1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 1 of 300

Location: Newnan, Georgia

Why It's Curated: This 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 is for sale in Newnan, Ga. This represents the ultimate FJ40—one of only approximately 300 final-year examples imported to the US, earning "Holy Grail" status among collectors. The 1983 model incorporated every evolutionary improvement Toyota developed over three decades, including the coveted 3.70 differential ratio, 22-gallon fuel tank, and unique dashboard design exclusive to this year. What makes this example exceptional is its proven mechanical reliability with recent compression testing showing 150+ PSI across all cylinders, rebuilt front knuckles, and quality upgrades including Weber carburetor and DUI ignition. The current owner's 11-year stewardship focused on driving enjoyment over restoration, resulting in a genuinely usable example that cruises confidently at highway speeds. Factory tinted windows (available only 1982-83) and matching numbers throughout add authenticity. Included replacement rear quarter panels and floor section demonstrate thoughtful preparation for future restoration of this increasingly rare collector's piece. 

Final price reduction before seller restores the truck.

Check out the pictures in the gallery & use the contact form to get in touch with us and the seller to ask questions and/or make an offer for this vehicle.

Model History: The 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 stands as the absolute pinnacle of Toyota's legendary off-road icon, representing the final and most refined iteration of a design that began in 1951. With only approximately 300 examples imported to the United States in 1983, this model year has earned "Holy Grail" status among collectors due to its extreme rarity and comprehensive evolutionary improvements. Toyota discontinued the FJ40 in America after 1983 due to declining sales following the FJ60's introduction, increasing EPA regulations, and rising import tariffs, making this the culmination of over three decades of continuous refinement. The 1983 model incorporated every significant upgrade Toyota had developed, including the superior 3.70 differential ratio for optimal highway performance, the enlarged 22-gallon fuel tank relocated for safety, and the split transfer case design that debuted in late 1980 for smoother operation. What distinguishes the 1983 FJ40 from all predecessors is its unique combination of mechanical sophistication and exclusive features found nowhere else in the FJ40 lineage. The dashboard was completely redesigned with a distinctive silver and black panel held by four screws for improved serviceability, while the odometer was upgraded to six digits and featured illuminated choke and headlight switches. Factory tinted windows, available only in 1982-83, reclining front seats, reinforced jump seats with metal U-shaped legs, and automatic courtesy lighting represented the height of FJ40 luxury. Unlike earlier models with problematic transfer case-mounted emergency brakes, the 1983 utilized a more reliable cable-actuated rear drum system. Today, these final-year FJ40s command premium prices not just for their scarcity, but because they represent Toyota's ultimate expression of analog 4x4 engineering before the transition to more modern, car-like designs.

Vehicle Details:
Year: 1983
Make: Toyota
Model: Land Cruiser
Trim: FJ40
Drive: 4 x 4
Miles: 211,939
Mileage Verification: Actual Miles
Fuel Type: Gasoline
Transmission: Manual (3 pedals)
Number of Forward Gears: 4
Engine: 4.2-liter 2F inline-six
Exterior Color: Factory OEM #653 Olive Green
Interior Color: Factory OEM #653 Olive Green
State of Registration: Georgia
Vehicle Location: Newnan, Georgia
VIN: Available Upon Request
Title: Clean

Details:

Drivetrain, Suspension, Tires & Brakes: 

Wheel Size and Offset: 15" x 8"
Tire Brand, Model, and Size: BF Goodrich All Terrain
Type of Brakes: Front brakes just changed: new pads & rotors

