• Seller: Scott M cAlpine
• Location: Prineville, Oregon
• Mileage: 40,378 Shown
• Chassis #: FJ4075052
• Title Status: Clean

UPDATE – The seller has a 2011 Chevrolet LS V8 engine they had intended to install in the FJ, while not included, a deal could be arranged to include it and any of the parts the seller has acquired for the engine.

UPDATE – The seller has added additional photos, which can be found in the gallery below!

It is often said that almost any four-wheel drive can take you deep into the wilderness, but only a Toyota Land Cruiser will guarantee you return home safely. The Land Cruiser enjoys a well-earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability, making it a firm favorite with defense forces across the globe. This 1970 FJ40 is a rock-solid project candidate ideal for someone considering a first or hands-on build. It has a known ownership history, and returning it to active service as a survivor is a realistic short-term goal. The current owner feels they won’t be able to do it justice, listing the Toyota with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Toyota’s Land Cruiser FJ40 enjoyed an impressive production run. The first vehicles rolled off the line in 1960, with the last driving out the door in 1983. It underwent evolutionary changes throughout its life, but the company saw no reason to mess with a winning formula that resulted in a solid customer base. This FJ40 emerged from the factory in 1970 with its exterior cloaked in Capri Blue paint. This shade was available from 1961 until 1971, providing the Land Cruiser with a striking appearance. It shows its age and would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic refresh. However, this process would be a straightforward job that a competent person could tackle in a home workshop. The panels have a few minor bumps and bruises, but those are the worst of this classic’s problems. There is no evidence of external rust, while the underside shots in the gallery below confirm that this gem is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. The glass and trim are in good order, while the larger wheels, Badland Winch, and LED driving lights are practical additions that would improve this Toyota’s versatility.

The robust body wasn’t the FJ40’s only strength because its drivetrain was among the toughest available in any off-roader from this period. The 3.9-liter F-Series six-cylinder powerplant produces 125hp and 209 ft/lbs of torque, which feeds to the road via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The torque figure is the most significant because it peaks below 2,000 rpm. That means that combined with the transfer case and excellent ground clearance, the FJ40 quickly built a reputation for being able to access terrain that would defeat lesser mortals. This Land Cruiser has a known history, with its owner as its third custodian. He purchased it from its elderly second owner, who had commenced an engine refresh. There is work remaining, but a competent person with a Shop Manual in hand should have no trouble coaxing this beauty back to life. The cylinder head has been rebuilt and is ready to reattach with the included new gasket once the lower end of the six receives attention. The previous owner removed the pistons, leaving the winning bidder to deglaze the bores and inspect everything thoroughly to determine whether any other work is required. The six can then be bolted together with the new piston rings the owner includes in the deal. The previous owner also added power steering, which would make this a much nice truck to drive.

The hallmark of the 1970 Land Cruiser FJ40 interior is its unerring practicality. Toyota designed these vehicles for off-road duties, and knowing how mud and slush can find their way inside, they chose hardwearing trim materials like vinyl and rubber. That made cleaning everything following any adventure an easy task. This Land Cruiser features its original Black vinyl, but the rubber floor mats are gone. However, these are readily available and affordable if the new owner wishes to recapture the Toyota’s former glory. The front seats exhibit seam separations, but they are serviceable. The back seats require new covers and foam, although some potential buyers may choose to remove them entirely if they don’t intend to carry passengers. If you do retain them, the original rear heater is still in place and should help keep rear passengers toasty in the colder months. The painted surfaces would benefit from a refresh, but the gauges and switches are in good order. The interior continues a theme set by the exterior, with a few aftermarket additions to improve practicality and comfort. A CD player with a remote hides in the glovebox, and a set of extra gauges monitors the state of play under the hood. There is also a CB radio as a backup in the unlikely event that something should bring this Land Cruiser to a halt.

I am a staunch advocate for the 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40, and my support results from family experience. My father worked for a power generation company, and the depot from which he worked had one of these to monitor and patrol the lines in harsh rural locations. That Land Cruiser performed the task admirably and never left its occupants stranded. This Cruiser is a gem and would make an excellent restoration project. If you have been searching for an off-roader to provide adventure, bidding on this FJ40 could be the first step to transforming that dream into reality.

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