I grew up in the UK loving Land Rovers while my cousin grew up in Africa loving Land Cruisers. Don't tell him but he was right, the Land Cruiser is the better vehicle. So much so that I now own a 70 series. I have always worked on my own vehicles for the past 35 years, I can honestly say I am blown away by the Japanese engineering. They don't just build a component, they redesign parts, perfect them, adapt them for the vehicle and only then fit them. The 70 series is still being made and is one tough vehicle.
Harvey Smith So true mate, five Range Rovers, God knows how many Landys until I got bored of fixing under specced parts bin cars....... Toyota Cruisers and Hilux's for a while now......
Harvey Smith the philosophy is KAIZEN. This is why the TPS is benchmark for manufacturing . Google KAIZEN TOYOTA to learn more on why Toyota is so reliable
Thank you Harvey Smith for the history. My dad in the 70s took me off road a couple times in the 40 series. His mates in the Australian forces swears by the cruisers n they claimed that Land Rovers just weren't hardy enough in the rough n heat. Up until the sixties n probably seventies it was no mean feat for any japanese products to get such high praises considering the rovers were British made n European products had been held in high esteem.
Excellent video! As a former Land Rover owner (1964 to 1994), and a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon owner (April 2012 to present, Oct. 2019), I've long had a very high opinion of the Toyota Land Cruiser. As long as I've known of the Land Cruiser - going back to April 1964 - I've realized it is an exceptionally able vehicle. Thanks for the brief history of the FJ Land Cruiser!
I bought a new 1972 FJ40 off the showroom floor in Long Beach, Ca, fell in love immediately, drove it all over the Mojave Desert & even took on the hills of Northern AZ , by the way mine came standard with the pto winch & it seems to have been forgotten on all these TH-cam video’s in favor of the Warren but that little 1 ton winch saved my bacon many a time, one of 2 I’ve owned over the years and wished I still had one 👍
Australia was also an early export market for the Land Cruiser, where in the late 50s, a handful were imported to supplement the Land Rovers that were being used in what was then the largest public works engineering scheme that’s ever been undertaken in Australia - the Snowy Mountains Scheme. This scheme (started in 1949) was constructed over 25 years and had over 100,000 workers. The scheme generates hydro electricity from the water and snow of the Snowy Mountains and diverts it to use for irrigation water. It is the most complex, multi-reservoir hydro schemes in the world and has over 140 kilometres of tunnels and 15 large dams. The scheme required rugged 4×4 vehicles that could work in the hostile and demanding environment of the Snowy Mountains. Land Rover was the vehicle of choice in the early days of the scheme, but the company was struggling to keep up with demand. So Thiess, the world's largest mining service provider and contracted for the scheme, went looking for a vehicle that would be suitable to fill the gap. And in the late 50s, Thiess imported a handful of Land Cruisers, as a tough workhorse that would be capable of withstanding the harsh terrain of the range. The Land Cruiser quickly proved to be more capable and reliable than the Land Rover, and were favoured by the drivers. This scheme is what made the Land Cruiser (and Toyota's) outstanding reputation in this country. To this day we have a saying in this country, if you want to go to the outback, bring a Land Rover. But if you want to come back, better take a Land Cruiser.
Always take both. Land Rover for when the Toyota gets stuck and the Toyota to tow the Land Rover home. I named my Discovery Petra when I got her because I was petrified what would break next. Remarkably it is the most reliable and resilient vehicle I've ever owned.
we still have a FJ40 carting the fuel around the farm prntscr.com/iim5nh nothing wrong with it. well it needs a new hand break have to jam a metal bar between the seat and the break pedal to stop it rolling away form me when i get out to open the gates.
Toyota actually flew over some of their engineers to provide support for those Landcruisers when they first came into Australia. One of their tasks was to send back reports on any part failures or issues so that the design flaws could be fixed back in Japan. That continuous improvement is impressive when compared to most other auto manufacturers that don't give a damn if their cars are total lemons.
I just purchased an 1983 fj40 in Saudi Arabia. You would not believe what I paid for it, but I'm about to drop some cash to get it restored. FJ40's are plentiful in Saudi. Thanks for the brief history lesson.
During late 70's my grandfather used to take me drive around with his 1965 fj40. I had my own 1983 fj40 around mid 90's and this video brought back so many memories with those vehicle.
Just discovered this video...takes me back about 50 years lol. My father drove a 1970's something FJ. I nicknamed it the "bone shaker" because it juggled you over every little pot hole and bump. Loved it.
