Is the Toyota FJ40 headed to Toyota of Clermont?

   

Where did the Toyota FJ40 get its start?

The Toyota FJ40 wasn’t the first Land Cruiser to exist, although it is one of the more commonly recognizable models. This Toyota actually got its start as the Toyota BJ. It was built as a military vehicle that was created to tackle tough terrain and rugged road (or off-road) conditions. The BJ’s claim to fame was tackling a trail through the 12,388 ft-high peaks of Mt. Fuji in Japan. In 1954, the Toyota BJ was rebranded as the Toyota Land Cruiser and moved into the commercial market.

Land Cruiser FJ20 Series

The Toyota FJ20 was actually the first commercially-available Toyota Land Cruiser and it came to market in 1955. It sported a 3.9L inline-six engine and offered a new model option that had a metal top (it also offered a canvas top). It also had a different suspension than the Toyota BJ and came in various body styles, including fire truck, station wagon, and pickup truck iterations. This particular 4×4 introduced the Land Cruiser name to the market and it’s one of the more rare models, making it difficult to find and restore.

Land Cruiser FJ40

We’ll admit it – the Toyota FJ40 is one of our all-time favorites. It was a step up from the FJ20 series with a flat white roof that created a cool color contrast, wraparound rear windows, an an inline-six engine that offered 125 horsepower and 200 lb-ft torque as well as a gas option (the BJ ran solely on diesel). It’s nothing like the current luxury-based model; it was built to handle off-road terrain and tough trails. However, despite its lack of creature comforts, it was still a best-seller in the US during the 1960s. It sold for around $6,000 (without A/C or power steering) and was a top seller until 1965 when the Toyota Corona passenger car was introduced into the market. Toyota FJ40s are considered to be some of the most dependable vintage 4x4s ever produced.

Land Cruiser FJ55

The mid-1960s brought a 55 series wagon model to market to diversify the Land Cruiser family even more. It had more modern styling than its predecessor with 16? wheels in addition to a new and improved 3.9L inline-six engine OR the option of a 4.2L inline-six engine. You could also choose between a three or four-speed transmission (the prior series of Land Cruisers only had three-speed transmissions). It sat up to seven on the interior and was perfect for overlanding due to its longer wheelbase. The Toyota FJ55 also sported more modern external design elements and was known as the “Iron Pig”.

Land Cruiser FJ60 Series 

In 1981 the FJ60 series was fresh on the market and at that point, the Toyota FJ40 had been discontinued (boooo). The FJ60 series was the first in the family to have direct fuel infection, as well as an automatic transmission option and power windows. The cabins of these SUVs were large and comfortable – unlike previous Land Cruisers – and the engine was available in both gas and diesel options. The FJ60 was on the market through 1991 and is still a popular model to restore and own for modern-day vintage enthusiasts.

Land Cruiser 80 Series

The 80 series was another foray into the world of interior cabin comfort; it was spacious and had more features designed to keep the driver and passengers happy. It was available in both diesel and gas models and came in a Toyota 3F engine as well as a 4.5L V6 option. This Toyota Land Cruiser had swing-out doors that were later replaced with a tailgate and hatch, and two special models were available near the end of its reign: the Collectors Edition and 40th Anniversary Edition. This particular Toyota Land Cruiser also had a distinct bubbly, rounded shape.

Land Cruiser 100 Series

The Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series hit the market in 1998 and stayed there as a popular option until 2007. This particular model was a marked change from a nicer off-roading vehicle to a seriously upscale SUV with tons of luxury features. Its interior was plush and decked out with creature comforts, and it sported a new chassis as well as a new 4.7L V8 engine with 230 horsepower. It later increased the horsepower even further to 275 horsepower. The 100 Series pushed the Toyota Land Cruiser into daily driver territory and US models included a third-row jump seat to offer more interior passenger space.

Land Cruiser 200 Series

The 200 Series was the final iteration of the Toyota Land Cruiser – in US markets, at least. It dropped into the limelight in 2008 with an all-new 5.7L V8 engine that is still in demand by many Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia fans. The 200 Series was a stark contrast from its ancestors and offered all of the latest and greatest luxury features. It had a leather interior, the best technology, and performance features like an 8-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence, CRAWL control, multi-terrain select, and more. It was a seamless mix of luxury and off-road ability and reigned champion in its segment through 2021 when it was discontinued in the American market in 2021.

Get the latest Land Cruiser news at Toyota of Clermont

So what’s headed to Toyota of Clermont next? As we said, we have no idea (although we’re rooting for a new version of the much-loved Toyota FJ40 to take on the Bronco and Jeep). We’ll keep you posted! For more updates on Land Cruiser news, follow Toyota of Clermont on social media OR call us at (352) 404-7000. Also, if you’ve got a Land Cruiser you want to share to be featured on our social media, shoot us your pictures or stop by 16851 State Road 50, just west of the Florida Turnpike. We’d love to have our social media team do a photo shoot with your ride!