FJ55 Iron Pig: The Station Wagon That Defined an Era

Published 2024 | Land Cruiser Hats

The FJ55 Land Cruiser station wagon was produced from 1967 to 1980 and is one of the most visually distinctive and culturally beloved vehicles Toyota ever built. Its boxy proportions, rounded fenders, and unmistakable side profile earned it the nickname Iron Pig in enthusiast culture, a term applied with complete affection by the people who own, restore, and drive them.

Why the FJ55 Matters

The FJ55 was the first Land Cruiser designed specifically as a family and passenger vehicle rather than a commercial or utility vehicle. It brought Land Cruiser capability to buyers who needed to carry passengers in addition to going off-road. The station wagon format with a full rear cargo area was revolutionary for Toyota's lineup at the time and established the Land Cruiser as a family vehicle capable of genuine adventure.

The Iron Pig Nickname

The Iron Pig nickname references both the vehicle's robust, uncompromising build quality and its boxy, utilitarian appearance. Early FJ55s in particular have a rounded, porcine quality to their proportions that enthusiasts find endearing rather than unflattering. The nickname has become a badge of honor in the Land Cruiser community, worn proudly by FJ55 owners who appreciate the vehicle's honest, no-nonsense character.

FJ55 Values in 2025

Clean, restored FJ55s in the United States are trading from $20,000 for driver-quality examples to $55,000 or more for concours-quality restorations. The rarity of clean FJ55s (many were worked hard and are now in rough condition) makes well-preserved examples increasingly valuable. Project FJ55s with significant rust or mechanical issues still start around $5,000 to $10,000 for those interested in restoration projects.