Hey folks,
So trying to figure out what I have. Recently purchased a trailer that came with a 1974 Toyota Landcruiser, lol. Well sorta. I really only needed the trailer, but the Yota was just too nice to not break open the piggy bank, so I did what any self respecting car nut would do and bought both. I had sold some old cars in recent years that was sitting idle in the bank anyhow. So there... just making good financial sense I tell myself.
My dilemma is, while i feel comfortable with my purchase, I don't know definitively how to classify it or what is/is not significant from a value/historical standpoint. Restored??... uh maybe years ago. Still very beautiful.. Barnfind??... not in the truest sense but it's a liberally applied buzzword nowadays anyway and it has been non-opped for last 4 yrs. Not sure that qualifies. Original?? 'Ish' maybe.... has a Chevrolet 350 conversion that's been part of its DNA for at least 20 years.... actually has a CA Bar Sticker in the door blessing the conversion. Done very well, nothing about it looks anything but a factory job.
What history I know. PO bought it about 10 years ago from a middle man. Understood that middle-man bought it from a Northern California gentlemen in essentially the same shape as today. Still has Original Blue CA Plates. Has been extremely cared for mechanically
So bottom line, a very nice Land Cruiser. Nice enough that I'm uncomfortable with not understanding the ins and outs, gearing, etc as I know that all goes into the equation. Especially relating to what is, or is not original and how modified it is. I've done some looking but there is so many differences in these from year to year, and mod to mod that my eyes just cloud over and I realize I've spent 6 hours absorbing a lot of random feeling information. Aside from the engine and presumed tranny swap, I really have no idea or what matters most.
My wife has taken a shine which is much better than the alternative. But being honest...don't have the room to keep it covered which is starting to going to annoy me already. I'm a purist, so I won't give a classic vehicle anything less than the respect it deserves. I do have a garage I can park it in available, just not as conveniently as I'd like.
So looking for a local authority to give me an accurate front to back assessment, help classify it properly, and assess a true market value. I'm pretty savvy as I've been a car guy my whole life so I have an idea, but would rather have an educated opinion. Happy to pay a reasonable price for someone's service. Located east of downtown San Diego, CA.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.