American troops fighting in Korea in the early 1950s needed transportation. So the US government, still occupying Japan, worked with Toyota to build domestically supplied vehicles similar to the familiar Willys Jeep - opens in new window or tab.. And the Land Cruiser was born.
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Remarkably, that same nameplate continued for seven decades. It was discontinued this year - opens in new window or tab. for the US market, while an entirely new generation of Land Cruisers was released for the rest of the world.
Over those many years, the once-primitive off-roader slowly evolved into a go-anywhere luxury behemoth. A noteworthy midpoint in that evolution is this 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ55 recently offered for sale on eBay. It’s rugged, but with a few creature comforts along for the ride.
Adventures in Vintage Style
This FJ55 generation was the first Land Cruiser to use a wagon-style body, beginning in 1967. Four doors, a pair of bench seats, and a spacious cargo area make this is an excellent vehicle for adventuring with a group. This example is still in need of a few finishing touches. A heater is big on the list while adding a vintage new-old stock audio system - opens in new window or tab. would bring some tunes to your next outing.
The paintwork looks to be a well-done older restoration. The pewter over red two-tone scheme is marvelous and looks especially cool with the old-style separate fenders used on the FJ55. The matching two-tone vinyl seating carries the theme to the inside.
Highway driving won’t be a high-speed affair. The classic Toyota 2F 4.2-liter six-cylinder produces somewhere around 135 horsepower. Off the path is where you want to head with any Land Cruiser, so you need to be prepared with auxiliary lighting - opens in new window or tab., roof racks - opens in new window or tab., and recovery equipment - opens in new window or tab. should you plan on venturing into the popular world of overlanding. Be sure to add a good winch - opens in new window or tab. if you’re going out wheeling.
A Breeze from the Roll-Down Rear Window
The fitted BF Goodrich all-terrain tires look like they’re ready to take the Land Cruiser wherever you want to go. We love the look of the factory white steel wheels. Modern alloys with bead locks may perform a bit better should you go rock crawling, but this truck has a perfect vintage look that overly ambitious restorers could ruin with modern wheels.
One valuable feature that carries to Toyota’s modern SUVs is an electric roll-down rear window in the hatch. This gives the big Land Cruiser excellent flow-through air cooling that is almost as good as a convertible. It also allows for sticking long objects like a surfboard out the rear while keeping the hatch closed securely.
The 1977 FJ55 recently offered on eBay is a striking, capable, and affordable example of the legendary Land Cruiser. Modern off-road vehicles like a 4Runner might have nicer creature comforts. But there are few better feelings than rolling down the windows, sticking an elbow on the windowsill, and cruising in a vintage ride that turns everyone’s heads.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.