The FJ Company have taken the Toyota FJ40 or FJ43 (a longer, more spacious version of the FJ40) Land Cruiser, which were produced between 1976 and 1983 and brought them to life as ‘Sport’ models.
Retailing for $90,000 (R119 2500) the Sport does not come cheap. [The FJ Company has two less-expensive options, namely the Classic model that starts at $65 000 (R86 1320) and the California model, which starts at $75 000 (R99 3832).]
The original chassis and original steel body is used, but both of those have been refinished and brought to make them look like new .The FJ Company have removed the old engine however and replace it with a more modern Toyota 1FZ 4.5-liter naturally aspirated inline V6. This fuel injected 24-valve engine delivers roughly 157kW through either a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The upgraded transmissions mean the Sport can comfortably cruise on the highway and the enhanced four-wheel drive system means that it is capable off-road too.
Other changes include a new steering rack and Old Man Emu shocks and leaf spring suspension. Modern disc brakes also replace the old drum brakes. The Sport comes with a soft top, but a hardtop is optional. There is the option of either 31-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 or 33-inch BF Goodrich Mud-Terrain KM2 tyres. A roll bar is standard, as are fog and utility lights, but an updated cage is optional.
Inside, Sport customers get heating and air conditioning and heated fronts seats – vintage bucket seats and an upgraded Recaro seat are optional. The vintage-styled radio has Bluetooth connectivity, but an upgraded sound system is available. The gauge cluster comes with both a speedometer and a tachometer and a backup camera is optional.