California Cruiser: ’73 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
We are big fans of the FJ40 as it is a viable alternative to the bulldog Land Rover. We come across many of these in restored, customized, modified and junk condition but when we see a solid original, we can’t help ourselves. This one has exited from long-term storage and made road worthy again by the seller. If you start with a good base like this California car, you can enjoy it now and decide how far you want to take it going forward. Perhaps you’ll want to leave it like Ralph Lauren left his ranch Jeep – with tons of patina. We had the pleasure of owning an FJ very close in condition to this one. In fact we had a fleeting thought that it could have been ours but alas, it isn’t but it looks just as nice. Now these aren’t lots of fun on today’s highways although with enough fortitude you could do it. It is best around town, along a forest trail or on the beach. If it becomes a beach cruiser or in fact, if it sees regular use, take all known rust preventative precautions. Replacement parts are available and modified suspension and brake parts can be had in any price range from scores of sellers. Old Man Emu from down in OZ, makes some of the sturdiest upgrades. Check this one out on Craigslist with a fair price of $12,500.