Love the FJ40... One day I'll own one. For now I'm loving my FJ Cruiser....loaded with all original equipment. Will keep it 100% stock. Will be worth more later on. Awesome video! Thanks
I got my first one in the fall of 1974. It was the 1973 FJ 40. The first with a floor mount stick shift. I drove the Alaska Highway with it in the spring of 1976. My second one was bought in Helena , Montana in the fall of 1978. It was a 1977, the olive brown, double rear door, four speed. It later got a home made winch. I last saw it in Malta, Montana in 1991. I did a lot of off reading back then.
I love my BJ40. And enjoy so much its engine sound and overall loyalty. It’s running proudly through some roads and streets in Latin America and going through a slow but secure process of restoration. Thank you for the video. Very interesting information 👍
I've owned my '69 for ten years now. I brought back to life after it had been sitting, wasting away since 1993. I paid $2K for it and it's worth considerably more now. It still has the stock drive train but it is very capable off road. I drive it to Cars and Coffee on occasion and it always gets a lot of interest and comments from people at the show!
I have a 68 and its still has the 3 speed and even though I've updated the brakes with a 78 axle and put in a Saginaw power steering kit... it is rock solid after 52 years.
I recently bought my second land cruiser. A 1975 fj-40 relatively unmolested and in great shape, no rust and a beautiful faded rustic green. My first land cruiser was a 1970 I had in high school. I drove the wheels of it and it never let me down. Being young and dumb and broke I let it go when repairs were needed and no $$$ in my pocket. Recently I started looking for another 4x4 and found a 75 on-line. A bit pricey but my wife said if you want it, go for it!! God, she is the best! Test drove it and it took me back to high school and many great times on and off road. I was looking at more affordable c-js but come on. The f-js were just way better built. Chris
I'm a jeep owner but have to respect the Toyota pickup's. When they show up in the middle of the night on the rubicon and start crushing obstacles you have to give them there due respect.
DirtyDog awesome. They become part of you. After a while you get to sense when something's not right. The other day I just had a feeling the water separator under the drivers side cab needed cleaning out and I was right. You just get to know every bump and rattle
Thanks Russ, I appreciate your direct and factual style, no BS and just get straight to the points. I usually watch military history vids but it would be nice to hear some stories about great cars and the people and events linked to them.
The very first FJ to be sold in the US can be seen in the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum. They have it on display. They don't have one of the first, they have the actual first Land Cruiser to be sold on US soil.
Well, I am very happy and satisfied with my Toyota Fj40 diesel (1989) that I have over 10 years ... and I would never trade for another car ... except for another Fj40... Bandeirante, as it is called here in Brazil...
you've done great. keep up the great work. i grew up in Qatar and my family owned an 84 4cyl manual and and 86 6cyl auto. both were offraoding beasts. to bad this brand never sold in Canada.
WRONG. I've owned a '75 FJ40 & a '76FJ40, the former of which I gave my son. I currently have an '81 BJ42, & a '96 FZJ80. I've also had an '89 BJ75 & a '90 HZJ77. Where do you get they were never sold in Canada? The 100's & 200's weren't, but we did get their more expensive Lexus brothers.
Thanks for the video, my family bought a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 40 in 1980 front the dealer back in Colombia and the price was aprox.250 dollars. Can you believe it? I was 5 years old and l can’t forget the smell that came from the cab, was amazing!
Good work for the 1st episode. I was just a tiny bit less interested when I heard the V8 in the 1st clip in your video. I am not a purist, but I was looking forward for a pure history lesson. Thank you for sharing :) I am a 43 owner myself. Took me 4 years to rebuild.
The first fj40 ever that I saw was in 1973 when my dad bought a bare bones KE20. Needless to say, I fell in love. It had by then a fully synched 4speed gearbox and WOOOWWW!!! 15 inch wheels and tires. On a Japanese vehicle! So yeah when I finally bought one it was in the nineties. Pushed in a small block Chrysler in it. Somebody came, was, liked it and bought it for nearly double the price. After 2 days I regretted selling it :(
Wow, you knock that out of the park my friend. A tip of the hat to you and a very well put together video. You got the the Like and the bell. I grew up in Panama and at 16 you could get a bike license and 17 for car license. Everyone, and all the girls rode bike for that right of passage. The 4whl drives came straight off the ships from Japan and prices were half the state side prices. In the jungle with the rainy season only a bike or a 4whl drive saved the day so they were everywhere and dirt cheap. Your presentation was spot on, great job in editing. Thank you and I hope you find one.
Saw a fj40 outside of man-ready mercantile out of Houston texas. Mad respect for these vehicles. would love to drive one, one day. As a jeep guy I’ll admit these have a cool factor or two we dont have on them.
