THIS IS A NO RESERVE AUCTION! HIGH BIDDER WILL OWN THIS RARE FJ!
1979 FJ40 US SPEC LAND CRUISER - A STUNNING ONE OWNER 28K ACTUAL ORIGINAL MILES IN ALL ORIGINAL CONDITION INCLUDING ORIGINAL PAINT AND NO BODY WORK AND NO COVER-UP UNDERCOATING - A TRUE COLLECTORS DREAM
For all you barn-yard find dreamers / purists - this is a rare one, but better than any barn find. I have only come across one US Spec FJ similar to this FJ in the entire country over the past 5 years and it sold for $100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Dollars). That 78' FJ40 (Jonathan Ward's) along with a very interesting story can be seen at this link.https://www.autoblog.com/2018/04/04/5-000-mile-toyota-land-cruiser-fj40/. A good comp for a market reference.
Up for sale here is a very rare and original 79'. It comes with the original bill of sale from the original purchase in 1979 and is being sold with clean title in hand. This is nota nut-and-bolt restoration, but a factory original 1979 FJ40 that's spent all of its easy well cared for 28k mile life with one owner.
BACKGROUND / ORIGINAL PURCHASE DETAILS
On October 9, 1979 this FJ40 was purchased new from Page Toyota located in Southfield Michigan. It came with the power steering option and a 10,000 lb Warne winch. There were also a few other items that came with the original purchase, including the dealer installed flares. They are all listed on the original bill of sale / buyers order which is included in the sale. All paperwork documents this FJ as a true one owner original.All Original Books/Manuals and even the winch manual come with the sale. Winch was never used other than running it a few times to keep the moving parts in motion. The original jack has never left its station and never used. Also included is an original CB radio with 2handhelds as part of the set. They were used tocommunicate when way out on the property.Backin the late 70's early 80's there were nocellular phones. I also have a full set of additional wheels thataccommodate bigger tires that were bought and only used for a short time. This additional set of 4 wheels will be included with the sale.
HISTORY
This FJ was primarily used to go hunting and fishing on a private 100 acre plus property. In the winter months the FJ was kept in a heated garage and minimally driven. The average 700 miles a year of easy driving wasprimarilyout to the lake on the property on a smooth grassy terrain.The original rubber tires from when bought new remain in perfect shape since they really did not see much asphalt. The Original "Steelie Wheels" are in absolute perfect condition and you would have to see them up close toappreciatehow beautiful they are.
CONDITION / MAINTINANCE
Everything works as it should. The oil was changed every 6 to 8 months. The only mechanical work done to this engine of only 28k original miles was an oil pan replacement, regular tune-ups, and a full carburetor rebuild a few years back which one would expect to have taken place over this period of time. The carburetor rebuild was only the result of time - not misuse or neglect. Nothing else to report as far as repairs besides the regular oil changes, oil filters, and a few batteries over the past 40 years. This truck was driven so minimally and taken care of so routinely it simply did not sustain any mechanical problems. It really had a nice easy life with zero abuse and zero traditional off-road use. The short rides on the property over to the lake on a very smooth terrain are not at all what one would consider off-roading or anything of that nature. This truck did not see any rough-housing or abuse.
All the gauges work and illuminate as they should. Gears shift smoothly. It also has the power steering option (available in 79'). Everything on this truck is original and stock with only a custom front light rack installed toaccommodate the additional lights. From the shocks and bushings, to the brakes and mostly everything else in-between, this is a true all original survivor.The removable top andremovable doors were never taken off, ever! Hard to believe but it is true and the new owner of this truck will be very pleasantly surprised.This is the true definition of a time capsule FJ40.
RATING AND ONE SOUR GRAPE
On a 1 to 10 scale I would give it a 9.9 and the only reason for not getting the "10" is because there are two small areas of surface rust and a few paint bubble spots that have surfaced just in past years. It was decided to not make any repairs as it would lose its "original" status. I have an estimate that I will make available upon request from a very high end shop for any interested buyers who want total perfection regarding these small rust areas. The cost isapproximately$1200. The rest of the truck including theundercarriage and floor pans are in great shape and it should be seen in person toappreciate. If you require additional pics of a specific area or item, please ask and I will do my best toaccommodate.
OTHER
You might not see some of these imperfections that I mentioned on the many NON-US spec trucks that are flooding the market. Or you also might even find that the undercarriage doesn't shine with new glossy-black undercoating of some sort. But there is a lot to be said about an all original US Spec FJ 40 vs. a "frame-off" Non-US Spec for the serious vintage collector/buyer of FJ40's. It is apples and Oranges....period. Most if not all of these import flips are lacking common USA items such as a padded dash and roll bar.Another item to watch out for is these FJ flippers that "restore" with no knowledge of OEM components.Stainless generic bolts, and silky smooth body panels are pet peeves. Toyota left the spot weld dimples and used flanged anodized, or body color bolts.
