1977 Toyota FJ40

The Land Cruiser is favoured by those across the world who place reliability above all other considerations and as such, this Toyota has always been popular in harsh environments. Unless your name’s Clarkson, you don’t tend to take a Land Rover into the desert or jungle after all. This particular vehicle has been imported from one such far flung locale; Colombia in Latin America. 

We know this car, as it was bought via our platform about 5 years ago. It’s a left-hand drive, three-speed manual, six-cylinder powered totem to dependability and we love it.

We believe from the previous owner that it was restored by a local Colombian Land Cruiser expert “with over three-decades’ experience of these machines” and can report that this Toyota drives as it should, with no mechanical issues we’ve experienced. The paintwork, interior and mechanical components certainly all look to have received restoration work, though sadly, any history documenting the same has been left across the pond.

Our photos, video and write-up are fantastic but there is no replacement for seeing something in person, so please book and appointment and come and inspect it for yourself.

Toyota’s longest model in series production has always been offered in a range of exhilarating colours; such as this 1977 FJ40’s Mustard Yellow hue. It’s certainly hard to miss. The finish is good throughout with the correct contrasting white top. That roof does exhibit the main fault in this car’s façade, some cracks to the paint on the roof rail above the passenger door. Elsewhere there’s a few other marks and scratches in the door and bonnet shut areas, plus a bit of bubbling on the driver’s side panels.

There’s a slight bit of paint rubbing off the front differential lock covers and the petrol filler cap, some tiny bubbles under the paint, just under the bottom hinge for the rear door and some perishing to the outer rubber seal on the driver’s quarter window. 

Overall, we’re impressed with this FJ and we suspect that plenty of money and time has been spent to get this off-roader right. 

In this era, the Land Cruiser was still a utility vehicle first and foremost so there’s not a lot to the interior. There’s a wheel, a couple of dials, two gear levers and a pair of seats. What more do you need? The vinyl covering the driver’s seat, front bench and door cards are in good shape. There’s a similar refurbished feel to the dash, floors and transmission tunnel, clearly all having received a new coat of paint. The switches appear original and add a nice touch of patina though it’s not all old fashioned and comfort-free in here. A new stereo has been added, along with some custom (yellow) stitched Toyota over mats. Removing these reveals a solid front floor and bulkhead.

In the back, it’s great to see the fold-down rear benches in fine shape. Less so, is the paint in the closing panel of the rear door, which is cracking in a similar fashion to the previously mentioned area of the passenger roof rail.

Powered by what is probably the most reliable engine from arguably Japan’s most dependable manufacturer, you’re unlikely to ever have to lift the bonnet too often on this FJ. However, when you have a glance, you’ll be greeted by the vastly improved 4230cc inline six-cylinder 2F engine. 

This 135bhp carburettor-fed six-pot is a development of the original F-series engine that powered the Land Cruiser from 1955-1988. This one is reported to run like a metronome, and though there’s an indicated 71,651 kms on the odometer, we’ve no evidence that this is genuine.

There’s plenty more signals of a restoration underneath this FJ, with new paint covering the floors, axles and even the exhaust. There’s grease smearing out of the right places and almost all of the fixing bolts, washers and nuts look new. It’s nice to see that things appear to be very much as Toyota intended under here, previous owners having resisted the temptation to modify.

Our Spanish isn’t up to much and Google translate isn’t exactly fluent, so the pair of bills in the history file from Colombia are a bit of a mystery. Though we’re reassured to see that this Land Cruiser was legally registered for UK roads from July 2021. Our usual HPI check also, obviously, doesn’t report anything amiss.

In November 2021 the Land Cruiser, as you can see in the document gallery, had over £2,000 spent on it with R.B Autos, where it had a full service with new fluids, a number of new gaskets as well as a new fuel lift pump.

As well as the above a complete set of chrome hub caps and clips come with the Toyota along with a set of new window rubbers. 

The vendor has also asked us to point out that the FJ40 is the Convertible which has been fitted with a contemporary hardtop, a set of hood sticks and a tilt are available if you wish to run as a fully convertible with fold down screen etc.

The condition of this vehicle has to do the talking for it, and the seller says “little used, kept garaged and lots of work done in my ownership to improve steering and brakes”.

The FJ remains the most instantly recognisable generation of Land Cruiser. Its rugged and dependable reputation was earned in an era when working vehicles really did work hard. It’s the reason why Richard Hammond chose one to take on the Bolivian jungle during a memorable Top Gear special back in 2009, and the reason why so many residents of Latin America did (and continue) to do the same.

This example has been given a sympathetic restoration by a specialist who understands these simple but rewarding vehicles. It might not have the history to prove it, but all you need to do is study the images (or ideally view the vehicle in person) to be won over. We’ve no hesitation in placing an estimate of between £18,000 and £23,000 on this fine 4x4.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ in South Oxfordshire. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays (apart from Bank Holidays) between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.