1959 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ25, a rare pre-FJ40 cruiser under recent FJ25 sales

Why we picked it

The FJ25 is the Land Cruiser that came before the FJ40, and very few are offered in the US. Worldwide Vintage Autos in Denver lists this red 1959 with a black interior, a 3.9-liter six and a 4-speed manual for $24,900. Its 9FJ25 chassis number follows the same pattern as other 1959 FJ25s that have sold recently. The dealer calls it an FJ40 in the headline, but the description and chassis number both say FJ25.

The last three FJ25s to sell went for $33,000 to $37,500. Those trucks were close to original. This one has a lift, power steering, a roll bar and custom wheels and tires, so expect it to be worth somewhat less than an original truck. Even so, it is the cheapest running FJ25 we have seen listed this year. The dealer says the previous owner did a frame-off restoration, but the dealer has not checked that claim.

The value check

The seller is asking $23,900. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $33,000–$37,500, so the middle of the market is about $35,250. That put this car 32% under.

Three FJ25s sold in 2026 for $33,000 (Mecum and Barrett-Jackson, both 1957) and $37,500 (BaT, 1959). Those were original-spec trucks, while this one has a lift, power steering and custom wheels, so part of the gap is the modifications.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1959 FJ25 sold $37,500, BaT, Jul 2026
• 1957 FJ25 sold $33,000, Mecum, May 2026
• 1957 FJ25 sold $33,000, Barrett-Jackson, Jan 2026
• classic.com FJ25 market (CMB $29,686)

What to check

• The dealer says it has not checked the frame, floors, suspension, engine size or compression, and the frame-off restoration claim comes from the previous owner
• The odometer reads 43,983, but the listing says the mileage is exempt, so treat the true mileage as unknown
• The chassis number is in the short pre-1981 format (9FJ2512547L). Check that it matches the frame stamping and the title. The listing does not state title status
• Check the floors, footwells, tub seams and rear body corners for rust or filler hidden under the fresh paint
• The lift, power steering and roll bar are aftermarket, so look at the steering box mount and the spring hangers for cracks
• FJ25 trim, glass and body panels are hard to find, so price in any missing parts before you buy

Making it drive like new

Keep the body and chassis looking period-correct and make changes you can undo. Add front disc brakes with a dual-circuit master cylinder, a modern electronic ignition, an electric fuel pump with a filter, and seat belts mounted to the frame. Bring the steering and suspension geometry back to sensible numbers after the lift. Keep the original parts so a future owner can return the truck to stock.