Lot Ended
Description
A super
example of this iconic Japanese 4x4; 4.2 straight-six petrol engine; power
steering; front disc brakes; air con; high- and low-range gears; eats Land
Rovers for breakfast!
Much like our own dear Land Rover, the 1950
Toyota Jeep BJ was inspired by the US Willys Jeep of World War Two. Produced at
the behest of the American military (who were effectively in charge of Japan’s
post-war economy), the BJ proved its worth in the Korean War and was further
developed as the Land Cruiser for police and civilian use from 1954
onwards.
The J40 Series came out in 1960 and evolved
gradually over the next few decades, quickly becoming Toyota’s best-selling
vehicle in America. In fact the importance of the FJ40 to Toyota cannot be
overstated – exported worldwide, it established the brand as a global force to
be reckoned with and cemented a reputation for build quality and reliability
which Toyota still trades on to this day.
Dating from 1975, this FJ40
two-door soft-top has the indestructible F-Series 4.2 straight-six petrol engine
(135bhp/210lb/ft) mated to three-speed manual transmission with low-range
transfer case for enhanced off-road ability.
One
of three RHD examples that our vendor imported from Indonesia last year, it has
various desirable features including front disc brakes, free-wheeling front
hubs, power steering and working air conditioning (hence the fan/radiator
underneath). A modern CD player is also fitted along with some impressive
looking speakers behind the front seats.
There is
very little history with the vehicle apart from some fairly recent
Indonesian service cards (see last three photos) but it certainly has the
look of a well-maintained machine and has probably been restored at some point
in the not-too-distant past.
The no-nonsense
interior looks to be in good shape, the grey vinyl seat covers all look
relatively new, as do the rubber floor mats and the canvas soft-top. The
bodywork and chassis look reassuringly solid and the pale green paint finish is
generally very smart apart from a couple of minor blemishes here and
there.
Our vendor has gone right through the truck to ensure that it runs
well, including fitting a new carb, fitting new plugs and points, cleaning out
the fuel system and fitting a manual choke. It has been starting promptly and
running well as we have moved it around on site, with a healthy-sounding engine
and pleasingly light steering.
All import duties have been paid and it is
now UK registered as KCD 177N, the V5C recording it as a Historic Vehicle so it
is MOT-exempt and free to tax. The Indonesian Vehicle Registration Certificate
is also present.
The FJ40 has established a cult
following in recent years and values have risen strongly, particularly in
America where good ones routinely fetch way more than the guide price suggested
here. This example certainly looks to be one of the good ones and no doubt has
at least another 50 years of useful life ahead of it. In fact it will probably
outlive us all...
PS: Although it might look in the photos as if the rear
exhaust silencer is holed, this is NOT the case, it is just paint that has
flaked off and the metal is solid.
For more
information contact James on 07970 309907 or email [email protected]