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1981 Toyota Land Cruiser

$33,000

Year

1981

Make

Toyota

Model

Land Cruiser

Odometer

5,240 (TMU)

Engine

2F 4.2L-Inline 6-Cylinder Gas Engine with 2-Barrel Weber Carburetor Conversion

Fuel Type

gasoline

Transmission

manual

Drivetrain

4×4

VIN / Chassis #

FJ40927965

Seller

Classic 4x4

Location

Belmar, NJ

Title Status

clean
1981 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser | Frame-Off Restored, Highly-Original
Classic 4x4 is proud to present this frame-off restored 1981 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser soft top.  This iconic and capable 4x4 underwent a frame-off restoration under prior ownership and has been meticulously maintained with drivability upgrades by the current owner.
 
Finished in blue with a tan soft top and gray accents, this Land Cruiser commands attention while staying true to its heritage.  Inside, the five-passenger cabin features a front bench seat and rear fold-down jump seats are finished in gray vinyl.  Blue seatbelts and black PVC floor coverings adorn the front and rear passenger area. Modern drivability upgrades include LED headlights, Hella LED auxiliary driving lights, a Weber carburetor conversion, power steering, and power brakes.
 
Power comes from a 2F 4.2-liter inline 6-cylinder gas engine, paired with a H41 4-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case. The front and rear 4.11 gear ratio K082 axles with Warn front locking hubs deliver legendary four-wheel-drive capability.
 
Highlights
·       Blue with Tan Soft Top and Gray Accents
·       Gray Vinyl Bench Seats, Door Cards, and Visors 
·       Blue Seatbelts with Black PVC Flooring and Dash Pads
·       LED Headlights
·       Hella LED Driving Lights
·       31 x 10.5 R15 Kumho Road Venture MT51 Tires
·       15 x 8 Nomad Convoy 501 Utility Gray Wheels
·       2F 4.2L-Inline 6-Cylinder Gas Engine
·       2-Barrel Weber Carburetor Conversion
·       H41 4-Speed Manual Transmission 
·       Dual-Range Part-Time 4WD Transfer Case
·       K082 Axles with Warn Front Locking Hubs
·       Front Disc and Rear Drum Power Brakes
·       Power Steering with Steering Stabilizer

History
Introduced by Toyota in 1960, the 40 Series Land Cruisers remained in continuous production for 24 years until 1984. The 40 Series became one of the most iconic and collectible Toyota models ever produced, celebrated for its rugged simplicity and timeless design.
 
This 1981 Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser is a South American model reportedly sold new in Venezuela and remained with the original owner until the prior owner’s acquisition in 2021.  Under prior ownership, it reportedly underwent a frame-off restoration and was imported into the United States in 2024.  The current owner acquired it for their classic 4x4 collection in May 2025. 
 
The Land Cruiser carries a clean and clear New Jersey title in the current owner’s name and is located in Belmar, New Jersey.  The odometer reads approximately 5,240 kilometers (3,255 miles), but the true mileage is unknown.  The sale includes 2 ignition keys, Toyota tool roll and a yellow refinished jack.
 
Exterior
The exterior presents well, finished in blue with a tan vinyl soft top and gray accents.  The body was reportedly removed from the frame and refinished in its current shade of blue with gray accents during the restoration.  In addition, the frame and axles were refinished in gloss black.  Pictures of the frame and body separated while being refinished can be viewed in the gallery.  Normal wear and tear and a few touch-ups are noted on the body and the windshield has some faint scratches.  Under current ownership, new LED headlight bulbs, Hella LED accessory driving lights with amber covers, and side view mirrors were installed.
 
The Land Cruiser sits confidently on a refurbished suspension with 31 x 10.5 R15 Kumho Road Venture MT51 tires mounted on 15 x 8 Nomad Convoy 501 wheels finished in utility gray — delivering an authentic look and stance.
 
Interior
The interior presents itself well, the front bench seat, rear inward facing folding bench seats, visors and door cards are finished in gray vinyl.  Blue seat belts and black custom fit PVC flooring and dash pads complement the interior.  The interior was reportedly reupholstered under prior ownership. A small, approximately quarter-inch tear is noted on the top of the front bench seat.   Under current ownership the seat belts, visors, lower dash pads and the dash storage compartment were installed.  
 
Mechanical
The engine, transmission and axles were reportedly rebuilt during the restoration under prior ownership.  In addition, the suspension, braking and steering components were reportedly refurbished during the restoration under prior ownership.  Pictures of the powertrain during the rebuild can be viewed in the gallery.  
·       Engine: 2F 4.2L Inline 6 Cylinder Engine with Weber Carburetor Conversion
·       Transmission: H41 4-Speed Manual
·       Transfer Case: Dual-Range Part-Time Four-Wheel Drive
·       Axles: K082 4.11 Geared with Warn Manual Front Locking Hubs
 
Under current ownership, the Land Cruiser has been meticulously maintained, with the following drivability upgrades completed:
·       Weber Two-Barrel 38mm Carburetor Conversion with Electric Choke
·       Fuel Pump, Fuel Pressure Regulator, and Fuel Lines
·       Electronic Distributor, Plug Wires, and Spark Plugs
·       Power Brake Booster, Master Cylinder, Proportioning Valve, and Copper Brake Lines
·       Front Brake Calipers and Rear Brake Wheel Cylinders
·       Rebuilt Power Steering Gear
·       Optima Yellow Top Battery
·       Engine Oil and Filter Service, Coolant Flush, and Brake Fluid Service
 
This frame-off restored and meticulously maintained 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser is a fitting tribute to the legendary Land Cruiser nameplate, blending vintage character, proven capability, and thoughtfully selected modern upgrades.
 
Whether you're a serious collector, an enthusiast seeking a beautifully restored example, or someone who appreciates a trail- and beach-ready icon, this Land Cruiser represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of Toyota's most celebrated classic 4x4s.
 
Contact Classic 4x4
Call/Text: 973-222-0135
Email: hello@classic4x4.com

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