1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser SUV

The origins of the FJ25 traces back to its service as a military vehicle. However, they were designed for civilian use and was important to Toyota's expansion into foreign markets in the 1950s. Although the market of off-road vehicles was not too diluted, the vehicle's that occupied this pool were very capable - such as the Willys Jeep and the Land Rover. The Toyota proved it was a contender and it helped pave the way for future passenger car sales.

This particular FJ25 is the third-oldest known example to exist. It was originally used on the hillsides of a coffee plantation in Costa Rica. In 2016, it was discovered and given a frame-off restoration by Export Cruisers Co., of Costa Rica. It was repainted in its factory color of Carnival Red, with the interior finished in Parchment. It has an original steel Toyota Motor toolbox, rare blue-window carburetor, and trouble light. There are reproduction manuals and a jack. The engine is a 3878cc inline six-cylinder unit fitted with a single Aisan carburetor and produces 120 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | May 2017