Gladys, the 1966 Toyota FJ40 Land [Santa] Cruzer

We almost didn’t meet, on account of me never learning how to properly drive stick, despite twelve years in Europe… but in early January 2026, I found this beastie online, and was persuaded to try/learn anyway. After a trip up past San Francisco, over the Golden Gate Bridge, some BBQ and a watery American drip coffee, I met the previous owner and instantly loved this rugged machine. Later that afternoon, I confirmed interest, made an offer, and managed to transfer myself international funds within the month.

I’m now the [questionably capable] owner/maintainer of a very good condition grey 1966 Toyota FJ40, whom I have decided to name Gladys.

See that front bumper? Yep, that’s for sittin’ and drinkin’ watered down Murrk’n beers on the Pacific beach at sunset in Santa Cruz.

Give me actual physical keys, cranks, analog buttons and dials over screens and beeps and displays any day, thank you ma’am

Manual transmission has never appealed to me, mostly because I’ve never driven a car with enough character, power and fortitude to actually make it both worthwhile and fun. This thing, though, is a blast to drive, shifts easily, is very forgiving and snarls encouragement. Learning to drive manual (on the hills of San Francisco, no less] was not on my bingo list for 2026. I never thought I’d drive let alone own (or even consider) a manual vehicle… yet here I am.

Gladys wouldn’t make a lot of sense where I’m from - nor in many areas of the world - but she absolutely does here.

Much like Kaxalot, ownership entails diligence, participation, active maintenance, DIY and a tenacity to not just understand a problem but to also fix and optimize it. I don’t intend to modify this classic, but will pursue some upgrades when and where it makes sense. We’ll see what ideas come during our adventures together up and down the West Coast and beyond.