This 1980 John Deere Green FJ43 was sold at Bonhams Scottsdale in January 2016

Three different families, all closely linked to the world of horses, write this 1980 FJ43's history. All three families used this car to transport horses from cities to farms. According to its records, it could pull a trailer with a load of up to four horses. Its final owner, a professional equestrian, toured Colombia in this FJ43 presenting his horses at various fairs.

Although this vehicle was extensively used during its lifetime, the loving care it received from its previous owners ensured that all of the car's major components were in excellent shape when it was finally purchased by The FJ Company.

Soon after its arrival in early 2015, the team of artisans at The FJ Company embarked on a full, frame-off, nut and bolt restoration following our strict process guidelines. This Land Cruiser was stripped down to its chassis and entirely rebuilt, refurbishing existing parts or replacing them with their OEM equivalent. The matching numbers engine, transmission, and clutch assemblies were thoroughly overhauled to guarantee correct operation. The electrical components, wiring, battery and ground straps, were replaced with new ones. The interior was re-upholstered, a new custom floor mat installed, and a custom soft top was tailored for the vehicle.

On the suspension side, an upgraded Old Man Emu kit was installed, making the ride much more comfortable than the original setup. New wheels and tires were installed, and the braking system received the usual enhancements required of this level of restoration: replacement of pads, rotors, seals, gaskets and wheel bearings, as well the total refurbishment of the brake calipers.

The end result is a striking Land Cruiser in John Deere Green, suitable for any serious collector, yet very practical for the occasional run around town. On top of that, the longer wheelbase of the FJ43, as compared to the more common length of the FJ40, has been highly sought after in the collector and enthusiast market for these vehicles.