I hope this isn't a repost, but going through a used copy of 4x4 Magazine (October 2011) that I picked up from a local book store (of course the picture of very fetching red FJ40 on the cover was love at first sight), I was pleasantly surprised to discover said FJ's connection to Pakistan.
Now, the quality of Pakistani craftsmanship - especially when it comes to bodywork is pretty well known on online 4x4 forums - but this was the first time that I read about it in print: in an international magazine of repute. Let me share the following excerpt from the cover story with you:
<i>The FJ is a soft-top model and the quality of the canvas roof is interesting. Like the rest of the vehicle, it looks almost new, yet it is made of the 'right' material and certainly is in-keeping with the age of the vehicle. Interestingly it is made by a guy in Pakistan. Bill found it through the Land Cruiser forum www.ih8mud.com. Indeed you can check out a lot of build pictures of this FJ on the site and it was through this forum that he found someone in the States taking a bulk order of tops, having them all sent from Pakistan to Boston, USA, and then shipped to the individual owners. And it all worked out fine, which is a credit to all concerned and if you own a Land Cruiser, this is a forum you should belong to. It seems that the same Pakistani entrepreneur also makes body panels, but these are still available as an OE part amazingly - due to the fact that the vehicles are still used in Third World countries. Damn tough these Land Cruisers.</i>
<b>Words and photography: Nigel Fryatt</b>
The vehicle in question is a 1971 FJ 40 running a 4.2 litre 2F engine (instead of the stock 3.9 litre 1F) mated to a 4-speed transmission (instead of the stock 3-speed). Other goodies include a 4-inch HFS suspension lift, BF Goodrich A/Ts, and a PTO winch.
Apologies for the poor quality pictures, but all I had at hand was my cell phone.
<br><br>
<br><br>
<br><br>
