It may sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to honor a classic is to completely rebuild it from the ground up. And the popularity of restomods proves that point perfectly.
Legacy Overland’s Project Texan takes that philosophy and runs with it, starting with a well-worn 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 from Texas and turning it into something that’s both vintage and thoroughly modern at the same time. The exterior still wears its working-truck scars with pride, but underneath that Raptor-coated jungle green skin beats the heart of a Chevy 350 small block.
American Power, Japanese Soul
Sure, the engine swap is the headline, but it’s just the beginning of what was accomplished here. The new Chevy 350 small block comes with EFI, a March chrome pulley kit, and all the supporting modifications needed to make it work properly. A TR4050 5-speed manual transmission replaces the original 4-speed, complete with custom adapters, crossmembers, and clutch setup.
But swapping engines is the easy part. Legacy went deeper, rebuilding the axles, restoring steering knuckles, replacing tie rods, and adding power steering for modern drivability. The cooling system got a complete overhaul with new radiator, fan, water pump, and thermostat. Even the exhaust is completely custom, designed specifically for this installation.
Built to Last, Not Just Look Good
Legacy Overland’s approach separates them from shops that focus on cosmetics over substance (and that’s saying a lot because this thing looks really good). Every bolt that mattered was touched, every aged hose replaced. The brake system received a complete overhaul with new booster, cylinders, hoses, and lines. ARB/OME suspension with Bilstein heavy-duty shocks handles the rough stuff, while rebuilt differentials and new driveshafts ensure power reaches the ground reliably.
The electrical system is completely new – not just patched or repaired, but entirely rewired with modern components. New gauges, radio, antenna, LED lighting, and even air conditioning bring 21st-century convenience to 1970s style. Sound deadening and undercoating create a civilized driving experience that the original truck could never achieve.
Interior That Honors the Past
Opening up to the interior, Legacy stripped everything down to bare metal and started fresh with beige leather upholstery featuring black piping and diamond stitching. The roll bar, jump seats, center console, shifter boots, and steering column all received the leather treatment.
Gray carpet with black edge trim covers the floors, while a Rockford Fosgate sound system with barrel speakers mounted on the roll bar provides a modern audio experience while cruising. Every switch, knob, handle, and emblem was either restored or replaced. The result is an interior that feels appropriately rugged while still making sure to offer genuine comfort for a daily driver.
Modern Capability, Classic Style
The ARB front winch bumper with jerry can rear carrier maintains the FJ40’s utilitarian aesthetic while adding real functionality. Mickey Thompson alloy wheels wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler tires provide the right mix of style and performance. Split-style LED headlights and rear lamps offer modern illumination with period-appropriate looks.
Custom fabrication work throughout ensures everything fits properly and functions as intended. And that previously mentioned Raptor-coated jungle green exterior paint with black accents is quite possibly our favorite part.
Spec Sheet
Model: 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 (Project Texan)
Engine: Chevy 350 small block V8 with EFI
Transmission: TR4050 5-speed manual
Suspension: ARB/OME with Bilstein heavy-duty shocks
Wheels: Mickey Thompson alloys with Goodyear Wrangler tires
Interior: Beige leather with black piping, gray carpet
Audio: Rockford Fosgate system with roll bar speakers
Features: Power steering, A/C, LED lighting, custom exhaust
Bumpers: ARB front winch bumper, jerry can rear carrier
Builder: Legacy Overland (Greenwich, CT / Portugal
Pricing & Availability
Legacy Overland doesn’t publish pricing for their builds, as each project is completely custom. Given the level of work involved and the quality of execution, expect investment-grade pricing that reflects the hundreds of hours required for this level of restoration – probably well into the 6-figure range.
Recap
1978 Legacy Overland FJ40 V8 Restomod
Legacy Overland’s Project Texan transforms a weathered 1978 Toyota FJ40 with a Chevy 350 V8 swap, 5-speed manual, complete mechanical rebuild, and luxury leather interior while preserving the truck’s authentic working patina exterior.
