HISTORY OF THE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER FJ40

From the deserts of Dubai to the plains of Australia, the Andean mountains of South America and throughout the continent of Africa the Toyota FJ Land Cruiser stands alone as the most reliable, long lasting, and nearly unbreakable vehicle that gets you anywhere you need to be. The story starts in the Philippines during the Second World War. The Japanese Army found an abandoned United States 4x4 Willys Jeep that had been left by American forces and immediately recognized its usefulness and sent it back to Japan, where Toyota was tasked with building their own version. Toyota reverse-engineered the Willys Jeep and perfected it within a decade.

The FJ formed the backbone of the Toyota brand and became the emissary of Japanese engineering and much of the world’s first experience with Toyota. It definitely helped establish Toyota as a global brand.  Its strong engine but relatively small chassis were a perfect combination to tackle the rough and tumble terrains around the world. From 1955 through 1984, the FJ grew into the sturdy 4x4 that we know and still love today while still managing to maintain its now-iconic look and feel.