A Gloriously Modified 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40: A Tale of Transformation
Imagine taking a classic 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 and giving it the automobile version of a Hollywood makeover. Under its previous ownership, this rugged beast was upgraded with a thunderous 350ci Chevrolet V8 engine, paired cleverly with a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case. The current owner snapped it up in March 2021, and since then, has added a slew of modern features to make even the most jaded car enthusiast do a double take.
Custom Work Done After Purchase
- Air-locking ARB differentials
- Holley Sniper electronic fuel injection
- Dakota Digital instrumentation
- Old Man Emu shocks and heavy-duty leaf springs
The Land Cruiser now travels on 15-inch Eagle alloy wheels wrapped in beefy 33-inch tires. All this magic rolls out in a striking shade of blue, adorned with flame graphics over black upholstery, adding a rebellious touch that’s hard to ignore. But it doesn’t stop there; the additional equipment reads like a wish list for off-road aficionados: Warn manually locking front hubs, a Warn winch, powerful bumpers, and a removable hardtop all make the cut.
The Exterior: A Bold Transformation
Visually, this truck is more than just eye candy; it’s a piece of art, courageously finished with contrasting flames that lick up the hood and into the front fenders. Picture this: a body-colored hardtop with a white roof, a robust front bumper, and rear fender flares matching the Land Cruiser’s spirit of adventure. Add in diamond-plate rocker panel trim, side steps, and a tubular rear bumper with built-in taillights, and you’ve got yourself a head-turning masterpiece on wheels.
Wheels, Tires, and More: Setting the Stage for Adventure
This classic Land Cruiser is perched on polished 15-inch Eagle alloy wheels, mated with 33×12.5-inch Mickey Thompson Baja MTZ tires. A matching spare hangs ready at the swing-out rear carrier, ensuring that unexpected surprises on offbeat trails won’t catch you flat-footed. And thanks to those heavy-duty leaf springs and Old Man Emu shocks, the ride promises to be smoother than a bar of well-aged whiskey.
Inside the Beast: Where Function Meets Style
Slide into this transformed cabin, and you’ll immediately notice the plush Mastercraft bucket seats in black vinyl and fabric inserts, making every drive as comfortable as a five-star lounge. Sturdy three-point seatbelts are attached to a six-point roll cage, and the convenience of a Tuffy locking center console stands ergonomically in the middle. Drive gets serious with a B&M floor shifter; yet when you’re ready to kick back, a Kenwood head unit paired with powerful Infinity audio speakers delivers entertainment that’s music to your ears.
Dashboard Toys: The Control Center
Before you sits a stylish wood-rimmed Grant steering wheel, with Dakota Digital instrumentation featuring a 120-mph speedometer — a clear invitation to test its capability responsibly, of course. There are dedicated gauges for oil pressure, fuel level, coolant temperature, and voltage with additional Stewart-Warner gauges taking center spot on the dashboard. Convenience is just an open glove box away, housing a Holley EFI module.
A Peek Under the Hood: Pure Power and Precision
Power and performance are the names of the game, with a 350ci Chevrolet V8 as the main player, now upgraded with a Holley Sniper EFI system and a new wiring harness for that indispensable touch of reliability. An auxiliary cooling fan and transmission cooler work diligently alongside an ARB air compressor nestled in the engine compartment, all routes through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case, either powering the rear or all four wheels with enviable efficiency.
Off-Road Ready: Features to Seal the Deal
True to its adventurous spirit, this Land Cruiser comes equipped with dual fuel tanks, ensuring that your exploration won’t be cut short. ARB front and rear air locking differentials add that final touch of selectivity, giving you greater control wherever your journey takes you.
This is not just a truck; it’s an expression of raw power, modern convenience, and adventurous spirit all rolled into one vintage icon. Could it be yours? Well, that’s for you to decide.