Designed to retain the original Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40’s old-school styling, while introducing a few mechanical upgrades for an improved driving experience, Legacy Overland has unveiled the Project Beast.
Retaining the donor car’s old-school styling, off-road tuning company Legacy Overland’s 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40-based Project Beast may look stock-standard. However, for its latest conversion, the folks at the US firm have upgraded several mechanical items, including fitting a new engine under the bonnet, of this classic Japanese 4×4. The idea behind this project was to improve performance and drivability without sacrificing the Toyota’s old-school charm.
For this conversion, the Connecticut-based company handed the standard FJ40’s engine bay new protective lining and a fresh coat of paint, before dropping in a GM V8. The small-block petrol motor, which features a modern ignition system, is fed air through a new aluminium radiator grille, which features an electric fan for enhanced cooling. The 335ci engine is paired with an AX-15 five-speed manual cog swapper, replete with new clutch and reconditioned transfer case. A custom-made stainless steel exhaust system is also included with the Project Beast package. Under the skin, the Project Beast also gains custom-fabricated driveshafts, front and rear. For improved stopping power, this FJ40 features a front disc brake conversion.
While the main focus of the build was on the car’s mechanical items, there are a few subtle exterior upgrades, the most notable of which coming in the shape of a soft-top canvas roof, replete with a new frame and brackets, in lieu of the original car’s removable hard-top. The original steel wheels remain present and correct, and is wrapped in Sumimoto tyres. Stepping inside, the interior features new door cards and door handles, while the pews remain pleasingly untouched and in original specification.
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