc brakes and power drums bring this rig to a halt along with new parking brake cables and new brake lines by Iron Pig Off-Road, which is good, because what goes up must come down!  Headers are on for the exhale and breathe spent gasses out through a pair of Glasspack mufflers.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and smooth runner, this truck can get the tires singing and the exhaust playing a melodious throaty tune.  All functions, including the air conditioning were operational but we did notice the speedometer reads a bit off over 40mph.  Sing with me:  Let's get a little mud on the tires…

With its near 7' and 2" overall height from the ground to the top of the roll cage you may call this on and off road rig imposing and you'd be correct.  Some restoration, a modern fuel injected crate 350ci motor mated to a new Monster automatic. Utilitarian but nice interior which can be cleaned with a hose, and a good looker.  4 wheeling in a classic Land Cruiser, you'll have the hikers and mountain bikers turning their heads when you are coming and going…throw a little dust or mud on 'em just for kicks!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.