Evaluation: Mechanically overhauled recently to the tune of $20,000 and repainted in its original color, not the kind of lavish treatment we usually associate with old Japanese trucks. The interior is original but was thoroughly cleaned to a nearly like-new appearance. Excellent paint finish and panel fit. It has to be one of the freshest-looking FJ62s in the country.
Bottom Line: And at this price it better be. It’s nearly a third higher than our current condition #1 (concours, or best-in-the-world) value.
The 1967-80 FJ55 “Iron Pig” was the first truly modern Land Cruiser wagon, but the FJ60 that came out for 1981 was a more livable, more conventionally styled, and more popular replacement. Then, the FJ62 that debuted for 1988 came with an automatic transmission and fuel injection for its 4.0-liter 3F straight-six, both Land Cruiser firsts. These Cruisers have a lot going for them. They’re boxy, but in a good way. They come standard famous Toyota reliability and build quality (as opposed to, say, a Grand Wagoneer). They’re classic enough to be cool but modern enough to use every day. Given the generally high interest in vintage trucks and SUVs these days and the FJ60/62’s popularity with younger buyers (77 percent of buyer interest comes from Gen Xers or Millennials, according to our insurance data), it’s no wonder that they’ve become superheated, more than doubling in value over the past five years. They’re now worth enough to put serious money into refurbishing and restoring, as someone did with this FJ62.
This price is ahead of the curve, but we also live in a world with six-figure Broncos and Wagoneers. Remember, too, that FJ40 Land Cruisers touched 100 grand for a time in the mid-2010s. It seems that FJ60/62s have room to grow yet.
As the former owner, I can say the assessment was accurate in this auction recap. This silver lining in this and similar vehicle sales results is the younger age demographic that vehicles such as this attract. This is vital and good for the health of the collector car hobby. Next to me on stage were two brothers that participated in the bidding and they were in their late 30’s. The winning bidder was an internet buyer which again most likely speaks to a younger demographic. Ealrier that day I sold a Hummer H3T and the buyer was younger than the median age of a muscle car auction crowd. Last year I sold a Jeep Grand Wagoneer and a Bronco at Barrett, the buyers were both younger than 50. These cars are approachable and relatable to regular folks and I for one am glad to see the participation.
The last few years this consigners entries seem to have set world records and deservedly so.
these “went up” B4 the bronco auctions round here (frankly since a lill boy I’ve not been a fan of auctions) as we saw them locally. They were less rare than the bronks too, but a bit more upscale, larger and ‘exclusive’ compared to the few ’66/’77s around. The house w/a horse barn might have the FJ while the guy sold you your fire wood might havea bronk. The hi priced bronks @ auction have no ford bronco left – just the outlines. My joy is seeing them reach ‘classic status’ and price rise on the unmodified, ownership lengthen, and a whole auto division (spun off like ‘divisions’ of ol) be created.