A restomod Land Cruiser is the answer for anyone who loves the way a classic FJ looks but wants the performance of a modern vehicle underneath. It's a build that honors the original while completely reimagining how it drives.
Around here we call them sleepers.
What Is a Restomod Land Cruiser
A restomod Land Cruiser lets you keep the vintage exterior you fell in love with while upgrading everything that makes the truck actually drivable in the modern world. You hold on to the classic look, the lines, the presence. Then we LS3 swap the engine for added horsepower, modernize the suspension and brakes, and tailor every other detail to how you plan to use the Cruiser. The end result is a truck that turns heads for its vintage appearance and surprises everyone the second you step on the gas.
Why Choose a Restomod Land Cruiser
A restomod isn’t an alternative to a full restoration, it is a full restoration built to suit you. Every component is touched, refreshed, or replaced with the same level of attention and craftsmanship that goes into any restoration we do. The difference is that instead of returning the Cruiser to factory spec, we tailor the build around how you want to drive it and what you want it to be. Modern drivetrain, upgraded suspension, updated brakes, custom paint, the interior of your choosing. Same quality of restoration, built around your vision instead of Toyota’s original one.
The Best of Both Worlds
The appeal of a restomod Land Cruiser is simple. You get the head turning looks of a classic FJ without the frustrations that come with driving one in the modern world. No struggling to keep up with highway traffic or worrying if it’s going to make it home. A well built restomod Land Cruiser with an LS conversion and 6 speed transmission doesn’t just keep up with traffic, it surprises it. That added horsepower changes everything about how the Cruiser feels on the road while the classic exterior gives away nothing. That’s the whole point.
Most Popular Restomod Land Cruiser Builds
The FJ60 and FJ62 are our most requested restomod platforms. Their SUV proportions and solid bones make them ideal candidates for an LS swap, and the end result is a Cruiser that looks period correct and performs at a completely different level. The FJ80 is another favorite, the 80 Series platform handles power beautifully and the combination of its classic body with a modern drivetrain is hard to beat.
FJ40 Restomod Builds
For the FJ40 we typically recommend the 5.3 LS engine conversion. The FJ40 is a lighter Cruiser compared to the SUV style of the 60 and 80 Series, and the 5.3 is the ideal match, plenty of power without being overkill for the platform. The result is an FJ40 restomod that is quick, responsive, and genuinely fun to drive.
FJ60 and FJ62 Restomod Builds
The FJ60 and FJ62 are the sweet spot for a restomod Land Cruiser. The boxy SUV body has a cult following of its own, and the chassis was built to carry weight and handle torque, which makes it a natural fit for an LS3 swap. Most of our clients pair the LS3 with a modern 6 speed transmission, upgraded suspension, and disc brakes at all four corners. The driving experience is completely transformed while the exterior stays unmistakably 60 or 62 Series.
FJ80 Restomod Builds
The FJ80 restomod is built for the client who wants the most comfortable ride of the classic Cruisers paired with modern V8 performance. The 80 Series has the road manners of an SUV and the build quality to match, which makes it the perfect platform for a restomod that will actually be driven regularly. An LS3 swap, updated suspension, and an interior refresh turns an FJ80 into a Cruiser you can take cross country without a second thought.
What Goes Into a Restomod Land Cruiser Build
Every restomod Land Cruiser build is different but the foundation is the same. We start with a solid Cruiser worthy of the investment, pull the original drivetrain, and replace it with a modern LS or Vortec V8 paired with the appropriate transmission.
From there the build is tailored to the client. Suspension upgrades, brake upgrades, interior updates, paint, whatever the vision calls for. Some clients want a pure driver, others want a showpiece that also happens to be fast, therefore we build both.
You also get to choose a color from any shade in the rainbow. We’ve built resto mod Cruisers in factory original colors, custom mixed hues, matte finishes, two tones, and everything in between. The paint is part of the personality of the build, and there’s no wrong answer. See some of our finished builds in our gallery for inspiration.
Ready to Build Yours?
Call or text us directly at 316-633-9902. No automated systems or runarounds but a straight conversation about what you want and what’s possible. Learn more about our team and our process on our Who We Are page, or contact us here to start the conversation.
Restomod Land Cruiser FAQs
How much does a restomod Land Cruiser cost?
How long does a restomod Land Cruiser build take?
Most restomod Land Cruiser builds take between 12 and 18 months from start to finish. The exact timeline depends on the series, the condition of the starting truck, the scope of the build, and parts availability. We walk every client through a realistic timeline at the start of the project so there are no surprises along the way.
If you don’t want to wait, we usually have restomod builds in progress that you can claim and have input on, or finished restomods ready to drive. See what’s available now on our Toyota Land Cruisers for sale page.