1971 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 with disc brakes, lift and new soft top for under $18k

Why we picked it

Why we picked it: this is a 1971 FJ40 soft top in red over black with a manual gearbox, 4x4, safari seats, a lift, bigger tires and, per the seller, power disc brakes. It is listed by Worldwide Vintage Autos in Denver at $17,900, and it was newly added. Driver-grade and mildly modified FJ40s have been selling for roughly $16,000 to $36,500 at auction over the last two months, so the asking price sits near the bottom of that range.

The dealer is a consignment shop. It says it does not check engine size, compression, frames, floor pans or suspension, and it notes a few chips in the paint. The 30-point inspection sheet is in the photos. Treat the low price as room to fix what an inspection turns up, not as proof that nothing needs fixing.

The value check

The seller is asking $17,900. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $16,000–$36,500, so the middle of the market is about $26,250. That put this car 32% under.

Recent sales of driver-grade and lightly modified FJ40s on BaT, Hagerty, Mecum and Barrett-Jackson (Sep-Oct 2026) mostly ran $16,000 to $36,500. At $17,900 this one is about 32% under the $26,250 midpoint.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1977 FJ40, modified, BaT Oct 2026, $36,500
• 1975 FJ40, modified, BaT Sep 2026, $29,500
• 1973 FJ40, modified, BaT Sep 2026, $28,250
• 1972 FJ40, original driver, Hagerty Oct 2026, $16,050
• classic.com FJ40 sold results

What to check

• The dealer does not check frames, floors or suspension. Get an independent inspection of the frame rails, rear crossmember and spring hangers.
• Check FJ40 tub rust spots: the footwells, the rear wheel arches, the bottoms of the A-pillars and the windshield frame.
• The seller says the 6-cylinder details came from the previous owner. Confirm by number whether it is the original F engine or a later 2F, and run a compression test.
• The odometer is exempt and true mileage is unknown. Ask for records of the lift and brake work.
• The $500 deposit is non-refundable, so finish the inspection and title check before you pay it.

Making it drive like new

A frame-on FJ40 driver is a good starting point for a resto-mod. Common next steps are a JT Outfitters or Marlin Crawler power steering conversion (if it does not already have one), a 5-speed H55F swap or a later 4-speed with a split case, EFI on the inline six (or a Vortec or LS swap for highway speed), and a Man-A-Fre or OME spring setup tuned for ride. Add a roll cage tied to the frame, three-point belts and modern LED lighting.

2 builders make a complete chassis for the 1960–84 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.