1972 Toyota FJ43 LWB Land Cruiser
Generously Lent by Brian Block
Rugged Offroad design with 4 Wheel Drive
Popular for Back Country Transportation and Exploration
Evolved from Pre- War Military Vehicle
Multiple Body and Chassis Configurations to Suit Customer Needs
The 72 Toyota Land Cruiser shown in Rustic Green is the long-wheelbase version of utility four-wheel drive vehicles on which the company has established a reputation for rugged durability and off-road versatility. With a high torque 6-cylinder engine, 3-speed manual transmission, a high/low transfer case, and manually locking front hubs, the Land Cruiser is built to go beyond where paved roads end. This vehicle model, with a canvas roof and side curtains, became a popular vehicle for excursions and safari use where creature comforts were sacrificed for reliable passage through challenging conditions. The Land Cruiser is Toyota’s most enduring model with over 10 million units sold worldwide. As one of the first Toyota models to be introduced to the US, up until the mid-1970s, the Land Cruiser was the best-selling Toyota vehicle in America and to this day, remains the most popular body-on-frame truck sold in Australia.
Like similar multi-purpose off-road vehicles such as the Willys Jeep and British Land Rover, the Land Cruiser evolved from a military vehicle, first manufactured in 1938 and known as the model AK, offering a 4-cylinder engine with 4-wheel drive. While rarely seen in military action its civilian version began production in 1951 and was originally referred to as a “jeep BJ”. However, in response to a lawsuit filed by the Willy’s Company, the name was changed in 1954 to the Land Cruiser to resemble the popular British Land Rover Series 1. The production Land Cruiser was offered in several configurations over the years, with the “FJ” series being the heavy-duty offering for serious off-road use. The Long Wheelbase model on display with its canvas roof and side curtains is one of the many variants offered but lacks anything other than basic manual controls. Driver aids such as power steering and power brakes were not available until the 1979 model year. This vehicle was originally delivered to a customer in Bogota, Columbia, and was used as a transport vehicle for a dairy operation, remaining with the original buyer for nearly 30 years. After several ownership changes in Columbia, the vehicle was subjected to a painstakingly accurate restoration by The FJ Company which included factory-correct interior upholstery, soft top, body, paint, and engine refurbishment.
Under the hood is a 3.9-liter 6 cylinder overhead valve engine coupled to a 3-speed manual transmission with a stick shift on the floor. Next to the shifter is the two-speed high/low transfer case lever which sends power to the front wheels through manual locking wheel hubs. Semi-elliptical springs offer suspension front and rear while drum brakes are found on all four corners. The FJ43 Long Wheelbase model is not often seen in the US and due to its rarity and their intended use, few Land Cruisers are as well cared for and as accurately restored as this example. Toyota stopped importing the FJ series Land Cruiser into the US in 1983 but has reintroduced a 2024 Land Cruiser Model.
Specifications
Engine: 3878cc Overhead Valve Straight 6-cylinder engine, Single carburetor 3 Speed Manual Gearbox with high/low transfer case, 4-wheel drive
Horsepower: 125 bhp
Weight: 3263 lbs (soft top)