One should check with the new owner of Ward's 78' who paid $100k and ask him if he paid all that $ for a frame-offrestoration from South America.If you are looking for these full restoration "frame-off's" popping up weekly and originating out of central and southAmericaat a dime a dozen - you are in the wrong market. Those NON US SPEC trucks don't compare to this original truck. And finding parts for these imports is near impossible.
FJ40 MARKET
These trucks have been increasing in value at a truly unbelievable rate over the past decade. They will continue to increase and especially one so desirable and rare as this 28koriginal here. How many FJ40 owner's can actually say they bought their truck with 28k original miles? There are very few true originals out there of this caliber.Even the regular worn-down and beaten-up, multi-owner FJ's are fetching ridiculous money. But, to be perfectly clear, if you are looking for that glossy black painted bottom, I suggest you search the Miami Craigs List and purchase your dime-a-dozenfresh bottom painted import from South America and prepare for spending big $$ in repairs if you can even find the required parts.
CONCLUSION
This is a bitter-sweet story to see such a beautiful US Spec original leaving us. But all car/truck ownerships do come to an end at some point in time. Some are just better ownerships with betterhistoriesthan others.If you are looking for an almost impossible to find original US Spec FJ40 to add to a collection - here it is. Some lucky buyer will walk away with one of the "great ones".
SPECIAL OFFER
If the auction price closes at or above $57k I will offer FREE SHIPPING to anywhere in the lower 48 states. I will arrange and pay all costs to ship this FJ40 to your door. This is a $1500 value to be considered. If you live in Hawaii or Alaska, sorry, I am unable to extend this offer to those states. This offer is exclusive to the lower 48 but I will give any buyer from Hawaii or Alaska a $1500 credit towards the total cost to ship but will not be able to make any of these arrangements. If purchased for outside the US, all shipping costs and logistical arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer and I will help coordinate with a freight forwarder.
INSPECTION
I urge any serious buyers to come inspect this one-of-a-kind original to appreciate it for what it is. Please contact me with questions or to arrange for an inspection BEFORE THE END OF AUCTION. THE TIME TO INSPECT OR HIRE SOME ONE TO INSPECT IS BEFORE THE AUCTION ENDS. PLEASE DO NOT BID/OFFER IF YOU DO NOT INTEND TO PURCHASE AND COMPLETE THE SALE. PLEASE DO NOT BID/OFFER AND ASK FOR INSPECTIONS AFTER THE AUCTION HAS ENDED. PLEASE DO NOT BID/OFFER IF YOU HAVE TO ASK YOUR WIFE, YOUR HUSBAND, MOTHER-IN-LAW OR PET GOLD FISH PERMISSION. Don't mean to sound draconian here folks but please understand that this is a serious auction for a very serious and rare truck. I must emphasize all of the aforementionedscenariosbecause all too often here onEbay there are cyber tire kickers that recklessly bid just for kicks in total disregard of auction rules. This auction is not for kicks and it is unfair to me and other serious buyers who would otherwise complete purchase.
PAYMENT & TERMS
The winningbidder must pay in full by wire or check and funds must clear before the FJ ships. I reserve the right to cancel sale if these terms are not complied with. If you know the value of this US Spec Truck and you are a qualified buyer, these terms should be met with out issue. Please be mindful of these terms before considering to purchase.
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1) In response to a number of the same questions. The original Bill of Sale from the Toyota Dealer where this FJ was originally purchased in 1979 is part of the sale and in excellent condition. All line items are perfectly legible and lists all options that this truck came with as stated in my description. I have clean/clear Tennesse Title in hand and the winning bidder will be the official 2nd owner of this FJ40
2) In response to another question. Yes, the tires and the wheels on this truck are both original from 1979 when bought new. Since the truck was wonderfully maintained, the tires are in very nice condition, better than one would perceive 40 year old tires to be. However, if the new owner intends to use the truck as a daily driver (which the new owner can certainly do) I would recommend new rubber in the near future since no manufacturer would recommend using 40 year old tires for this long a period of time. They actually look like they have much less than the original 28k miles as you can see in the pictures and they actually function fine. The wheels are in beautiful condition as well. There is a complete set of 4 additional wheels that are larger (wider) that were used for a few thousand miles several years back but not in the pictures. This extra set of wheels comes with the sale.
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