One of Toyota’s Modern Off-Roaders Has Already Reached Classic Status, More Than a Decade Ahead of Schedule

When it comes to vehicle restorations, such endeavors typically involve classic cars, or ones at least 25 years or older. But Greg’s Restorations out of Massachusetts decided to part with convention and instead, went all out on a 17-year-old car. Or, a customer’s 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, to be exact.

Originally brought to light on The Drive, owner Greg Ward elaborated on how this fan favorite went from tired and worn to pristine and minty. After over 1,000 hours worth of work, it’s probably one of the best “modern classic” restorations to date. And undoubtedly, it’s likely the most pristine OG FJ Cruiser currently on the planet.

Ward, who gained notoriety on social media after posting his various projects on YouTube, especially after discovering and embarking on a restoration journey with an iconic Hollywood film car, uploaded a video on this rather unusual restoration.

As expected, the results are epic.

The cleanest used FJ Cruiser, ever?

It might seem a bit unusual and shocking that someone would go through such effort for such a car that hasn’t developed major prominence. Especially for one that doesn’t even meet the age criteria for a classic collectible. That age metric is the sole determining and limiting factor, at least on paper.

But as Ward’s overhaul on his client’s FJ Cruiser proves, anything can be collectible and restored. Especially if the owner’s willing to put in the effort and resources.

Greg’s Restorations

So what did the 1,000 hours worth of work go into? A nearly full nut-and-bolt, frame-off rehabilitation.

According to Ward, the owner originally bought the car, but unfortunately, had it sit in prolonged storage. As with any wheeled machine, any sort of extended inactivity wreaks all sorts of havoc. Particularly if wildlife or moisture are involved.

Thus, the expected happened, leading to the inevitable degradation of this specific FJ. But the owner wasn’t willing to just throw in the towel.

Instead, he went in the complete opposite direction and hired Ward for a no-holds-barred quest to make his FJ like new again.

Greg’s Restorations

As Ward detailed throughout his YouTube video and various social channels, this specific FJ underwent a complete frame-off restoration to remove all the car’s original rust and rot. It also received a completely new rear axle, exhaust system and new exterior plastic body panels.

Greg’s Restorations

Ward’s team even went through the effort of overhauling the FJ’s bulletproof 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic.

A future classic from the get-go

Greg’s Restorations

It was just a short time ago when car restorations usually drummed up visualizations of old metal from the 1970s and older. But as time marches on, so does the idea of what kind of cars qualify as restoration worthy.

Greg’s Restorations

That said, it seems wholly odd that such a young car would receive such an in-depth treatment. But to put things into perspective, that FJ Cruiser will be turning 18 years old next year. Which means, it’s old enough to legally serve in the armed forces.

Additionally, the FJ Cruiser has always been an enthusiast vehicle. Geared towards off-roading fans, especially those with an affinity for Toyotas, the FJ Cruiser instantly became a cult classic. Many still are prowling the wilderness even today.

Greg’s Restorations

“When I started this trade, I never thought we’d be restoring ’90s or 2000s vehicles,” Ward even acknowledged himself, while speaking to The Drive.

Today, cars reaching or surpassing the age of 25 years old are ones that were built in and before the year 2000 (about to be 2001 in 2026). Many of these cars are modern enough to be regular daily drivers. Many of them were also regarded as throwaway appliances when compared to their predecessors.

Greg’s Restorations

But just like our parents thought of their cars when they were growing up, nobody expected their daily drivers to become desirably collectible. And in the same notion, many also probably didn’t expect the same with the FJ Cruiser.

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