Mileage: 472,000
VIN: JT3FJ62G0J0085500
Motor: 6 cylinder gas
Transmission: Automatic
Full-size images here:
Cold start video:

This is an exceptionally clean, original example of this legendary vehicle.

It has lived its entire life in the town of Healdsburg, California, in the heart of Sonoma County wine country; it has had virtually no off-road time, has not been driven in snow or on salted roads.

I purchased it from the original owner in May of 2016 with approximately 435,000 miles on it. In the ensuing decade, we have put on less than 4,000 miles per year, mostly to do vineyard tours – enough to make sure it’s running well, but not to wear it out.

Originally white, I had it repainted red in August 2016 (the paint job was good, but not great). I replaced the upholstery soon thereafter, along with OEM carpets and door panels. I also replaced the original headlights with LED units that are brighter and draw less power, and put on new tires that still have full tread.

It was thoroughly overhauled mechanically in 2017, including replacing all bushings. The transmission was rebuilt about five years ago. The motor (Toyota's literally bullet-proof clone of the motor developed by GM for World War II vehicles) has never required anything more than a tuneup.

It starts easily, feels solid, and cruises on the freeway at 70mph comfortably. The undercarriage is clean, with a modest level of surface rust, and the body is in remarkable shape, with just a few rust spots.

Note: the Chicken logos (our winery mascot) are stickers, and readily removed.

It does need a few things. It’s due for a repaint; the A/C doesn’t work; the driver’s seat cushion needs to be replaced; there seems to be a small transmission oil leak; and it needs a radio (the retractable antenna works perfectly). Beyond that, everything works.

Bottom line: it’s good-to-go as a daily driver today, and would make an excellent foundation for a showpiece restoration.