1977 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ40 - BONHAMS SCOTTSDALE AUCTION 15th January 2015

"CROSSING THE BLOCK"

Featuring:

Scottsdale, Westin Kierland Resort & Spa, USA

15th January 2015

1977 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ40

1977 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Chassis no. FJ40-243744
Engine no. 2F 153195

4,230cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
135bhp at 3,600rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front and Rear Semi-Elliptical Leaf Springs – Live Rear Axle
Front Disc Brakes – Rear Drum Brakes


*Comprehensively restored
*Toyota's off-road icon
*Used as a ranch vehicle in dry Eastern Wyoming
*Fitted with rear seat heater – ideal for cold mornings
*Very well presented example of Toyota's rugged FJ40


THE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

The Toyota Land Cruiser, in its many sizes and configurations, has a long and successful history of reliable service in the most rugged conditions. Patterned after the ubiquitous Jeep and Land Rover utility vehicles, the Land Cruiser demonstrated that Toyota could produce much more than just economical cars.

The Land Cruiser's popularity and utility is reflected in the number of variants in which it was built. It is probably impossible to identify all of them -- they came in short, medium, long and extra-long wheelbases, with a variety of roofs, half cabs, soft tops and doors, and with four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. They climb mountains, cross deserts, cross rivers, balance their way over rocky falls – they are one of the archetypical utility vehicles and today finding a good vintage example can be difficult.

Introduced in 1960, the FJ40 series and its variants remained in production for a quarter century, the kind of longevity that demonstrates true value and quality. They became indispensible in unsettled and remote areas of the world, hauled safaris through Africa, developed a devoted following among America's off-road culture and have spawned a host of imitators. Toyota itself paid its homage to the model in 2004 when it introduced the retro-styled FJ Cruiser to capitalize on the continuing image and popularity of the Land Cruiser, some twenty years after the original's production run ended.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This Land Cruiser, a 1977 model, is understood to have spent its life on the dry eastern plains of Wyoming, where it was used primarily as a ranch vehicle, "hardly ever [leaving] the ranch", according to the consignor. Accordingly, it is possible that the indicated mileage of under 25,000 may be original; regardless, fewer than 200 miles have been added since a comprehensive restoration was completed.

During restoration, the body was removed, the job being described as a "nut & bolt body off" affair. The engine and gearbox, as well as other mechanical components and systems, were restored, with components either rebuilt or replaced with OEM Toyota parts where necessary. The consignor notes that the original front and rear floor mats – still in excellent condition – were retained, while the Land Cruiser is fitted with a rear seat heater, no doubt a welcome option on chilly Wyoming mornings!

The result of the recent restoration work is a Land Cruiser that presents strikingly, a fine representation of Toyota's rugged FJ40 off-road icon. It presents in the period color combination of red with a white top over black upholstery, and features the Warn locking front hubs. Perfect for a desert explorer's trip, use on the ranch – as this one has seen – or any number of other recreational uses, FJ40 Land Cruisers such as this one are gaining traction among collectors, and with their classic looks and blend of utility and a proven drivetrain, it's easy to see why.

Without reserve

 

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