Exterior & Interior:
Repainted by previous owner 15 years ago

Vinyl interior
Working Heat: Yes
Working Air Conditioning: No

Other Notable Features or Functions:
U.S. Version Last Model Year Imported *** Included with sale: Pair of Reel Steel Rear Quarter Panels and Rear Floor Section. I have owned this FJ40 for 11 years. My intention was always to restore it but I had so much fun driving it, I never have. Absolutely no issues with it will drive on expressway at 70+ mph. If you have driven / owned other FJ40’s I guarantee this will be the best running one you have had. I can also provide references of people who have seen and driven it. ** BODY CONDITION **   Factory OEM #653 Olive Green. It was painted by previous owner before I purchased it. Rear quarters with diamond plate have original paint underneath. Not completed rusted through but if restoring this area will need metal work (I have new rear quarters see add on options below). Driver door will need some rust repair. Rear sill area is in good shape. New hood & windshield hooks installed. Powder coated tag frame.   ** INTERIOR CONDITION ** Driver seat has been recovered. Roll bar, jump seats, seat belts, jack all in place. Has factory slight tinted windows only available in 1982 - 3 model years. Dome light that comes on when door is opened or manual turn on. New OEM Toyota top dash pad. Front floors in good shape. Rear floor will need metal work at edge if restoring (Piece to repair is included). Alpine am/fm/cd installed. Rear heater. No headliner.  ** MECHANICAL CONDITION **  4.2-liter 2F inline-six (211,939 miles) linked with a four-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Compression check just performed on engine and is 150 or higher in all cylinders (see pictures of compression check). Webber carburetor, DUI Ignition. New “live” spark plug wires & spark plugs. K&N air cleaner. New: starter, spark plug wires & spark plugs, gear reduction starter, bilstein shocks. BF Goodrich tires on OEM Toyota wheels from an FJ62. Front knuckles (just rebuilt using kit from Cruiser Outfitters), brakes, pads, rotors. I installed the Toyota OEM headlight upgrade. No leaks to speak of it will have a drip once in a while. ****  Clear Georgia Title licensed and registered in my name.  Frame stamped number, firewall plate, door pillar plate all match title.  THIS YEAR MODEL IS THE RAREST OF THE RARE AND THE LAST YEAR IMPORTED.  ONLY A REPORTED 300 IMPORTED.  COMES WITH SOUGHT AFTER 3.70 DIFFERENTIALS AND FACTORY 22 GALLON FUEL TANK.  IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND ONE OF THESE US VERSIONS.  LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OF ATLANTA, GEORGIA.  Why is the 1983 FJ40 the “Holy Grail By Gregory Overton, Land Cruiser Nation and Jonathan Ward, ICON   1983 was the final year for the FJ40 in the United States. The non-USA version was continued until 1984 but was considerably less evolved than the USA models.   Low sales numbers due to the introduction of the FJ60 in 1981 coupled with increasing EPA and Safety standards, high import tariffs and competition from Jeep CJ’s all contributed to Toyota’s decision to discontinue the FJ40 in US Markets in 1983.   There were approximately three hundred FJ40’s delivered to the US that year, so finding a 1983 FJ40 in any condition is rare. Many have since been parted out, modified, or have simple rusted away. It is estimated that about fifty 1983 FJ40’s were delivered with factory power steering and/or factory air conditioning. The trucks that remain in good condition with both options are Uber-rare!   Besides the fact that there are very few of these FJ40’s available, the 1983 model has many factors that make it the best all around Land Cruiser Toyota ever built, and the most coveted.   These enhancements were evolutionary and started in 1976 with USA trucks getting front disc brakes with four-piston calipers. By 1979 Toyota went to 3:73 gears, which gave the FJ40 better highway speed than earlier 4:11 gear ratio models. Then in August of 1980 we saw the change to the split transfer case and updated four-speed transmission, which was considerably smoother and quieter than it’s predecessor.   The emergency brake design was updated using cables to actuate the rear drum brakes vs. the earlier models, which deployed a drum that sat behind the transfer case and was problematic and less efficient. The fuel tank was relocated from under the passenger seat to a safer location underneath the vehicle that allowed for an increased from 16 to 21.6 gallons. The steering wheel was re-designed to a more modern look. The dashboard, which is unique to 1983, was re-designed using a silver and black dash panel held with four screws to allow easy access to wiring for serviceability.   The odometer was upgraded from five digits to six-digits. The choke received a lighted knob, as did the headlight switch. The seats became reclining, the jump seats were given metal U-shaped legs for added support. The cabin courtesy light came on when the doors are opened. The center console, which was a simple metal and then plastic box, was upgraded with an ashtray and integrated rear heater.   Trucks delivered to colder climates were equipped with side window defrosters and in very late 1983 models you may find doors with wing windows, which were common on earlier FJ40’s but discontinued in the mid 70’s in favor of one larger window. Some 83’s have odd, NON USA, content due to the fact that Toyota was running out of parts specific to the US model. So digital clocks, unique columns (with ignition lock) and other details are occasionally present.   So in summary, the 1983 FJ40, which has become known as “The Holy Grail” is not only in extremely short supply but also delivers more refinements than any Land Cruiser that Toyota built in the preceding years. The values throughout the last few decades have shown that the 1983 FJ40 is one of the best possible investments on four wheels. They continue to rise in value, on a trajectory unique in the classic car and 4x4 market.

Recent Maintenance:
Front Knuckles just rebuilt.

Mechanical, Rust, Cosmetic Known Flaws:
Rust on rear corners and end section of rear floor (new rear quarter panels and floor section included with sale)