Much like the vintage Land Rover, the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser has a devoted following all on its own. Both vehicles were developed in the early-1950s and were based on the Willys M38 Jeep, which earned worldwide respect in WWII. Whenever one of these models makes an appearance, it seems inevitable that the conversations will focus on fond memories of owning, or one of your group owning a similar Toyota that has long been gone and is still missed.

Toyota introduced its initial series of Jeep-like off-road vehicles in 1954. Named Land Cruisers, they became the best-selling Toyotas in the United States during the mid-1960s. Powered by a rugged inline OHV 4.2-litre six-cylinder engine, these vehicles were produced until 1979 though many were available and registered new in the early 1980s.

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 FJ40 was harder to incapacitate and didn’t require as much maintenance as its British counterpart. While the older Land Rovers enjoy limited use as distressed weekend showpieces, similar FJ40s can still be found on the job today as sturdy work trucks.

The FJ40 also made considerable inroads into the Jeep market in the U.S. in the 1960s and 1970s. Toyota then shifted its focus to the rest of the world in the 1980s; the barebones FJ40 was built in Brazil as the Bandeirante, in Venezuela as the Macho, and Australia still offers the updated 70 series for their rugged terrain. The last FJ40s were imported to the U.S. in 1983. Now, even the newest FJ40s in the U.S. are 30 years old, and as survivors, they are becoming scarce and the prices are escalating. Today, they are hot collectibles as part of the burgeoning interest in vintage four-wheel drives. The best examples are becoming more exclusive, especially those featuring high-grade restorations.

Running with a 4,230-cc, 135-hp inline six-cylinder engine with a manual four-speed transmission and four-wheel drive, this example is offered in original condition and is reported to be in overall “very good condition.” This was the assessment when it was professionally appraised in July 2015; the criteria were based upon its mechanical and cosmetic conditions, options, originality, historical significance and quality of craftsmanship. On a zero to five scale; all ratings applying to the body, paint, undercarriage, upholstery, engine, originality, test ride and more were ranked consistently in the levels of three and four. Since there is no carpet, it was rated as a zero, but is more accurately portrayed as non-applicable.

Among the features on this blue and white FJ40 is a front-mounted winch, rear-mounted spare, dual sideview mirrors, AM radio, four-wheel drive, rear jump seats and, from photos, there appears to be an air conditioning unit for extended cabin comfort. Currently the mileage displays as under 35,000 actual miles with service records verifying the mileage on each visit. These are fun vehicles with a great deal of personality that is easily shared with other owners and admirers of the famous Toyota FJ Land Cruiser.