Proffitt’s Resurrection Cruisers has unveiled their latest project, a meticulously restored 1959 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ28 Pickup dubbed “Taco Tuesday.” By maintaining a focus on Toyota components, the build aims to show the restoration community that sticking with authentic parts can not only preserve the reliability and spirit of a classic Land Cruiser but also enhance its performance through modern upgrades.
Jeremiah Proffitt, the owner and lead builder at Proffitt’s Resurrection Cruisers, emphasizes the importance of keeping restorations true to their roots.
“Our goal with Taco Tuesday is to inspire other builders to keep their Land Cruisers true to Toyota. By using Toyota parts, we’re not just building a truck; we’re building on Toyota’s legacy of quality, reliability, and adventure. We want others to see that a Toyota Land Cruiser built with Toyota components can be just as powerful, versatile, and exciting without compromising the authenticity that makes these vehicles so special.”
The Taco Tuesday project blends the vintage appeal of the original Land Cruiser with the technological advances of more modern Toyota vehicles. Under the hood, the FJ28 boasts a 3.5-liter Toyota V6 engine equipped with a Magnuson supercharger—a pairing that aims to provide both reliability and power, traits that Toyota enthusiasts have long trusted. The entire build serves as a celebration of Toyota’s engineering, demonstrating how seamlessly modern performance can be integrated into a vintage chassis without losing its classic charm.
The decision to stick to a Toyota-only parts list brings several key benefits. Firstly, it ensures unmatched and legendary reliability. With a Toyota V6 engine at its core, Taco Tuesday stays true to the performance heritage that has defined the brand for decades. Compatibility is another major factor—using only Toyota components means the restored FJ28 can be serviced at any Toyota dealership, adding a layer of convenience for owners who plan to take the truck on extensive road trips or remote expeditions. For builders, using authentic Toyota parts also preserves the brand integrity of the Land Cruiser, creating a vehicle that embodies the authentic experience Land Cruiser enthusiasts value.
The custom build features a blend of classic design elements and innovative technology inspired by Toyota’s modern Tacoma. Taco Tuesday includes a custom-built four-door cab with a removable hard top, a five-foot bed, and a 137-inch wheelbase. Painted in PPG Lime Rush green (maybe not the obvious choice for overlanding, but easy on the eye), the FJ28 has a visually striking exterior that draws from both classic and modern Toyota aesthetics. The powertrain includes a six-speed manual transmission with double transfer cases, enhancing the truck’s off-road capabilities while preserving the feel of a classic manual drive.
Suspension is another area where Proffitt’s team sought to improve performance without compromising the Land Cruiser’s original spirit. The front suspension features a four-link setup with a custom and ARB-locked live front axle. At the same time, Bilstein coilover and double bypass shocks provide the stability needed for serious off-road adventures. The rear axle—a leaf-sprung, narrowed Tacoma unit with an E-locker—further incorporates Tacoma durability into the build.
Other key features include 37-inch Toyo Open Country RT tires mounted on custom Nomad Wheel retro-style beadlocks, which blend a nostalgic design with practical performance benefits. Custom bumpers and a bed rack have been fitted with an ARB tent, Nacho lighting, and a Warn 8274 winch, ensuring the build is ready for overlanding excursions. Inside, the cabin has been upgraded with Katzkin leather and a fully customized set of Tacoma instrumentation and controls, balancing classic charm with modern convenience.
Yes, please!
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