VERY SOLID FJ, WARM CLIMATE TRUCK, STRONG 3.8L I6, 3-SPEED IN FLOOR, UNCUT/STOCK

1962 Toyota Land Cruiser Description

The Toyota FJ40 phenomenon is legit, and prices are skyrocketing, but we'll wager that with all the perfectly restored and resto-modded examples running around at auctions, this low mileage original 1962 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser will draw a crowd wherever it goes. Yep, it's a mostly original truck with just 39,768 believed to be original miles, and it has obviously been properly maintained over the decades because it's beautifully preserved. Wearing a repaint that was done in 2014, it looks pretty much like all the other Land Cruisers you see bouncing around in old shows and movies, although the light green paint is a welcome contrast to all the tan ones running around. Super straight bodywork suggests it hasn't spent its life in the rough and since it's from the warm, dry south, you know that rust is a non-issue. Instead, it's got that intangible feel that only good original vehicles offer, and the hobby is responding in a big way to survivors like this. The no-nonsense look of the nearly vertical windshield, contrasting white roof, and rear-mounted spare tire are all part of the FJ's charm, and it's all pretty much the way it was when it was new, a remarkable feat of preservation. You can also see that there was minimal chrome and as far as correct finishes, this one can serve as a road map for those six-figure restorations that are currently underway.The black interior is comfortable for two and can handle up to seven if you're well-acquainted. The upholstery is brand new and shows off high-quality materials that seem to defy the passage of time. The undercoated and painted floors are all the proof you need that this is a rust-free truck; they're in just fantastic condition and the non-slip surface is low-maintenance for playing in the dirt (not that this pretty truck will ever do anything like that again). The gauges are all functional and it features a long shifter for the 3-speed manual gearbox (recently rebuilt along with the transfer case, and moved to the floor), but that's about it. Sticking to the basics, there is no radio, but the heater is powerful enough to melt your shoes, and both the fold-down center seat in front and the side seats in back are in excellent shape. The bright green paint makes it bright and airy inside and it's worth noting that the top has never been off, more proof that this is a low-mile truck.The 3.8L F inline-six isn't the most powerful, but what you want in the remote corners of the globe is reliability, not huge horsepower. With smart gearing, it feels nimble and lively around town, and in low range it'll idle over obstacles that would stop lesser vehicles. The well-dressed engine bay shows off careful and proper routine maintenance, with the only replacement parts being the usual: belts, hoses, battery, tires, and brakes. Clean living has resulted in an extremely tidy engine bay, and if you're a fan of originality, this truck has to be appealing to you because the engine has never been apart. Underneath, the chassis is even more remarkable, looking only a few years old rather than four decades. The transmission, transfer case, and the brakes were all recently rebuilt and there's a new drive shaft turning the original rear axle. There's no evidence that it's been beating around off-road, and once again, the maintenance it has received has ensured that it stays in top condition. Factory steel wheels carry H78-15 off-road tires that may only be the second or third set it's ever worn.With an awesome look and the feel of an original truck, this is a remarkable survivor that is far more desirable than a restored Land Cruiser. Take this one to the next FJ gathering and watch what happens; that alone will make it worth the purchase price. Call today!