I’ve always thought that the 60 series Land Cruiser is under-appreciated for the wonderful of a vehicle it is. That’s not saying that it isn’t well liked, simply that it suffers from an unfortunate case of middle-child syndrome. Stuck between the venerable 40 series and the more comfortable and updated 80 series, the FJ60 is often overlooked as a mere transition between the two legends and passed up in favor of either of its siblings. Ironically enough, I believe that this transition phase is exactly what makes it so great. Combining the rugged off road characteristics of its predecessor with some welcome additions like air conditioning, these vehicles are a fantastic mix of classic durability and modern comfort. Unfortunately, it has become all too common to see these beautiful Land Cruisers falling into disrepair. If searching through the many neglected exteriors and worn interiors of the usual used “60” has brought you down, we have just the truck for you.
This 1987 FJ60 Land Cruiser is one of the best preserved examples I have seen. Despite being over twenty-six years old the exterior is extremely clean with no major rust and the interior looks as if it just left the factory. The original straight six cylinder engine has just over 97,000 miles on it which, according to the seller, were accumulated by a retired couple driving seasonally from Colorado to Arizona. He also states that the vehicle runs excellently and has been maintained with OEM parts to keep it as close to stock as possible. Whether you are looking for an all original collector’s car or a pristine starting point for your next overland build, this 60 series would be hard to beat.
Check it out here on Ebay Motors:
Here’s a look at what the seller has to say:
THIS IS THE ONE YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR; DON’T MISS OUT! I CAN ALMOST GUARANTEE YOU WILL NOT COME ACROSS AN ALL ORIGINAL, EXTREMELY LOW MILEAGE LAND CRUISER LIKE THIS EVER AGAIN. If you know anything about these vehicles, you know one like this is extremely rare. These trucks are built to last and I challenge you to find a negative review. Here’s the story of this truck:
This has been a one owner car for 99% of it’s life. It was owned by a retired couple that used it to travel back and forth between Colorado and Arizona; they were “snowbirds”. I have receipts and registration records dating back to 1980 proving this. It was very well taken care of and doesn’t show any evidence of ever being off road. There is NO cancer on this truck; only very minor surface rust on the undercarriage; to be expected from a vehicle of this age. However, all three states the vehicle has lived in do not salt the roads; the body is rust free.
Sometime after February 2011 the vehicle was sold to a family friend who moved to Oregon to attend the University of Oregon.
In August of 2012 a University of Oregon administrator purchased the truck from the student with the intent of doing a complete restoration.
In December of 2012 the Administrator finally conceded to his wife’s wishes and sold the truck to purchase a newer vehicle; this is when I purchased the truck. He had just put on new tires. I drove the truck the 115 mile trip home at 65-75 mph without any issues.
I had been looking for a low mileage, unmolested 1980-90 land cruiser for a very long time and know how rare they are. It is a hobby of mine to restore vintage vehicles and this is one of the best I’ve had; or seen. In the past two months I’ve accomplished the following:
- Full tune up
- Valve adjustment
- Repaired vacuum leak
- Replaced EGR solenoid
- Replaced all brakes
- Replaced rear brake lines
- Changed oil
- Changed transmission fluid
- Replaced rear carpeting
- Repaired small tear in front seat
- Re-stained arm rest
- New molded dash cover
- Minor paint repair on two quarter panels
- New OEM antenna
- New OEM front grill
- New OEM front emblem
- New OEM headlight trim
- Installed original OEM radio
- Replaced shifter knob with new OEM
- Full interior / exterior professional detail
- The interior is 9.5 out of 10 (no smells, rips, or stains).
- The exterior is 7.5 out of 10 (only very small rock chips and scratches; remarkably good for original 26 year old paint).
The truck runs excellent and everything works except the engine thermostat gauge; which I’m looking into currently. The truck starts up on the first turn and drives very straight. It has a free and clear title with no known accidents. I’m confident you will not find one in better or more original condition. Please let me know if you have any questions or want more pictures.
