The firm, known for its Land Rover and Jag restorations, aims to offer a Toyota that’s eminently luxurious, eminently unique, and eminently expensive
- Yes, restomod firm ECD is further expanding its range by building high-end Toyota FJ40
- Like its other models, you can option a 6.2L V8 under hood, along with myriad bespoke touches
- Of course, as you might expect, the price tag on these luxury Land Cruisers is sky-high
You’ll need to bring your wallet.
Starting at a cool US$230,000 (about CDN$315,000) these Toyotas start their new life with a 6.2L V8 engine, of the kind commonly found in speedy Chevys, stuffed under the hood; ECD then goes to town upgrading just about every single detail of the old-school FJ40. Standard with every build are the likes of better cooling systems, snarly exhausts, and a fuelling system to match the brutish new V8. Beyond that, ECD says the customizations reach levels generally seen via only the most comprehensive builders of bespoke vehicles.
Options for upholstery, electronics, wheels – even the tips of those sweeping needles on the gauge faces – are all up for personalization when filling out one’s build sheet. This author spent far too long on the ECD configurator, losing all sense of time when presented with options for interior aesthetics and wheel selection.
That big V8 dances with a six-speed automatic transmission and exhales through a full stainless-steel exhaust system fettled by ECD; it can, of course, be ordered in bright or black finish. Heavy-duty axles are hove underneath, along with a full disc-brake conversion, so owners won’t need to send any Hail Marys skyward when stomping on the middle pedal. (Anyone who has ever driven an FJ in original spec knows exactly to which we refer.) ECD will also fettle a FJ60, of which this author has included a few photos, because he likes that series of Land Cruiser.
One of the multiple great things about restomods of this quality is the inclusion of modern electronics which are designed in a manner so as not to completely ruin the period-correct retro aesthetic of a machine. The likes of a JL Audio setup is on tap, along with a yaffle of USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity.
If you’ve the inclination, and cash, ECD is planning for deliveries in the first quarter of next year.
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