Photo: RM Sotheby's
After the Willys MB Military Jeep, Land Rover entered the 4x4 game with the Series 1. Then came the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, a macho off-roader that can talk the talk and walk the walk. A pristine example of this breed is heading to auction, and from the looks of it, collectors are sure to go to great lengths to acquire this machine.
The detail that will spur interest in the 1978 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser pictured above is what the odometer indicates. More specifically, 19,627 kilometers or 12,195 miles since it has been restored to original condition using original NOS components. Finished in factory correct Beige and garnished with a white roof and black vinyl interior, this particular FJ40 is outstanding in every aspect.
Based on 22 auction sales from 2015, the 1978 Toyota FJ40 sold for an average of $36,995 and a maximum of $82,500. Given these details and the impeccable condition of the off-roader, expect this example to fetch top dollar at auction. Starting with the 1976 model year, the FJ40 came as standard with power-assisted disc brakes at the front. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2F 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower and 210 lb-ft (284 Nm).
33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A rubber can be found at all corners, mounted on the factory wheels. Vector in the suspension lift kit and you’ll understand that this FJ40 isn’t just for show. The transmission is a four-speed manual with matching numbers, as is the four-wheel-drive system. Other than the car itself, the sale also includes over 350 photographs taken during the frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration.
The best thing about the FJ40 is that it’s sufficiently rugged to tackle whatever you throw at it, yet it’s reliable enough to be used as a daily driver. Just like the Land Rover and Willys Jeep, the FJ40 is an extremely desirable piece for the fashion-conscious crowd. But then again, the Great Outdoors always beckons an adventurous owner.
Based on 22 auction sales from 2015, the 1978 Toyota FJ40 sold for an average of $36,995 and a maximum of $82,500. Given these details and the impeccable condition of the off-roader, expect this example to fetch top dollar at auction. Starting with the 1976 model year, the FJ40 came as standard with power-assisted disc brakes at the front. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2F 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 135 horsepower and 210 lb-ft (284 Nm).
33-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A rubber can be found at all corners, mounted on the factory wheels. Vector in the suspension lift kit and you’ll understand that this FJ40 isn’t just for show. The transmission is a four-speed manual with matching numbers, as is the four-wheel-drive system. Other than the car itself, the sale also includes over 350 photographs taken during the frame-off, nut-and-bolt restoration.
The best thing about the FJ40 is that it’s sufficiently rugged to tackle whatever you throw at it, yet it’s reliable enough to be used as a daily driver. Just like the Land Rover and Willys Jeep, the FJ40 is an extremely desirable piece for the fashion-conscious crowd. But then again, the Great Outdoors always beckons an adventurous owner.
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