A favorite among off-road enthusiasts, the Land Cruiser was originally designed to duplicate the American jeep, essentially a reverse-engineered copy that was immediately utilized by US military forces in Korea. In 1960 Toyota introduced the J40 series, which was eventually produced in three different wheelbase lengths. The rarest of these was the mid-length FJ43, a two-door version usually covered with a canvas soft top. Phased out in the mid-1980s, the FJ43 has evolved into the most popular Land Cruiser among discerning collectors, offering a sporty basis for bespoke restorations.

Benefitting from a comprehensive restoration with modern upgrades by one of today’s foremost names in Land Cruiser restorations, this arresting FJ43 is a powerful and tasteful example. Reportedly first delivered to an owner in Indiana, this Land Cruiser was finished in medium green paint with a white hardtop.

In more recent years, the Toyota was acquired by the FJ Company, one of the nation’s leading restorers of FJ examples. The FJ43 was treated to a complete frame-off refurbishment that included the installation of a fuel-injected Toyota 1FZ engine displacing nearly 4.5 liters. The Land Cruiser received modern equipment such as a five-speed gearbox, power steering, front disc brakes, an ARB Old Man Emu suspension, Haltech fuel injection, LED headlights, a digital instrument cluster, and Corbeau sport seats. Utilitarian additions included PIAA fog lamps, a Warn front winch, Raptor bed liner, a trailer hitch, and a proper jerry can. Comfort amenities such as iPhone and Bluetooth connectivity and Vintage Air climate control were also installed.

Completed with a refinish in sky blue with a white hardtop, and new vinyl upholstery, the FJ43 was fitted with 15-inch Toyota steel wheels mounted with BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. Ideal for off-road enthusiasts or Land Cruiser aficionados, this beautifully prepared FJ43 would make a splendid example to cruise the land.