Bring a Trailer Bargain of the Week: 1964 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 Pickup
Vintage SUV values have been on the rise lately. And one of the classic models that helped kick off the trend was the legendarily-rugged FJ40-series Toyota Land Cruiser. Today, thanks to those market forces and the restomodding industry, FJ40s are usually fairly pricey. But that’s not the case with this week’s Bring a Trailer bargain: a 1964 FJ45 Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck.
The FJ45 gave the Toyota Land Cruiser more room for activities
Today, most US residents are familiar with the Toyota Land Cruiser as an SUV. However, in the past it was sold as a pickup truck—and in some countries, it still is. And in the FJ40’s/FJ45’s case, that was one of several available configurations, Silodrome reports.
The multiple body styles were possible because Toyota offered the ‘J40’ Land Cruiser in three different wheelbase lengths, Silodrome reports. The J45 trim has the longest wheelbase available, which is why it was commonly sold in ‘Troopy’ wagon form, Hagerty and the FJ Company report.
In fact, although restomod companies can make you a modern one, an original pickup model is fairly rare. The FJ45 truck accounts for less than 1% of 1960-1984 Toyota Land Cruiser sales, FourWheeler reports. This is likely due to the ‘chicken tax’ raising the pickup’s price tag, Hagerty reports.
Besides the bed and wheelbase, though, an FJ45 pickup is mechanically identical to a ‘normal’ FJ40 Land Cruiser. The ‘F’ in the name is an internal code referring to the SUV’s gasoline engine; ‘B’ indicates a diesel engine, Silodrome explains. In a pre-1975 example, that means a 3.9-liter inline-six engine with 125 hp and 209 lb-ft linked to a three-speed manual, Silodrome reports. And, of course, a “bulletproof” 4WD system with a transfer case, Autoblog reports.
Early Land Cruisers aren’t exactly luxurious. A/C and power steering weren’t even available as options until 1979, Silodrome reports. And even with the later 135-hp 4.2-liter inline-six, they’re not fast, Car and Driver reports. However, while an FJ45 isn’t a freeway vehicle or even necessarily comfortable, it’s a stout and dependable workhorse, Petrolicious reports. And in pickup form, it can tow up to 3500 pounds, TLC4x4 reports.
The 1964 FJ45 Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck on Bring a Trailer
The 1964 FJ45 Toyota Land Cruiser currently listed on Bring a Trailer isn’t precisely stock. But its modifications do make it a bit more capable and easier to live with.
This FJ45 Land Cruiser rides on Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport shocks and upgraded Dakar leaf springs. The truck also has BFGoodrich All-Terrain A/T tires as well as a front-bumper-mounted Warn winch. Plus, a spray-on bed liner with integrated tie-downs. And while it doesn’t have A/C, the interior does feature reupholstered cloth seats with matching carpets and an under-dash CD player.
Although some Land Cruisers from this era have received engine swaps, this 1964 FJ45 still has the original 3.9-liter inline-six with a three-speed manual. However, the engine has a new carburetor as well as a PerTronix electronic ignition system. Bring a Trailer also notes that the current owner replaced the ignition coil, distributor cap, radiator cap, battery, PCV valve, and spark plugs. Plus, the fuel tank was replaced in 2016, and a new electric fuel pump was fitted in 2020.
It’s a classic off-road pickup truck bargain
As of this writing, this 1964 FJ45 Toyota Land Cruiser pickup truck is listed on Bring a Trailer at $17,890 with three days left in the auction. Some of the commenters claim it might be mis-titled as a 1964 when it’s really a 1967 model. However, those same commenters note the differences are minimal at best.
Plus, considering the truck’s age and condition, this 1964 FJ45 is at a below-average price. The average Bring a Trailer price is often on the higher end of a $20,000-$40,000 range. And a well-maintained FJ40 Land Cruiser can easily sell for more than that, Hagerty reports. So, if you’ve been thinking of getting a durable vintage work truck, this might be your chance.
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