1976 Toyota FJ40

We are excited to be offering for sale a rather special FJ40, a prime example that has been subject to considerable expense and improvement. It comes direct from our seller Paul’s extensive private collection, which at over 20 cars is putting a strain on his limited storage space.

The FJ was imported into the UK in early 2019 from the USA and registered here on 1st April. Paul has been the only UK owner. All duties were paid, and the car subjected to an MoT test, just to confirm that it was fully road legal.

Some of the enhancements to this eye-catching Toyota are immediately obvious such as the suspension lift, but there’s so much more to the FJ under the skin, such as the small block Chevvy 350 motor with tuned port injection. This and a custom two and half inch exhaust ensures that it sounds as good as it looks and there is now the sort of power that the car’s original owner way back in 1976 could only have dreamed about.

Paul has used the car extensively, adding a couple of thousand miles to the odometer. It is ready for exciting new adventures, both on and off road, winter or summer, so if we have whetted your appetite, read on for more intimate details!

We are given to understand that the FJ left the factory resplendent in Mustard Yellow and it is lovely to see it still sporting the very shame shade. Subjected to a comprehensive respray during its rebuild, the paintwork is still in generally good overall condition. The eagle-eyed may spot a few tiny blisters here and there but they do little to spoil the overall effect.

You will also be able to spot some marks on the paint on the sidestep, not unexpected as it is now quite a climb into the cabin.

The Velcro for attaching the hood is coming adrift on the tailgate, an easy enough fix we would suggest. Stick it back or splash out on a new piece!

Sparkly vintage chrome rims (by Modern) complete the look, and each is fitted with a Pro Comp Xterrain Mud and Snow tyre. These are made by Cooper tyres, if such things are of interest.

Currently adorning the FJ is a ‘Bimini’ soft top, designed more to offer some protection from the sun, than to keep the elements out. Fear not, as there is also a newer full soft-top in black included in the sale. More suited to the UK’s inclement weather we would suggest.

Also with the FJ are a set of soft doors, should you choose to remove the full doors currently fitted.

Attached to the front is a Warn winch, which should come in handy if some serious mud-plugging is on the agenda. It can be operated from the comfort of the cabin.

Original FJ interiors were a tad on the basic side, utilitarian some might say.

However, the custom black bucket seats not only lift the interior, but they are also very comfortable too. A more basic bench provides seating for two in the rear and keeping all safe, seat belts are fitted all round.

Ahead of the driver is a comprehensive array of gauges, sitting neatly in the dash, painted to match the exterior. Other dash highlights include the fitted CB radio and a modern Alpine CD/radio.

So much work has gone into making this one of the finest FJs available that it is difficult to know where to start.

Let’s start at the bottom. May we draw your attention to the raft of pictures of the FJ’s underside, included in our gallery. The condition is impressive, not to mention the sight of the plethora of new parts fitted.

The suspension itself warrants a few paragraphs all to its own. Up front, custom trussed, cut and turned housing with five degree castor, SOA with new powder coated FJ60 springs. Shackle reversal with custom mounts, bushes through the frame. There’s a front solid diff, cover removed and 3/8 plate BTF cover installed. Asin hubs with chrome molly gears, completely rebuilt Toyota mini-truck knuckles (bearings and seals).

At the rear, there’s a Curry anti-rock sway bar, BTF differential cover, custom heavy duty track bar, heavy duty spring hangars with greaseable pins, new powder coated FJ60 springs and a Tom Wood custom Cardan driveline.

It should also be noted that the wheelbase was extended by six inches during the build.

Power steering is by Saginaw 4-turn, with high steer arms with Dana 44 knuckle studs and a 5-bolt conversion.

Power disc brakes are fitted to all wheels and there’s a Ron Davis radiator helping to keep things cool.

The engine bay is mighty impressive, housing as it does that powerful and sonorous GM 350 CID motor with tuned port injection, electronic ignition, and coated headers.

Transmission is an NV4500 5-speed manual with an hydraulic clutch and Toyota transfer case.

Let’s just say it is all mightily impressive.

By now you should have got the gist of what has been done to this Toyota FJ.

In our seller’s capable hands, the FJ has been serviced in both 2019 and again earlier this year, with invoices available.

It should also be noted that an MoT test was carried out after the vehicle was imported and this was passed with no advisories.

We are told everything is in full working order and that it drives well, whether cruising down the highway or tackling a gnarly country track. Whatever is asked of this FJ, it will deliver and with some considerable style too.

If ever there was a head-turning off-roader, then this FJ is it. From the eye-catching paintwork, to the raised ride height and custom top, you can be assured of attracting plenty of attention.

Ideally suited to topless summertime adventures, the capable 4x4 transmission will also keep you moving during the very worst wintery conditions too. And should some hardcore off-roading be your heart’s desire, you can be certainly this terrific Toyota will deliver.

So, if you fancy becoming the new custodian of this capable and charismatic 4X4, then you know what you must do.

We estimate that it will sell for between £20,000 and £30,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.