In the world of rugged, do-anything off-road vehicles, few nameplates have the cachet of Toyota’s Land Cruiser. Known around the globe for bulletproof reliability, Toyota launched the third generation of its now-famous Land Cruiser in 1960. The FJ40 succeeded the “20 series” model, and official importation to the United States began in 1963. Within two years, the FJ40 Land Cruiser had become the best-selling Toyota in America. Improvements were incorporated over the years, but the FJ would remain essentially the same cosmetically until it went out of production after the 1984 model year.

This 1970 Toyota FJ40 two-door hardtop was acquired by a previous owner out of Arizona several years ago, showing signs of being enjoyed but not abused. In addition to possessing a charming patina, it remains in largely factory-stock condition; given the number of vintage Land Cruisers that have been heavily modified over the years, this is worthy of note. Finished in a minty shade of green, it oozes vintage appeal throughout. The interior features black upholstery and is equipped with dual, inward-facing rear bench seats and air conditioning.

Powered by a 3.9-liter inline six-cylinder gasoline engine, this FJ40 features a three-speed, column-mounted, manual transmission and a front winch. It rides on gray-painted steel wheels with polished hub caps wrapped in BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A knobby tires.

The previous owner is said to have replaced the clutch and fluids upon acquiring the vehicle and subsequently had it serviced at RM Restorations in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada. In 2021, RM Restorations rebuilt the carburetor, and in 2022 the shop refurbished the winch, windshield-wiper system, speedometer, and other components.

Whether on wooded trails, scrambling over boulders, or simply relaxing beachside, there is no setting in which a classic Land Cruiser feels out of place. This example will no doubt serve its next owner faithfully wherever it goes, and it offers the chance to choose your own adventure: An excellent basis for a full restoration or an enticing starting point for a full custom build, it could also be enjoyed as-is, with its characterful patina only enhancing its time-tested ruggedness.