The classic box-on-wheels look of this 1972 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser is a big part of its appeal. These trucks are legendary in off-roading circles for being reliable and as agile as a mountain goat, and given their track record in some pretty inhospitable places, it is easy to see why they are red-hot with collectors. However, all those wonderful features also make finding a nice one challenging, since so many of these trucks have been bashed, abused, and just plain used up in the years before they were on the collectors' A-list. Fortunately, this one is very nice with a correct-looking red paint job and white top that looks bound for the Sahara. Those flat panels are truly flat, so the paint shines nicely and it seems that they were careful to not over-do it and it is not so perfect that you will be afraid to play in the dirt. A rear-mounted spare, Warn front winch, rear tow hitch receiver, and upgraded tubular steel bumpers make it ready for action.
Highlights:
3.9-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine
3-speed manual transmission
Warn front winch
Rear tow hitch receiver
Tubular steel bumpers
Vintage CB radio
Great running and driving Land Cruiser
Upgraded bucket seats
You will find the interior is far more civilized than you would expect for a world traveler like this, with upgraded comfortable high-back bucket seats and plenty of room for everyone. A rear bench in back expands passenger capacity and with durable non-slip coatings on the floor, you can get dirty without worrying about cleaning carpets when you get home. A nice retro feature is the cool vintage CB radio. This truck shows a nice set of stock gauges and stock steering ahead of the driver, as well as additional aftermarket tachometer and gauges. There is a 3-speed shifter for the transmission and a second lever for the 2-speed transfer case. The hardtop and doors are removable for open-air motoring, but many like the industrial look of the hardtop. Either way, you will find it is all but impossible not to have fun driving this classic 4x4.
Toyota's 3.9-liter inline-6 powered Land Cruisers for decades and while it seems modest on paper, it has proven itself time and again when conditions were less than ideal. Around town, it is smooth and torquey and the gear ratios are exactly right to make it feel quick and agile. The engine bay is clean, but not highly detailed, and it is nice to see there have not been any major deviations from stock. It starts and runs well, makes good oil pressure, and generally goes about its business without any fuss, and should continue to do so for a long time. Simple black steel wheels are fitted with 225/75R15 Toyo off-road tires, giving it the perfect stance. If you have been looking for a good-looking and useable vintage off road machine, this 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser is ready to go! Call today!
