Every collectable genera of automotive seems to play a constant battle of usability vs collectiabilty. In the 4×4 world this battle is just as present as any other. 4×4 rigs were typically used hard. To this day 4x4s are tools and not items of beauty. The Toyota FJ55 is commonly referred to as the Iron Pig. Thing of beauty? Maybe not. But today, the FJ55 is trending up and will be one of the most collectable 4x4s. 1979 was the last year these were imputed to the United States. 250 were brought in and only 50 were available with factory power steering and A/C. Safe to say there are half that alive, and maybe another half that are available in original specifications. So its a welcomed sight that this example doesn’t have 35″ mud terrain tires and a 4″ body lift. In fact this seems to be very original. Is there a value proposition here or is it just a used 4×4?
1979 FJ55 for sale on Boise Craigslist
Year: 1979
Model: Toyota FJ55
Engine: 2F 6 cyl petrol
Mileage: 75,555
Price: $25,50
1979 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 55 in excellent condition. One owner, well maintained, no rust, complete with all accessories. Serial #FJ55-103477. 75,555 miles. 2B 6 cylinder engine, manual trans, power steering, Warn locking hubs, factory AC, rear heater, roll bar, 8000 lb warn winch with remote, tow package. This is an exceptionally clean and straight rig, professionally painted and reupholstered in 2008. Runs and drives well. Everything works except the AC. Have lots of documentation including the original window sticker, owners manual, service manual, warranty info, etc. Also included are extra original factory maintenance parts; air filters, oil filters, oil plug, thermostat w/gasket, distributor cap and rotor, brake pads, and radiator hoses. Call for more details.
So is this collectable? I had to find out for myself, so I made the trip to view it in person. It is claimed that this is a one owner and I have verified that it is. The name on the title matches the original bill of sale. This did come from the factory with A/C and power steering per the options on the original window sticker. The winch was a dealer installed option which is very cool. This FJ was born in a 2 tone blue and white scheme that has been changed to a more modern FJ62 color scheme. I wouldn’t mind the paint swap if it were a high quality job as described. It is not. And there are signs of rust. Evidence of overspray can be found throughout too. In fact there are some spots in the door jams where you can see the original blue. Shame they didn’t leave it. Then the question as to why they changed the paint is asked? Above the drivers and passenger door, on the roof, there is a massive crack in the paint. Calling it a valley instead of a crack is probably more accurate. That valley consists of old separated bondo. Something must have landed on the roof causing a large dent. Instead of repairing it properly, bondo was used to fill in the roof line. And thats not the only place with bondo. The full circumference of the rain gutter is completely filled with putty. Additionally there are paint bubbles near the lower fenders and doors. The rust isn’t nearly as bad as I am use to seeing on these but thats not all. The interior has been re-upholstered to an odd vinyl print on both benches. The dash is cracked too. Good luck replacing that or expect to pay a small fortune to refurbish it. Looking past those flaws, there is paperwork that documents the odometer hasn’t rolled over. I verified that the clock rolls over with my own eyes. I can also tell you that the 4×4 system works as does the winch. I noted that there is a very intense scent of fuel in the cockpit. The rear power window does move. The A/C system has not been converted but I did watch the compressor engage. So is it collectable?
1979 FJ55 for sale on Boise Craigslist
Yes it is extremely collectable. I will tell you that I made an offer way lower than the asking price. I was made a respectable counter offer. But it wasn’t enough to make it in to my shop. Will it make it in to yours?
