By John Gunnell
COLLECTOR’S INFORMATION
History of the 1968-1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
As a Japanese copy of the famed World War II Jeep, Toyota launched the FJ40 series utility vehicle in 1960. Its 60th birthday was celebrated in 2020. However, the FJ40’s official importation into the United States didn’t begin until 1963. But within two years, the FJ40 Land Cruiser was hands-down the best-selling Toyota vehicle in America.
Cosmetically, the FJ was essentially the same truck until it went out of production in 1983. There were only minor trim changes. It did see a gradual progression of functional improvements and upgrades over the years, shifting from being a bare-bones “rock hopping” sport utility into a well-equipped modern SUV 30 years ahead of its time.
The FJ40 was available as an open-bodied utility vehicle or fully-enclosed two-door wagon. (The longer-wheelbase FJ45 could be had as a two-door or four-door wagon). The FJ40 also came as a two-door pickup truck. This version was rarely sold in the United States due to a 25 percent “Chicken Tax” on light duty cargo trucks.
As FJ40s reached the secondary market, it became very common for owners to take on engine swaps, most notably replacing the FJ’s stock six-cylinder with a small- block Chevrolet V8. The Chevy engine had more power, but Toyota’s six-cylinder engine was essentially a reverse-engineered 235-cid Chevrolet “Stovebolt Six” engine that was virtually indestructible.
Many of the customized FJ40s brought to auctions today bring high prices because quite a bit of money has been spent in modifying and upgrading them. FJ40s in very good original condition with stock powertrains will also pull big money since so few are left. The pickup truck always brings high prices due to its rarity.
I.D. DATA: The Toyota Vehicle Identification Tag is found on the driver’s door pillar. The first line reads: MFD. BY TOYOTA MOTOR CO. LTD. The second line shows the month and year of production. The third and fourth lines show GVWR and GAWR ratings. The next three lines contain boiler plate language about meeting U.S. Federal safety standards. The eighth line contains the Vehicle Identification Number, such as “FJ49-246511.” The last line reads: “VEH. TYPE: MRV.” The frame number is stamped on the outer side of the right frame rail just behind the front bumper. The FJ40 pictured with this article has Frame No: FJ40-246511. Colour: 309 LE11 (Freeborn Red). Trans Axle: H42 KO82 0-12. Plant: A11. The original engine number is stamped on the right side above the starter hole. The first block number for May 1977 was 2F-172816 so the number on this truck built in April 1977 shows it has its original Toyota engine.
ENGINE: In-line six-cylinder. Overhead valves. Cast iron block and cylinder head. Displacement: 4.2 litres. Brake horsepower: 135 at 3,600 rpm. Torque: 210 lb-ft at 1,800 rpm.
CHASSIS DATA: Wheelbase: 90 in. Overall Length: 152.4 in. Height: 76.8 in. Width: 65.6 in. Front Tread: 55.3 in. Rear Tread: 55.1 in.
TECHNICAL: Front Engine. 4×4. Transmission: 4-speed manual. Semi-elliptical leaf spring suspension. Hydraulic 4-wheel brakes, power front discs and rear drums. Road clearance: 8.3 inches. Fuel capacity: 18.5->22 gallons. Fuel economy estimate: 11-16 mpUSg. Towing capacity: 3,000 lbs.
The featured truck has 64,209.7 original miles. It has been partially repainted in its factory-correct Freeborn Red colour. It runs well and the body and trim are good, as is the interior. It carries a Super Winch OX. The truck is very original and has its original labels and tags. Original factory seat belts are still installed. It features a fresh air heater and defroster, a nice factory headliner, good glass (including the neatly-curved rear corner windows), its original Toyo radiator, power brakes and power steering.
According to www.ConceptCarz.com, a summary of 50 auction sales of FJ40s shows them worth $5,400-$24,000 in fair condition, $24,000-$29,700 in good condition, $29,700-$41,800 in excellent condition and $41,800-$101.750 in perfect condition.
