If you think the world of restomods is just shiny chrome nostalgia for Saturday coffee shop parades, Project Texan shatters that illusion with such a roar that even the neighbor's Labrador hides under the couch.
Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 “Project Texan” hides under Raptor-coated “jungle-green” armor Chevy's 5.7-liter (350 cu in) fuel-injected small-block V8, connected to a robust gearbox Tremec TR4050 with five gearsThe original four-speed gearbox has gone to the museum corner, along with the former 99 kW (135 hp) 2F straight-six engine, once considered the indestructible heart of the FJ. Although Legacy Overland While it's modestly silent about the exact horsepower numbers, we know that modern 350s easily develop between 250 and 350 hp (186–261 kW) and around 475 Nm (350 lb-ft) of torque – enough to turn an old ranch-jungle hybrid into a true rodeo bull.
From the chassis up – restomod on steroids
“Every nut that counts has been unscrewed and re-screwed,” say the masters from Greenwich.
- Drive: renewed axles, new cardan shaft, differentials, bearings; added power steering assistance.
- Suspension: set ARB/Old Man Emu with Bilstein shock absorbers – raised just right to still get through McDrive.
- Brakes: all hydraulics new – from the booster to the last copper pipe.
- Cooling & exhaust: fresh radiator, fan, water pump, thermostat and a custom welded muffler system that sounds like John Wayne with a silver trumpet.
Photo: Legacy Overland
Interior: a cowboy with manners
The cabin was stripped down to bare sheet metal and clad in beige leather with diamond stitching and black piping – from the roll bar to the gear lever. New electrical installation, LED lighting, air conditioning and Rockford Fosgate The sound system with “barrel” speakers in the arch proves that a 47-year-old SUV can offer the comfort of a city sedan – only this sedan is ready to climb the Dolomites.
Why the FJ40? A little history lesson
Toyota built over a million versions of the J40 series from 1960 to 1984. The FJ40 was synonymous with reliability in jungles, deserts and any discomfort that people called “the road”. Its 2F engine developed only 284 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque, but it was durable enough to conquer Antarctica. The Legacy Overland proves that respect for heritage can also be measured in US cubic inches and not just in the number of original screws.
Numbers that count
| Key information | Project Texan | Original FJ40 (1978) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Chevy 350 cid V8 EFI (5.7L) | Toyota 2F L6 (4.2L) |
| Gearbox | 5-speed TR4050 manual | 4-speed manual |
| Torque | ~475 Nm (≈350 lb-ft)* | 284 Nm (210 lb-ft) |
| Suspension | ARB/OME + Bilstein | Leafy feathers |
| Air conditioning & power steering | Yes | No |
*approximate value for modern 350 ci crate engines.
How much is nostalgia on steroids?
If you have to ask the price, you probably can't afford it. Legacy Overland doesn't put a price tag on its masterpieces, but given the amount of work involved—from the laser-cut brackets to the rear locknut—expect a price tag in the upper six-figures. Like a good investment watch: it'll never get any cheaper.
Conclusion: Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 “Project Texan”
Project Texan is both a love letter to the classics and a message that old iron doesn't belong in a museum, but on an adventure - just with a few extra horses and an air-conditioned cabin. The Legacy Overland has kept the scars, added muscle and made sure you smile behind the wheel every time you press the gas. If you're looking for the perfect combination patina, desert endurance and American bulldozer ego, that's it. For everyone else, there's Uber.
