Reaching every corner of the globe.
The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the most important models in the history of the automotive world. While it may not have the same name recognition as other mass-produced cars, it’s truck wheels helped pave the way for Toyota as an automaker all over the globe.
At the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum in Utah, Donut Media gave a nice little review on the history of the iconic SUV throughout its lifetime, which is the longest in the brand’s history. It all started in 1951 with the BJ model being used by the United States in the Korean War. While its truck wheels performed better than most Jeep models, after the war had “ended” it was designed for civilian use. Here is where the Toyota innovation comes into play.
The Model 20 was debuted in FJ20 (gasoline) and BJ20 (diesel) models and put in new markets all across the world, including the United States. Since many of these markets already had a wide range of passenger cars, Toyota decided to sell its cars alongside. The reliability and durability that the Model 20 gave customers led them to purchase more passenger car models, thus growing the automaker.
After that, Toyota came out with the Model 40 in 1960 that had a stronger frame, 125 horsepower going to its truck wheels, and a low range gear for better off-road performance. Seven years later, the Model 55 aka “Iron Pig” made its debut that was geared towards improving transportation. Some of these Iron Pig models could carry up to nine people.
In 1980, the Model 60 was unveiled and Toyota gave the SUV more luxurious features and technology being that more families were purchasing them. It was even better off road and had softer springs. Shortly after, in 1984, the Model 70 came out with updated styling and some added bits while its meaty truck wheels and off-road capabilities were still maintained. The end of the decade saw the Model 80 introduced with an even greater drive towards a luxury, family car.
In the ‘90s, Toyota believed in their Land Cruiser so much that they entered two Model 80s in the unmodified diesel class at the Dakar Rally. That year, they won. Then they did again in 2001, 2005, and 2014. That’s impressive.
The Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series was unveiled in 1998 with a hydraulic suspension and electronic lift to give the truck wheels more or less room for on- or off-road situations. A more off-road capable 105 series was still offered around the globe to those needing the capability. In 2007, the high-tech, luxury-focused-but-still-off-road-capable Land Cruiser 200 Series was unveiled and features all sorts of high-tech goodies that we can still use today.
The Toyota Land Cruiser may not have the sales numbers like other vehicles, but it was one of the most important vehicles in making Toyota what it is today – one of the largest automakers in the world. Without that, there’s quite a bit that we’re missing out on.
Source: Donut Media
Recommended for you
