The first BJ Series Toyotas were created in 1951 at the behest of the U.S. Army, which asked Toyota to build an all-terrain-capable light utility vehicle similar to the newest version of the WWII Jeep. Regular production began in 1953 and was continuously developed and refined. The Toyota was larger and more powerful than the Jeep and boasted a torquey, six-cylinder engine, part-time four-wheel drive, a low-range transfer case, and high ground clearance. The Land Cruiser name first appeared in 1954, and with its well-earned reputation for toughness, quality, and longevity, the “L-C” would soon become the vehicle of choice for difficult terrain all over the world.

The Series 20 followed in 1955, and then the Series 40 in 1960. Land Cruisers were offered on several wheelbases and could be ordered with a variety of body styles: pickup truck, soft-top, hardtop, and a station wagon with seating for up to seven. There were few frills, as these were work vehicles designed to go anywhere in any weather and complete their assigned tasks. In a word, they were bulletproof when properly maintained. This model was exported to the U.S. market from 1963 to 1983. Many older Land Cruisers have been upgraded with modern American V-8 drivetrains, so finding a solid example that retains its correct inline six can be challenging.

This FJ40 was sold new by Denson’s Sales and Service Inc. on October 4, 1976. It has been driven 81,491 miles and was recently the subject of a complete bare-frame restoration by marque experts at The Finishing Touch in Fountain Hills, Arizona. The frame was powder-coated for durability, while all body panels were media-blasted and repainted in its original factory colors of Dune Beige (Code 416) for the exterior and Cygnus White (T-12) for the factory hardtop, which was fitted with rear “ambulance” doors. The interior, including the rear jump seats, were recovered in correct grey vinyl and includes OEM-style black rubber floor mats and a rare factory radio-delete plate.

The consignor notes that the 4.2-liter engine, which produces 135 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 210 foot-pounds of torque at a mere 1,800 rpm, has been professionally rebuilt, balanced, and blue-printed, and he adds that this handsome FJ drives as beautifully as it looks. A small lift kit was installed to permit the use of new BFGoodrich “Mud Terrain” 33x1050 tires, which are mounted on factory steel wheels with hubcaps. Restoration documentation is included on file.

This very attractive FJ40 hardtop is supplied with an owner’s manual, jack, and tools, and it is ready for cruising or show, be it on or off the road.