1977 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

This example of the venerable FJ40 was faithfully maintained by its original owner, a sheriff’s deputy in Orange County, California, for 35 years. He and his wife enjoyed the vehicle as their weekend driver, tallying 23,000 miles, until it was acquired by the consignor in 2012. The vehicle was passed to a third owner, who held it for 13 months, before the consignor reacquired it in 2014. This owner, a marque specialist, then began a comprehensive but sympathetic restoration with the goal of retaining the FJ40’s factory specification.

The photo-documented work, which took more than one year, benefits from a high level of detail rarely seen in a Toyota FJ restoration. The body and frame were separated, media-blasted, and repainted in high-quality materials. The engine was tested and deemed strong, so the head was not removed from the block. All other drivetrain components were rebuilt to as-new specification and finished appropriately. Additionally, the fuel and emissions systems were completely renewed and the original exhaust system was restored.

Attention to detail abounds, with fasteners and clamps either replaced with OEM components or replated as appropriate. An original, 5,000-mile FJ40 was used as a template for the restoration, helping to ensure the accuracy of the finishes, decals, and assembly. The results are truly stunning and completed to a level rarely seen on FJ40s.