I've owned three of the Cruisers over the years. I love 'em they are a work horse! Just picked up a '74. The prices are going up. Get one before they get out of reach.
I almost forgot. I also had a rusty 1967 FJ 40 that I bought for the top. It had the bench seat and three on the tree. I ran it through the local trails in the Big Belt mountains of Montana, minus the top, hood and a fender.
I owned a Jeep and couldn't wait to own a FJ. Only they quit making them by the time I was ready to buy one. So I bought the 1984 delux pickup 4x4. Never regretted it; Best stock 4x4 I've had. Still would love to own a FJ 43 or 45 though. Not enough change in my couch either.
I have a 68 fj40 with the front axle and engine from a 78 fj40. It is rock solid after 52 years and I've owned it for 24 years. Toyota took a jeep and made it better.
I've owned two of the FJ40s, a 76 and a 77 and also an 88FJ62. We loved them all..Very reliable to an extreme but gas hogs. Loved the FJ's and 62 for all off road tasks though. These are very heavy duty. No mystery they hold up better I mean just look underneath one of them some time you'll see it's massive heavy suspension and parts underneath. They have a lower center of gravity than a Jeep on the same wheel base due to that weight but I've owned Jeeps and have one now actually and day in and day out you have to upgrade a lot of the Jeep to hold up. The TLC comes ready for it as is.
Good Video - my ex father in law had one and traded it for a 1990s Holden Commodore (GM) Sedan he's been kicking himself ever since ! Can't afford one myself but just bought a new 79 series twin cab cruiser .It will have to do
I have a 84 4x4 base model Toyota pickup and absolutely love it, I also have a 98 Cherokee and love it. But I'd trade both for an fj40, because well I love them even more.
Who makes the kit you have? I'm a model builder (mostly aircraft, some armor, vehicles and ships) but I'll build anything interesting. I have the Lindberg Charger cop car which is a pretty nice kit.
You're just a Jappo Toyota fanboy! Rides a Honda too! ;-) But seriously, I really enjoyed your video. I've become a huge Jeep fan in the past year (although I've always like them), but as my interest has grown, I've begun to appreciate the FJ-40. In fact, I'd love to have one (probably the 43 model), but I don't have the disposable income. (Plus, I'd be afraid to scratch it.) As for your outtakes, it shows a great deal of humility that you showed them. I've done voice over work for 15 years and now I'm doing on-camera... it's more challenging than people realize, particularly with scripted narration! I will check back with future installments of your channel.
Christopher G haha. I drive a Ram Truck and have a Ford E Van. My boat has Chevy 454 engines ✌🏼 there’s not many USA vintage bike options outside of an HD.
Great job. (Also, you’ve got to check out Jonathon Ward’s Icon series FJ restorations. In fact, Jonathan ‘s esteem within the Toyota community is so high, be was a consultant on the design of the FJ Cruiser. Toyota approaches him for his engineering and design input.)
I drove an FJ40 in high school (80’s). I wish I still had it. Currently drive a Tacoma and Jeep JKU. The JK is better on the street and is better off-road, but it will never be as tough or as cool as an old FJ.
" you want to go for an overland journey take a Land Rover! You want to be sure to come back? Well, then take a Land Cruiser" - there is some truth in it. I was grown up (Africa & Middle East) with Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Land Cruisers.. They were all great cars without a doubt, you could repair in the middle of the bush, no problem. Despite I adore the Land & Range Rovers especially the older models, which you could repair in the middle of the bush, but at the end fo the day Land Cruisers are the ones you can count on. We own a 18 years old 100 series (one of our daily drivers) - you cannot kill this beast, I simply love it and I am currently rebuilding a 60 series from 1988 - here in Africa ...
Down Under, the diesel version of the FJ’s are very sought after, known as the BJ. There are several reasons why the BJ is more popular than the FJ. For one, fuel is more expensive here than in America, and diesel vehicles are cheaper to run, high compression which has better engine braking, always in tune with no spark plugs, leads etc, no electronic problems when crossing rivers etc, higher torque than petrol engines which is great for towing and the list goes on. We call them shorties, cruisers fourbys, 4 wheel drives or BJ’s. There is a big trend now to convert the suspension from leaf springs to coil springs.
Very well done, bro. This is a very informative video. Loved, loved, loved the out-takes! So now I must make time to see what else your channel is about. Keep on keeping on, man.
It might interest you to know that an FJ 40 variant is being used by the Philippine military. It is called the Mini Cruiser. It looks just like an FJ 40, but in a reduced size and a 4 cyl engine. Delta Motors Corp was a Philippine company that bought a licence from Toyota in the 70s to manufacture this reduced size version for local military service. It is still in service, even as Delta Motors no longer exists.
