The Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, which was inspired by the American Willys M38 Jeep, quickly found a passionate following when it was introduced in the United States. It was larger, more powerful, and had a higher ground-clearance than the Jeep, and FJ40 owners found it to be just as rugged as, and even more reliable than, its American counterpart. It was only natural that the FJ40 was popular with outdoorsmen and others with an active lifestyle, and the model quickly gained an excellent reputation as one of the best off-road vehicles that money could buy, cementing itself as a cultural icon.

Land Crusiers could be had in a variety of different wheelbases and body styles to suit the customer’s needs. Pickup trucks, soft-tops, hardtops, and even a station wagon were offered, giving the FJ40 a seating capacity of up to seven. With a rugged design and few comforts inside, these were vehicles built to get from Point A to Point B with no questions asked, and they were absolutely bulletproof when properly maintained. Many FJ40s were modified over their lifespan to suit owners’ specific needs, and today, it is increasingly difficult to find a factory-correct example.

The hardtop FJ40 presented here was purchased by the Andrews’ from an individual residing in New Mexico, and it is in wonderful condition. It is finished in Dune Beige with a black interior, and it has clearly been very well restored, as it shows very few signs of wear inside and out. The FJ40’s undercarriage and engine bay are equally clean, and all four off-road tires show very little wear, leading one to believe that this Land Cruiser has led a very pampered life, yet it is still ready to impress off-road.

The FJ40 is an excellent vehicle in every regard, and examples are quickly becoming highly desirable to collectors worldwide. They are rugged enough to be used off-road yet versatile enough to be used around town, and as with other Land Cruisers of this era, the FJ40 boasts loads of character. This example truly needs nothing, and it would be the ideal weekend conveyance for an outdoorsman with an eye for quality.