Car Spot: 72 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

Classic 4×4 fun

Classics are cool. Whether you’re talking Jeeps, Fords, Toyotas, or whatever, there’s something about the lines and design of classic iron that draws the eye and captures the imagination. This is one reason why so many vintage 4x4s survive today. This ’72 FJ40 Land Cruiser is a perfect example of a classic. This is a vehicle that was designed to be taken off-road, even in its stock form. People just like them. Of course, they’re often cheaper to get into than new 4x4s (a Base Wrangler now sells for 55K!), are usually built stronger, and will last longer while getting beat up at your favorite off-road park. This week’s spot, a 72 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser I spotted, is a great example.

Introduced in 1960, it was aimed directly at the Jeep CJ series. The F in the name stood for the F engines, while the ‘J’ stood for Jeep. The FJ 40 was available in a variety of versions through 1984. Larger than the Jeep CJ, the majority of 40 series Land Cruisers were built as two-door models. Introduced with 90-inch, 96-inch, and 104-inch wheelbases, it was available with two different 6-cylinder engines. From 1960 through 1975, a 3.8-liter displacement engine produced 125 hp. In 1975, the replacement second-generation 2F engine bumped up hp by 10 horses. In 1963, the longer 116-inch wheelbase FJ45-B pickup and cab chassis were added to the lineup. Like the Jeep, its roots come from the military, and it has sold hundreds of thousands worldwide. It is Toyota’s longest-running series of model and as of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totaled more than 10 million units worldwide. In 2006, Toyota launched the modern FJ Cruiser, which carried many style elements from the original FJ40. Production of the J40 was phased out, finally ending in 1984, but the series lives on today as one of the most beloved 4x4s of its time.

RELATED Spot: Its bigger sibling, the FJ60

What makes these trucks so appealing is that they are reliable and do anything a Jeep CJ will do. However, finding one like this spot of mine might be challenging since so many of these trucks have been ridden hard and put away wet. According to my go-to source of pricing, Hagerty, like the Jeep CJ, is very affordable. A #3 in Good condition will sell for $26,200 while a #1 Concours will set you back $87,800.

While I’m a Jeep guy, I love these trucks because, like the Jeep, they are so much fun. This one is mostly retired, just running vacationers around in Door County, WI. A place I spend a lot of time in during the summer months. Thanks for stopping by and checking out this spot. I have tons of others, so go check them out. Come back next Sunday for another one of my spots, along with some of its history. Have a great weekend.