1973 TOYOTA FJ40 LAND CRUISER

This Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser is a smart, utility-focused truck, benefitting from a significant overhaul five years ago, and a recent respray. It is powered by a 3.9-litre straight-six petrol engine producing around 125hp, coupled to a manual transmission, with four-wheel drive via a two-speed transfer case. The odometer shows 89,005 km (55,305 miles).

Understood to have been supplied new to its first owner in Italy, the Land Cruiser is believed to have seen regular seasonal work along the east coast in the Abruzzo region, before being taken off the road in the late 1990s with a view to commencing a restoration. Other projects evidently got in the way, because the refurbishment was not completed until 2016, when the car was presented freshly painted in white, and with a pair of contemporary seats in the cabin.

During this programme of restoration, the mechanicals were also attended to, with an overhaul of the engine, ancillaries, and brakes. The cosmetic work is understood to have been sympathetic, retaining numerous original components where possible, such as the instrument gauges, control knobs, steering wheel, and the patinated badges.

The current owner acquired this Toyota in late 2016, whereafter it was officially imported to the UK and re-registered on 6 December. He has used it sparingly on his estate, covering less than 100 miles over the last four years, and having it repainted in the more period-appropriate hue of Desert Sand.

The FJ40 presents in generally excellent condition, with impressive shut lines and panel gaps as can be seen in the photo gallery below. The paint finish has been applied to a good standard, covering the exposed elements both inside and out. There are a few small imperfections visible in the gallery, and the seller notes a blister around the left rear quarter in particular. In pared-back ‘soft top’ form, this Land Cruiser has a simple roll cage frame behind the front seats, and a basic tonneau cover for protection from the elements. It rides on 15-inch wheels, which are in good order.

Its cabin is unashamedly a no-frills environment, with a painted dashboard and a basic set of instruments and controls for the driver. The two front seats have been upgraded to more contemporary - and evidently more comfortable - items, fully trimmed in black vinyl with white piping. The rear compartment is protected by rubber matting, which makes for a practical and easy-to-clean load bay.

Mechanically, this FJ40 is in good order, and has been treated to a range of preventative maintenance in the current ownership, despite the low mileage covered. Its restoration paperwork from Italy shows that the engine was overhauled with new valves and valve guides in 2016, and that the brakes were also refurbished. The water pump and radiator were also replaced. The total cost of the cosmetic and mechanical work was €17,385.

The seller believes that the gearbox may have been changed to a non-original item in the past, as reverse gear on the dashboard diagram is in fact first gear in the mechanism. The anti-roll bar is also thought to have been upgraded. The car’s last scheduled maintenance was carried out in September 2020 at Lionheart Garage in Alnwick, when the engine oil and oil filter were renewed.

Prior to this, it was seen in November 2019 at Inchkeith Motors in Lauder, where various bushes for the leaf springs were replaced, along with the dampers, upper and lower bushes, and the swinging arm shackles at the front. In December 2017, the same workshop replaced various wiring and the battery terminals.

During the current ownership, five new steel wheels and tyres have been fitted - including the full-size spare - along with the headlights, front prop-shaft, and the return spring for the transmission brake. The steering arms have been degreased and fitted with new ball joints, the brakes have been adjusted, and the axle oil has been replenished. Some of the fuse box wiring has been repaired, with various new bulbs fitted, and the carburettor has been tuned.

The last MOT test was on 9 September 2020 at 89,004 km, which resulted in a first-time pass with only one advisory regarding slight wear in a suspension bush on the nearside rear leaf spring. Its wheels are fitted with General Grabber TR tyres, which are in excellent condition with a 10mm tread depth throughout.

Paperwork for the restoration and maintenance carried out since 1998 is included, with photographs showing the before, during and after stages of the refurbishment - as well as the invoice for just over €17,000. MOT certificates and service receipts from the UK are all on file, as well as DVLA documentation regarding the re-registered following importation from Italy.

This Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser is an iconic 1970s 4x4, which would be a great car for summer cruising in 2021, or which could alternatively be put to use as a genuine ‘workhorse’ with its practical cabin and robust mechanicals. Presented in very good order throughout, and ready to enjoy on or off road, this Japanese classic is sure to delight its next owner, wherever they choose to drive it.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 89,005 km
  • manual
  • LHD
  • Desert Sand
  • Black
  • 3.9L
  • VINFJ40-136043


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01434
  • private Sale
  • Alnwick, Northumberland, United Kingdom

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