350ci OHV Ram Jet GM V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
Automatic 700R4 Transmission
Live Axle Suspension
4-Wheel Drive
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Customized with American V8 Power and a host of desirable upgrades
*2-year restoration completed by specialists shop
*Fun FJ with cool features
*Toyota's off-road icon with a twist

THE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER

The Toyota Land Cruiser, in its many sizes and configurations has had a long and successful history of reliable service through the most rugged of 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.

Introduced in 1960, the FJ40 and its variants remained in production for a quarter century, the kind of longevity that demonstrates true value, quality and utility. 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 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 Land Cruiser's popularity and utility is reflected in the number of variants in which it was built. There were in fact so many that it is probably impossible to identify all of them, but they came in short, medium, long and extra long wheelbase, with a variety of roofs, half cabs, soft tops and doors, with four- and six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. They climb mountains, cross deserts, ford rivers, balance their way over rock falls – they are one of the archetypical utility vehicles and today finding a good vintage example can be difficult.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The quintessential embodiment of unrestrained exploration, this left-hand drive 1977 Toyota FJ40 was delivered new from the factory wearing red paint over a grey interior. It has resided much of its life in the dry Southwest of the States, and was carefully maintained and cared for by two previous owners before it was purchased by the consignor – a Toyota FJ40 enthusiast with three other similar models in his current collection.

Purchased largely for its sound condition, this Land Cruiser was placed with a premier marque specialist for a comprehensive nut and bolt restoration, which took over two years complete. The body was disassembled and stripped to bare metal, then fully equipped with all new hardware, including the wiring harness. The exterior was redressed in fabulous Patriot Blue Pearl polyurethane paint with a glass-like clear coat, while the interior, which features custom rear jump seats, sports eight hides of premium blue leather. The suspension underwent an OME 2.5 inch lift and was fitted with a custom-made 6-point RMC roll-cage and custom front bumper. The front and rear differentials were rebuilt, as was the transfer-case, and four-wheel disc brakes with new Bilstein shocks.

The steering system was upgraded with new steering components, including tilt column power-steering with stabilizer. A new vintage air conditioning unit was installed along with tinted windows, a satellite radio and a state-of-the-art audio system, featuring a Cerwin-Vega amplifier. To accommodate the audio system, the car was treated to extensive sound deadening throughout, facilitated by premium quality carpet. A custom gauge cluster was formulated on the dashboard using Stuart Warner gauges. Front-facing and back-up cameras were installed along with a navigation system and high output lighting.

Most notably, this FJ40 was in receipt of a GM Ram Jet 350 V-8 crate motor coupled with a GM 700R4 automatic transmission. Lokar shifter, pedals and emergency brake handle were added and the car underwent stringent testing and a professional computer tune of the entire system by a specialist. Since installation, the engine has registered only 3,000 miles and breathes new life into this 1977 Toyota.

This gorgeous blue Land Cruiser comes with an invisible clear bar for protection and photographs attesting to its restoration history. Clearly it will be the pride and joy of any collector with a zeal for adventure and the road less traveled.