1980 Toyota FJ40

1980 Toyota Land Cruiser Description

I bought this 1980 FJ40 in 2015 from a company in Colorado that specializes in restoring exotic sports cars. You can still see it on their website, www.classicinvest.com At the time, it had 46839 miles on the odometer, which I have no reason to believe is not the original total miles. Current mileage is 47512. The previous owner, and the original owner according to Classic Investments, was a woman from Delta, Colorado. Classic Investments did a bit of body work to repair minor rust near the driver’s door and in the driver’s-side floor, with no bondo: I have photos documenting the repair. There is an old repaint over old bondo on the passenger-side front fender. There are two small areas, one below the drivers door and one below the rear doors, with rust that looks deeper than suface but not bad: see photos.

This FJ is complete and original, as far as I can tell, with a number of interesting artifacts of its early years. The windshield still has the ghost of a 1982 license decal, as well as a parking permit for Climax Molybdenum. All the glass is original. The paint is original, except for the areas mentioned above, so you know that the body harbors no surprises. Even the spare tire is original, with a 1979 date stamp, as are the wheels, hub caps, and floor mat. The bumpers are also in original paint, matching the wheels. The front bumper is dented and slightly bent, This is a desirable year for FJs, with high-back bucket seats, shoulder harnesses, four-speed manual transmission, and factory roll bar. I removed the rear floor heater, but it is included and can be easily re-installed.

I’ve done what I consider to be the minimum amount of clean-up and maintenance in order to preserve this FJ as a survivor that can still be driven. The paint has been only lightly hand-polished. The car had been sitting for some time when I bought it: faded paint, wasp nests in the heater intake, etc. I have cleaned all that up. I had to renew hydraulics (clutch and brake master cylinders), clutch, rear main seal, tires, and head gasket. Otherwise the drive train is complete and original. The transfer case, locking hubs, and transmission all function smoothly. I added a carpet kit when I cleaned up the interior, and got the old AM radio working. The previous owner mounted an aftermarket AM-FM-Cassette unit above the windshield, and stereo speakers in back, but it does not work and I have left it alone. I feel that the condition of this FJ is too good as a survivor to try to “restore” it and mask its history by trying to make it look new. I have not cleaned up the engine compartment; the original engine information stickers and other under-hood stickers are all still in place and in good shape.

The interior is original, and in good shape except for the upholstery on one of the jump seats and the dashboard, both of which have suffered from the sun. Includes original tool kit, jack, etc. I also replaced rubber on the doors, renewed the seals and channels where needed on the windows, and adjusted the drivers window so that it closes completely. Heater, wipers, gauges, lights, signals, horn, etc., everything works.It starts and drives very well - it’s a hoot to drive.

Since I bought this FJ it has resided in my garage and been driven only on dry days. But now that I’ve “brought it back.” it’s time to move on: so many cars, so little time....

This FJ is for sale locally, and I reserve the right to end the auction at any time. Thanks for looking!