Toyota BJ40 40 1979
General description :
Like the Jeep and the Land Rover before it, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a vehicle whose reputation was hard earned in battle, mud, and desert sand. This Japanese take on the all-purpose off-roader can thank the original Jeep for its existence, which is little surprise when comparing the two trucks side-by-side. In 1950, the US Government commissioned Toyota to build 100 Willys Jeeps that were to be used in the Korean War. Toyota obliged but immediately saw room for improvement on the old American design. In 1951 Toyota developed their own prototype drawing on the best the Jeep and the Land Rover had to offer. Production of the “Toyota Jeep BJ” began in 1953 and the vehicle was put into service primarily for police and military. In 1954, the civilian version gained the Land Cruiser name and grew in popularity as an all-round utility vehicle for farmers or anyone needing to get over rough terrain. In 1960, the 40-series Land Cruiser was unveiled with all-new body styling, an improved chassis and new engine options. 40-Series Land Cruisers were offered in a variety of body styles ranging from the most popular short-wheelbase convertible, to long wheelbase troop carriers and pickups. Also, like the Land Rover and Jeep, it was highly adaptable and saw duty in battle, fire service, ambulance service and countless other industrial and agricultural roles. It served at the hands of soldiers and warlords alike on virtually every continent around the globe. In regular production for 24 years, the FJ has become a legend for its amazing ruggedness as much as its tough-guy good looks. Hundreds of thousands of Land Cruiser FJ40s are still in service in all corners of the earth, no matter how remote they may be.
Our featured 1979 FJ40 Hardtop is a wonderful example finished in the evocative shade of Olive Green (code 653) with a white roof. This fabulous truck has been treated to a sympathetic but comprehensive restoration including new many suspension and driveline components. It drives exceptionally well, and we have thoroughly enjoyed putting a few miles on this fine FJ. The body is very good and authentically restored, showing the subtle seams and imperfections it would have had when it left the factory in 1979. This example is equipped with the desirable “ambulance door” arrangement in the back, making ingress and egress easier for rear passengers, and allowing access to the rear without moving the swing-out spare tire. Like the body, the paintwork is very good. It has not been over-restored, but it is very attractive and in a fabulous original color that suits the rugged styling very well. Exterior trim is correctly restored; the painted bumpers and white painted grille surround keeping in line with the basic, sturdy appeal. Nice details such as the Japanese Koito headlamps point to the level of care given this outstanding FJ.
Climbing aboard gives you a real sense of purpose – this is a tough hewn tool that’s ready for almost anything you throw at it. The front bucket seats and rear jump seats are upholstered in correct gray vinyl which is in excellent condition, showing virtually no wear. The dash, steering wheel and controls are all correct and original, and it is equipped with a heater – about the only concession to “luxury” you’d be likely to find in an FJ40. The only deviation from standard is the application of textured bedliner material which not only provides a layer of protection for the bare floors, but also helps to reduce vibration and dampen cabin sounds. The bedliner has been painted body color to mimic the factory interior treatment. Rubber mats also provide a bit of additional protection.
We are particularly fond of the way this FJ drives; it displays excellent road manners and feels exceptionally well-sorted. Brakes are strong, steering is tight and the truck sits proudly on its 31” x 10” BF Goodrich All-Terrain TA tires – which look particularly good on the basic, gray painted steelies adorned with dog-dish hubcaps as original. As part of the restoration, the suspension has been thoroughly refreshed with high-quality Old Man Emu components used throughout. Toyota’s virtually bulletproof 2F inline-six displaces 4.2 liters and returns 135 horsepower and a quite useful 210 ft. lbs. of torque. On this truck, the engine bay is extremely well-detailed with original decals and labels in place, and a superbly clean presentation. We are big fans of these rugged, brawny little Toyotas and this is surely of the best we’ve had the pleasure to offer. The high quality, well-detailed restoration lends great looks to match the excellent mechanical condition. This FJ40 is ready to be enjoyed on the road or on your favorite trails.
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6037
1979 Toyota BJ40 40 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in St. Louis by Mark Hyman for $74500.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Toyota Model : BJ40 Model Version : 40 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1979 Location : Missouri
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About Toyota
Toyota, a name that has become synonymous with reliability and sensibility in the world of automobiles. Let's take a leisurely stroll through the history of this remarkable Japanese marque.Our story begins in the late 1930s when a modest textile machinery company, Toyota Industries, decided to dip its toes into the world of automobiles. It was a humble beginning, but little did they know that they were about to embark on a journey that would change the automotive landscape forever.
Fast forward to 1957, and we have the introduction of the Toyota Crown, a car that signaled Toyota's ambitions to compete on the global stage. It was sensible, well-built, and it set the tone for what Toyota would become known for - reliability.
But if we're talking about Toyota's foray into the world of high-performance sports cars, we can't ignore the Toyota 2000GT. Introduced in 1967, it was a thing of beauty. Sleek, low-slung, and powered by a silky-smooth inline-six engine. It was Japan's answer to the European sports car establishment, and it put Toyota on the map as a builder of more than just sensible family cars.
Then came the Toyota Celica in the 1970s, a sporty compact coupe that captured the hearts of many. It was affordable, fun to drive, and it helped establish Toyota's reputation for building cars that were both practical and enjoyable.
But if we're talking about Japanese sports cars that made a statement, the Toyota Supra deserves a special mention. First introduced in 1978, it became a legend in its own right. With its powerful inline-six engines and rear-wheel drive, it was a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the track. The Supra is a car that enthusiasts still drool over, even today.
And then, there's the Land Cruiser. It's not just an off-roader; it's an off-roader that can do anything a Land Rover used to do, only better. Introduced in the 1950s, it quickly gained a reputation for being virtually indestructible. Whether it's crossing deserts, jungles, or frozen tundras, the Land Cruiser can handle it with ease.
But perhaps Toyota's most significant achievement is its commitment to reliability and sensibility. They didn't just build cars; they built cars that people could depend on day in and day out. It's no surprise that you see Toyota's on the streets of every corner of the world, from Tokyo to Timbuktu.
So, there you have it, the history of Toyota, a company that started humbly but grew to become a global giant in the automotive industry. They've given us reliable, sensible cars, but they've also shown that they can build high-performance legends and off-roaders that conquer the toughest terrain. Toyota is a brand that proves you can have your sensible cake and eat it with a sprinkle of excitement on top.