Est. 125 hp, 235 cu. in. OHV six-cylinder engine, three-speed manual transmission with low range and part-time AWD, semi-elliptic front and rear springs with live axle, hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 90"

• Off-road icon with over $100,000 frame-off restoration

• One-owner car until recent restoration

Much like the vintage Land Rover, the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser has a devoted following all its own. Both vehicles were developed in the early 1950s based on the Willys M38 Jeep, which earned worldwide respect in WWII.

When Toyota and Land Rover went head to head in the 1960s, Toyota won nearly every encounter in the roughest parts of the former British Empire. The short-wheelbase FJ 40 was generally sturdier and did not require as much maintenance as its British counterpart. It benefited from a low-range transmission in 1960, and diesel-engined variants were quite prolific as well. In all, 300,000 FJ 40s were sold by 1973.

Most classic examples are rare, and survivors in good condition are quite scarce. As such, a superb example such as this is remarkably difficult to find. Prior to its professional restoration, this particular FJ 40 had been a one-owner car. The restoration costs exceeded $100,000, and the results are truly impressive, as this is surely one of the best examples in the world from the superb exterior to the leather interior. With 32,000 miles indicated, it comes complete with extensive paperwork, including the original brochure, service manual and such items as an original leather tool kit. A terrific alternative to a Land Rover or perhaps an early International Scout, this FJ 40 is not only an outstanding off-roader for the great outdoors but could compete successfully on the show circuit as well.