This 1978 ‘FJ55’ Toyota Land Cruiser is an unusually original example of the marque’s enduring four-wheel drive. It is powered by the updated and more powerful 4.2-lite 2F inline six, paired with a four-speed manual transmission with low range transfer case and simple, but rugged, four-wheel drive system. The car is understood to have been placed into storage at 11,000 kilometres, and the seller believes the odometer reading of 71,000 kilometres to be accurate, however this is not warranted. As a testament to the vehicle’s originality, the seller notes its clean and undamaged undercarriage, factory yellow paint brush marks on the steering and suspension components, and original driveline, suspension, steering and engine components, which have been inspected by a classic car specialist and confirmed to only show mild wear. The long-wheelbase ‘FJ55’ Land Cruiser introduced the station wagon layout to the four-wheel-drive system. It set the template for the 300 series that followed, This example is finished in a period-correct Olive Brown and white colour scheme, over a black vinyl-trimmed cabin. It rides on a set of 16-inch steel wheels with AVM hubs at the front, shod with Dunlop SP Road Gripper tyres, whichthe seller believes to be approximately four years old. The front grille and bumpers were chrome-played by a previous owner to match the specification of Japanese-market FJ55s. An electric fuel pump has been fitted, with the original mechanical fuel pump in place and functional as a backup. The vehicle will be accompanied by its original service and purchase record, owner’s manual, emission control and maintenance guide, 2F engine repair booklet, Haynes FJ55 repair book, jack and handles, engine hand crank, tool kit and the service light, which connects in the glove box to hang beneath the bonnet. The seller is also supplying service records up to 11,000 kilometres. Service records up to 11,000 kilometres will also be included in the sale. There are also some components to upgrade the front brakes to discs, should the next well wish to do so. The seller is not aware of any bodywork damage. When replacing the windscreen after it was damaged by a rock, a small amount of rust was found underneath the weather stripping. This was professionally repaired, and the A-pillars and windscreen surround were repainted. The seller believes most of the paintwork to be original, aside from that mentioned above, and the front passenger-side guard. Overall, the paintwork is in good condition, with a few age-related blemishes around the vehicle. These include stone chips and marks, paint rubbing off on the hood, a bubble of rust on the front passenger door, surface rust above the rear passenger-side cargo window, a filled section on the same window’s weather stripping, and a blemish on the driver’s door. Inside, the cabin presents very well, with little evidence of wear on the front bench seat, and some general fading and ‘patina’ on the dashboard, which also features two hairline cracks. There is also a small tear in the cargo bay floor mat. The front fog lights are not connected, but the original fog light switch will be included with the car. The air conditioning system is mostly complete, but the compressor and bracket are not currently fitted, but will be supplied with the vehicle currently out of the car and will be included in the sale. The radio has power, but is not connected to the speaker. This Land Cruiser’s most recent maintenance was carried out at around 69,000 kilometres, when David Short Automotive in North Hobart changed the oil and filters, tightened and adjusted the drum brakes, replaced a leaking clutch master cylinder, set the valve timing, tuned the carburettors, and fitted new windscreen wipers. Toyo Spec in Hobart cared for the car following its purchase by the seller, and the seller changed all of the fluids, as well as replacing the filters, spark plugs, and distributor points. The rear exhaust hanger has been professionally rewelded in the past three years. and a new battery was installed in June 2022. Dates and mileages: 05/04/79 - 1,052 kilometres - Neville Lindsay’s Car Sales (Essendon) 18/09/79 - 5,182 kilometres - Neville Lindsay’s Car Sales (Essendon) 25/01/87 - 10,707 kilometres 18/09/94 - 11,868 kilometres - Andy’s Service Station Famed for their durability, reliability, and characterful aesthetic, the FJ55 Land Cruiser originally found its fame in the United States, but has gone on to earn a growing appreciation around the world. Offered in largely original condition and presented in a period-perfect colour scheme, this example would make a wonderful addition to any collector’s garage, as well as a unique weekend driver or car show companion. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.