Just wondering - Does anyone own a HZJ73 ?

[cranster63]

Hello Friends,

This my first post. I joined the forum because I bought a 1990 mid wheel base Toyota FRP top about 20 years ago from the Toyota dealer in Windsor, NSW. We had just had our mint condition 1983 BJ42 stolen and were on the lookout for a replacement. When we saw this car for sale in a 4wd mag (no internet back then), we dropped everything and headed straight to Windsor and came home with a fantastic Toyota 4wd. We loved our BJ42, but this new one was much bigger and better, especially with the 4.2 litre diesel engine.
I just finished cleaning it today and stood back to admire my work when I started thinking how uncommon this model is. I have only ever seen one other for sale many many yeas ago, I think it was down Canberra way. So I thought I would ask if anyone has this same model, or knows how many are in existence in AU.

Cheers,

[nilla60]

A friend of mine has a very tidy blue FRP top that belonged to her dad. Has the same running gear as my 60 had; apparently some interim transitional model. Doubt it will ever be up for sale, nice truck indeed.

[cranster63]

The FRP tops ran from around 1985 to 1990, in the diesel they only came in the 4 cylinder 3.4 diesel engine until March 1990 when the HZJ73 model with the 1HZ 6 cylinder engine replaced the BJ73 and 74. You can still see the odd 4 cyl on the road. But the model I was lucky enough to come by was only released in March 1990, then it disappears. I don't expect there are too many out there as I have never seen another one on the road, only one for sale a long time ago.

[Joe79]

That's a very tidy MWB 'Cruiser you've got there mate. I actually wanted one of these as my first car, but like you said, a very rare hard to find 4wd. And as it turned out, circumstances changed at the time and it meant I couldn't get one. 18 years down the track I've ended up with a HDJ79 instead. Would still love one of those though.

Cheers Joe79.

[silverlux]

Nice middy mate i didnt know that they released the mwb in aus with the 1hz motor , would love to get my hands on one and drop a 1hdte in it . Ive got a bj74 in very good nic and its an awsome truck.

[cranster63]

I agree, the MWB is an awesome truck, and that's why we have kept it for so long. We have been through about 25 cars over the years but this one has always been our keeper.
I am the second owner and have all the docs for this vehicle, it was sold new from Windsor Toyota, NSW in December 1990, then traded-in to the same dealer in 1994. That's when I bought it and it had 100K on the clock - it now has 285K. The dealer knew it was rare model and priced it accordingly, but we thought 'what the heck you only live once.' It's still as solid as a rock, nothing ever goes wrong with it. Regular service is the key to longevity, oh and it's never been hammered.

[HDJ78R]

Hey cranster, welcome to the forum mate. Indeed a very nice vehicle you've got there, she sure is a keeper. We would love to have one of those as well. We had a FJ73 for a while, it was in a good nick. The plans were to do it up completely and put a 1HD-FTE in it. Circumstances changed and we sold it again before doing anything to it.
One day we'll get a diesel though.

Cheers

[BFT RANGER]

Nice middy, there was also a PZJ That came with a 5 cylinder.

[bjmorgo]

I have one that I bought about 5 years ago - it is beaten up from scrapes in the bush but is in good condition mechanically and has no rust (touch wood)

[cranster63]

Hi bjmorgo, well done, you are the only person to reply in 2 1/2 years. I think you and I have a pretty rare truck. Mine has just clicked over 300k. Do you have any pics?

[etho77]

Just found this so thought I’d jump on.
I own an Aus delivered HZJ73, located in Melbourne

[QldMWBFan]

Hi etho77.
I just came across your recent post. I have been chasing a HZJ73 for a long time now.
If you are ever interested in selling it could you please let me know.
Many thanks.
Lang. Sunshine Coast Qld.

[etho77]

Hi Lang,
They are a rare beast in Australia.
I haven’t seen another Aus delivered HZJ73 apart from the one above.

[cranster63]

Hello etho77, just happened to check in, this is an old post. Very exciting to find another HZJ73 owner, are you the original owner? do you have some photos to share?

[etho77]

I’m the 3rd owner. The first owner had it for about 1 year and the second owner for the rest of the time until I bought it just over 2 years ago. I have records of all servicing and repairs, runs very smooth!

I have a few photos, I’ll just need to work out how to load them.

Does anyone have an idea on how many were Aus delivered?

Cheers.