SUMMARY
Professional restoration completed in 2016In America's vast and ever expanding collector car culture you can find many different definitions of cool. There are rarities with long stories and big exclusivity that are bought to be shown, talked about and referenced. There are purpose-built performance machines which are tailored to specific activities or events. There are chrome-laden classics that honor years, eras and even lifestyles which have come and gone. And then there are pieces like this exclusive 1982 Land Cruiser FJ43 that are utilitarian, easy to own and just a blast to drive! Fully-sorted and professionally polished, this trail blazing '82 Toyota FJ is one of the toughest and most capable SUVs ever built. And, thanks to an extensive restoration, it's just as versatile on the show field as it is in the mud. If you're looking for a cool classic that's fun, unique and ready to hit the road, this rugged FJ43 is just your style!
BODYWORK
Born from practicality and wartime necessity, the Land Cruiser began life as a reverse engineered Bantam GP that Toyota assembled for the Imperial Japanese Army. The truck's rugged construction and tidy proportions proved extremely useful when it came to transporting soldiers, towing equipment and all-terrain motoring. And eventually, circa 1953, Toyota decided to market its proven creation directly to civilians. The beneficiary of a professional restoration that took place at Vintage Land in Colombia, South America, this 1982 FJ43 is a rare medium wheelbase Land Cruiser that made its second debut in 2016. The truck's mostly-original body was worked all the way to bare metal, promptly re-sprayed in correct Yellow pigment and shrouded in a fresh canvas roof. And presently, that Rhino-inspired shell creates a classy, wet-look profile that mixes searing glares with smooth reflections.
ENGINE
Pop this venerable FJ's hood and you'll find a 135 horsepower 2F six cylinder which looks good and runs great! Based on General Motor's stalwart Stovebolt Six, Toyota's famous overhead valve mill isn't a grossly overpowered piece; but it's certainly proven its ability to get this compact 4x4 out of many tight situations and tow just about any moderately sized toy its owners can imagine. At the top of the black block, restored air induction pipes wind to a small carburetor. At the base of that carb, a silver, "2F" branded valve cover caps factory intake and exhaust manifolds. At the base of that cover, a traditional points distributor sequences spark through beefy plug wires. And the truck's clean engine bay is dotted with many trail-ready essentials, including a proven MAC battery.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Built to mimic America's hella tough Jeep, this old school SUV features part-time 4-wheel drive and enough ground clearance to give new meaning to the phrase "stump jumper". The truck's rugged 4-speed utilizes big gears to serve up an awesome combination of inclement weather capability and off-road prowess. Optional, factory power steering makes turns and crawls a bit more user friendly. New-for-1976 front disc and rear drum brakes have been augmented with modern power assist. The truck's chassis rides a factory-spec suspension that mixes a pair of solid axles with a quartet of leaf springs. And at the corners of the floor, Charcoal steelies spin 31x10.50R15 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/As around Warn hubs.
INTERIOR
Inside this classic, you'll find a spacious and comfortable cockpit that has enough room to be your vehicle of choice for any weekend adventure. The professionally restored seats, front bucket and folding, opposing rear jump, are wrapped in high quality vinyl. In front of the driver, a boxy dash hangs clear gauges and restored knobs over cool, optional air conditioning and a Toyota-branded radio delete beneath a digital clock. Below that dash, a duo of shifters, one for the 4-speed and one for the 4-wheel drive, ride thick floor mats. Opposite those shifters, simple door panels frame small plastic handles and traditional window cranks. And the driver stays connected to the road thanks to a factory-issue steering wheel.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Copy of original invoice (in Spanish)Because the extended FJ43 was never offered for the U.S. market, this immaculate specimen is a highly desirable offering that places itself at the top of a segment that has gained popularity over recent years. That means this exclusive Toyota is an all around winner when it comes to restoration and appreciation. So, what are you waiting for? Break out the compass and set your heading to RK Motors Charlotte for your chance to own one of the nicest Land Cruisers on the planet!