1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser

There is something uncannily alluring about the Toyota Land Cruiser to our car loving sensibilities here at Coolector HQ but when the steed in question is as vintage and with as much old school cool as this 1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser, which is available from Hyman Ltd, the love is off the charts. This majestic looking machine has been impeccably well restored and whoever is lucky enough to get their hands on this ride definitely won’t be disappointed.

Available for what seems like a mighty reasonable $84,500, this 1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser from Hyman Ltd really does showcase the style prowess and performance potential of this iconic motor vehicle. This gloriously restored contraption is one of those legendary machines that has continuously proved itself in the harshest of conditions and landscapes, earning every bit of its reputation for faithful, bullet-proof reliability. Like the American Jeep and British Land Rover, the Land Cruiser from Toyota was born for military duty and required the capability to tackle almost any surface from muddy jungles to desert sand.

Vintage Vibes

We’ve featured a fair few Toyota Land Cruisers on the pages of The Coolector but this 1957 iteration from Hyman Ltd might be one of the most vintage to date and it’s all the better for it. This breathtaking steed has an interesting backstory which began in 1950 when the US Government commissioned Toyota to build 100 Willys Jeeps that were to be used by soldiers and Military Police stationed in Japan during the Korean War. Toyota obliged but immediately saw room for improvement on the venerable American design.

This 1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser is a very rare and sought after early-production FJ-series Land Cruiser and interest is already remarkably high in it. It has been treated to a thorough restoration carried out by a Toyota specialist. Recently completed in 2018, it is a stunning machine, finished in dark green with eye-catching and authentic looking brown seats. The deep green paint and body quality is excellent without appearing over-restored, which is appropriate for a utilitarian vehicle such as this. Civilian FJs were distinguished from military versions with the addition of chrome wheel covers and discreet chrome strips on the horizontal grille.

The grille trim and headlight surrounds of this magnificent looking Toyota Land Cruiser, which is well over half a century old remember, are in good original condition, while the “dog dish” hubcaps have also been restored to their former glory. The body colour steel wheels have been fitted with fresh, period-correct Firestone military tires. A single side-mounted spare wheel recalls the early Willys Jeep, and a Jerry can is strapped to the tailgate for the extra dash of authenticity. Unapologetically basic, the FJ25 remains hugely appealing and we’d love to get our hands on one (this one specifically) here at Coolector HQ.

Interior Superior

Things are equally as impressive on the inside of this 1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser and the seats are covered in brown upholstery, with matching boots for the gear shift, transfer case selector, and handbrake. There is a set of rubber mats which protect the freshly painted floors, and the “doors” are limited to a pair of nylon straps to keep occupants in place. The controls, switches, and instruments are are in good, original condition and set in the body-colour dash panel.

With a price tag of $84,500, someone is going to get themselves a piece of motoring history for a brilliant price with this 1957 Toyota FJ25 Land Cruiser from Hyman Ltd. It is a rare and fascinating early Land Cruiser which is ready to be enjoyed in any number of vintage car events, or heading or road trips. It is one of the earliest of its kind in North America and represents a significant and vital period for Land Cruiser enthusiasts. One not to be missed.

Leo Davie