Rare "Barn Find" 1970 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40

1970 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Description

Up for sale is an extremely rare, totally original 1970 Toyota Landcruiser FJ40. Complete with hard top, front and rear doors, and all original parts. I purchased this vehicle with the full intention of restoring it, but I've lost my job and need to sell. I've been holding onto it longer than I should have (at least according to my wife), because it's been so hard to part with. My loss = your gain...
Original motor and "three on the tree" manual trans- old school, but is actually a lot of fun. Uncut fenders, and no mods or changes from original (ok- so the exhaust pipe and muffler the last owner installed aren't stock...). I was able to get her registered in CA just recently, so the title and registration are clean and worry-free for her next owner. Smog exempt, and passed the DMV inspection with flying colors. My mechanic has recently looked her over and he gave her the thumbs-up as well.
After buying it, I've been doing a lot of research, and I've only ever seen one other like it after hours of research online. As a California spec, it was fitted with a "prototype" emissions system not found on any other Cruisers manufactured in 1970. The seat-back in the center has the first of it's kind fuel vapor separator, which was adopted in similar form in the '71-'72 models.
Original color was a "baby blue"- still trying to find the exact color in my research, but even though the exterior was painted several times prior to my buying it, the interior is the original color and is in surprisingly good shape for being 46 years old! The exterior was painted a slate gray by the previous owner, but even he admitted it needs a proper paint job. I haven't been able to make her "pretty" yet like I had wanted, but it's better than the blue and yellow it was painted previously...
The best part is, you have an absolutely solid body with only a tiny bit of surface rust to start from. There is rust on the roof gutter (still separated from all other body parts by the weatherstripping), and the running boards are rusted- all of which are easily replaced. Otherwise, even the frame and undercarriage are virtually rust-free.
It needs the front seat foam and covers, and the rear jump seats need some attention as well.
I've driven her since I bought her probably more than she's been driven in the last 15 years, as it was sitting nearly untouched in a rural part of inland SoCal. The dry climate explains why the body and metal are in such great shape.
This thing fires up every time, and is mechanically in great shape. Everything works except for the right dash-mount blinker indicator, and the windshield wipers are a bit temperamental. I think they just need to be re-wired, because the wiper motor and linkage all work great.
I just replaced the fuel pump two days ago- the mechanical fuel pump is still intact, but must have gone out a while ago, because she was fitted with an electric one that just failed. Since replacing it, she's back running without any issue whatsoever.
Brakes were re-done fairly recently by previous owner. Master cylinder was rebuilt at some point as well. New tires all around as well.
You can see from the photos, there is a dent in the rear hatch and one of the tailgate doors- probably backed into a tree at some point in order to bend the thick steel used on these trucks. Other than that, I was amazed at what good condition the body is in.
Serious inquiries only. Let's not waste each others time- please. I MAY consider a partial trade, as I'll be in the market for a second vehicle when I do get back to work, but no low-ballers.
If you know the value of these things, you'll know that my "Buy It Now" asking price is well below what I should be asking. I found one just like it online listed for $19,900. The only difference is it had better upholstery, which is easily redone for under $500. So clearly this is priced for a fast sell due to need, not want.