This 1970 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser is a beautifully restored and tastefully upgraded classic 4x4 that blends vintage Toyota ruggedness with modern drivability. Finished in blue over a new black interior, this FJ40 keeps the unmistakable look that made the Land Cruiser legendary while adding the power, comfort, and usability of a small-block V8, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, Vintage Air, and upgraded suspension.
Recipient of a frame-off restoration, this Land Cruiser presents with the right stance, the right color combination, and the right mechanical upgrades to make it far more enjoyable than a stock example.
Exterior
The blue exterior gives this FJ40 a clean, classic, and highly attractive appearance. The color works perfectly with the white roof, white grille surround, factory-style Land Cruiser badging, black bumpers, exposed hinges, and steel wheel look. It has the rugged, purposeful presence these early Land Cruisers are known for, but with a cleaner and more refined presentation thanks to the restoration work.
The body retains the iconic FJ40 shape: upright windshield, short wheelbase, flat hood, squared-off rear body, exposed hardware, and unmistakable Toyota utility styling. This is the kind of vehicle that looks just as good parked at a show as it does cruising around town.
Wheels & Stance
The stance is strong and classic, with new tires mounted on white steel-style wheels with polished caps. The setup gives this Land Cruiser the right vintage 4x4 look without over-modernizing the appearance.
This FJ40 is equipped with dual shock suspension, adding capability and control while maintaining the rugged character expected from a Land Cruiser. The 4-wheel-drive system gives it the proper go-anywhere personality that made these trucks famous around the world.
Interior
Inside, the new black interior gives the cabin a clean and functional look. The front bucket seats, rear jump seat, black upholstery, black flooring, and painted blue interior metal create the right balance of simplicity and usability.
The cabin has been upgraded with a tilt steering column, aftermarket steering wheel, center console with cupholders, and a Lokar shifter. These upgrades make the truck easier and more comfortable to drive while still keeping the interior true to its utilitarian roots.
The rear seating area continues the classic FJ40 layout, giving the truck a practical and nostalgic feel. It is simple, durable, and exactly the kind of interior that belongs in a vintage Land Cruiser build.
Engine & Drivetrain
Power comes from a 350ci small-block V8 engine swap, giving this FJ40 a major increase in power and drivability compared to the original Toyota powerplant. The V8 is dressed with polished components and a clean engine bay presentation, including a billet serpentine setup that gives the engine compartment a more modern and finished appearance.
The 350 V8 is paired with an automatic transmission, making this Land Cruiser much easier to drive in traffic, around town, or on weekend cruises. The combination of small-block Chevrolet power and automatic drivability transforms this FJ40 into a much more usable classic while keeping its vintage 4x4 attitude.
Comfort & Drivability
This build includes several key upgrades that make it stand out from a typical restored FJ40. Vintage Air has been added, giving the truck air conditioning for warm-weather comfort. It also features power steering and power brakes, two major improvements that make a classic short-wheelbase 4x4 far more enjoyable from behind the wheel.
The tilt steering column, automatic transmission, Lokar shifter, and new interior all work together to make this Land Cruiser feel less like an old utility vehicle and more like a properly sorted restomod.
Suspension & 4x4 Capability
This FJ40 retains its 4-wheel-drive capability and classic off-road character, but benefits from upgraded suspension components, including the dual shock setup. The frame-off restoration gives the build a strong foundation, while the V8 powertrain and upgraded drivability features make it equally suited for weekend cruising, shows, or light adventure use.
It has the look of a vintage Toyota icon with the added confidence of more power, better braking, easier steering, and improved comfort.
The Drive
This 1970 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser delivers the experience people want from a custom classic 4x4. The 350 V8 provides strong power and a great sound, the automatic transmission keeps it easy to operate, and the power steering and power brakes make it far more manageable than a stock FJ40.
Add in Vintage Air, a new black interior, tilt column, Lokar shifter, new tires, and the frame-off restoration, and this Land Cruiser becomes a very well-rounded build. It has the timeless look collectors love with the right upgrades to actually enjoy it.
For anyone looking for a restored FJ40 with classic Toyota style and modern V8 drivability, this 1970 Land Cruiser checks the right boxes.
Highlights
1970 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser
Frame-off restoration
Blue exterior
Black interior
350ci small-block V8 engine swap
Automatic transmission
4-wheel drive
Vintage Air conditioning
Billet serpentine setup
Power steering
Power brakes
New interior
Tilt steering column
Lokar shifter
Center console with cupholders
Rear jump seat
New tires
Dual shock suspension
White roof
White steel-style wheels with polished caps
Classic Land Cruiser badging
Iconic short-wheelbase FJ40 body style
Excellent blend of vintage Toyota character and modern V8 drivability
