1976 FJ40 Resto-mod “The Island Runner”
Built with maximum corrosion resistance, for life in the Caribbean! This 1976 FJ40 underwent a full body-off restoration with drivability, durability, and island vibes in mind. If you ever in the Caribbean and see it drive by, smile and say hi!
Key Features
- Full stage 3, body-off resto-mod
- Aqualu tub
- Galvanized and powder coated chassis
- 60 series Land Cruiser axles
- Bradley Takumi forged wheels
- 35” Toyo RT Pros
- Saginaw power steering
- OME 2.5” lift
- PRLC shackle reversal
- Custom Nacho Quatro windshield light bar
- Nacho Grande and Quatro lights on front and rear bumpers
- Cummins R2.8 turbo diesel
- Toyota H55F 5 speed
- 19 spline split case
- Scheel-mann seats
- Matching fold and tumble rear seat
- Tuffy center and rear storage boxes
- PRLC off road front bumper
- 8274 Warn winch
- PRLC dual swing out rear bumper
FJ40: A Global Diplomat
Occasionally, we get the opportunity to build a Toyota Land Cruiser for someone outside the US. We’ve worked on Toyota Land Cruisers for people in the Middle East, Europe, South America, Australia, and to three different islands in the Caribbean. Additionally, with friends and family, I’ve visited many countries driving Land Cruisers. This international experience has taught me that Land Cruisers have a way of turning strangers into family very quickly.
The minute people see that unmistakable boxy shape or hear that familiar rumble, barriers drop. Doors open. You’re welcomed like family into homes, workshops, and adventures you never planned on.
I’ve stayed in people’s houses, shared meals around fires or simple tables, and traveled dusty roads and through jungles with folks I’d just met because we all love these trucks. What starts as “Hey, nice Cruiser” turns into lifelong friendships. I’ve got a network of people that all feel like family members scattered around the globe, all connected by this one simple vehicle.
In a world that often feels divided by distance, culture, language, or politics, a Toyota Land Cruiser cuts straight through. It’s a shared language of capability, longevity, and real-world toughness. Whether you’re navigating mountain passes in Colorado, desert tracks in Africa, or coastal roads in the Caribbean, the love for these machines creates instant common ground.
People bond over lots of things—sports, music, food—but few things create the kind of instant trust and hospitality I’ve experienced with Land Cruisers. You show up in one and suddenly you’re not an outsider anymore. You’re part of the tribe. I’ve seen it in tiny villages, bustling cities, and everywhere in between.
That’s why we pour everything into every build. We’re not just wrenching on sheet metal and drivetrains; we’re preparing another member of this national and worldwide family to go out and make new connections.
This FJ40 heading to St. Martin will be shared and enjoyed. It’ll earn its keep, create stories, and likely help forge a few more “family” relationships along the way.
If you own a Land Cruiser, you already know what I’m talking about. These trucks have connected more people across more cultures than most diplomats ever will.
Safe travels to our latest FJ40, and to everyone out there driving one—keep making those connections. The world’s smaller and friendlier from behind the wheel of a Land Cruiser.
Jeremiah Proffitt
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