I owned a BJ42 1983 model and the Diesel engine had grown to 3.4 litre for that model 3b diesel Great car 5 speed manual power steer with disc front end
Excellent video! I appreciate you making it. Count me as a new subscriber. I ADORE these Land Cruisers. What absolutely breaks my heart is that as Americans we don't have the freedom to own the current production Toyota 79 series Land Cruisers. Instead we are stuck with rebuilding very old Fjs, or settling for the American version of a land cruiser that has been optimized for soccer moms getting groceries.
Good video you made here keep it coming. Back in the 80s we took a in-line 6 cylinder engine from a wrecked 4 door Land Cruiser along with the wire harness and computer ( fuel injected engine ) and it bolted right into a 56 Chevy Pick Up, Made for a nice power plant in this truck. It bolted in the Chevy because Toyota got the production rights to the Chevy 235 in line 6 cylinder engine when Chevy dropped it from their production. I would love to have about 72-76 4 door Land Cruiser.
I grew up in the UK loving Land Rovers while my cousin grew up in Africa loving Land Cruisers.
Don't tell him but he was right, the Land Cruiser is the better vehicle. So much so that I now own a 70 series.
I have always worked on my own vehicles for the past 35 years, I can honestly say I am blown away by the Japanese engineering. They don't just build a component, they redesign parts, perfect them, adapt them for the vehicle and only then fit them.
The 70 series is still being made and is one tough vehicle.
Harvey Smith So true mate, five Range Rovers, God knows how many Landys until I got bored of fixing under specced parts bin cars....... Toyota Cruisers and Hilux's for a while now......
@@chrissmailes9762 Welcome to the dark side.
Harvey Smith the philosophy is KAIZEN. This is why the TPS is benchmark for manufacturing . Google KAIZEN TOYOTA to learn more on why Toyota is so reliable
When I was in middle school, I lived in Panama and my dad had a BJ-40. We went some neat places in it and got stuck a few times too! Great 4X4!
Thank you Harvey Smith for the history. My dad in the 70s took me off road a couple times in the 40 series. His mates in the Australian forces swears by the cruisers n they claimed that Land Rovers just weren't hardy enough in the rough n heat. Up until the sixties n probably seventies it was no mean feat for any japanese products to get such high praises considering the rovers were British made n European products had been held in high esteem.
Excellent video! As a former Land Rover owner (1964 to 1994), and a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon owner (April 2012 to present, Oct. 2019), I've long had a very high opinion of the Toyota Land Cruiser. As long as I've known of the Land Cruiser - going back to April 1964 - I've realized it is an exceptionally able vehicle. Thanks for the brief history of the FJ Land Cruiser!
I bought a new 1972 FJ40 off the showroom floor in Long Beach, Ca, fell in love immediately, drove it all over the Mojave Desert & even took on the hills of Northern AZ , by the way mine came standard with the pto winch & it seems to have been forgotten on all these TH-cam video’s in favor of the Warren but that little 1 ton winch saved my bacon many a time, one of 2 I’ve owned over the years and wished I still had one 👍
Australia was also an early export market for the Land Cruiser, where in the late 50s, a handful were imported to supplement the Land Rovers that were being used in what was then the largest public works engineering scheme that’s ever been undertaken in Australia - the Snowy Mountains Scheme. This scheme (started in 1949) was constructed over 25 years and had over 100,000 workers. The scheme generates hydro electricity from the water and snow of the Snowy Mountains and diverts it to use for irrigation water. It is the most complex, multi-reservoir hydro schemes in the world and has over 140 kilometres of tunnels and 15 large dams. The scheme required rugged 4×4 vehicles that could work in the hostile and demanding environment of the Snowy Mountains. Land Rover was the vehicle of choice in the early days of the scheme, but the company was struggling to keep up with demand. So Thiess, the world's largest mining service provider and contracted for the scheme, went looking for a vehicle that would be suitable to fill the gap. And in the late 50s, Thiess imported a handful of Land Cruisers, as a tough workhorse that would be capable of withstanding the harsh terrain of the range. The Land Cruiser quickly proved to be more capable and reliable than the Land Rover, and were favoured by the drivers. This scheme is what made the Land Cruiser (and Toyota's) outstanding reputation in this country. To this day we have a saying in this country, if you want to go to the outback, bring a Land Rover. But if you want to come back, better take a Land Cruiser.
Always take both. Land Rover for when the Toyota gets stuck and the Toyota to tow the Land Rover home. I named my Discovery Petra when I got her because I was petrified what would break next. Remarkably it is the most reliable and resilient vehicle I've ever owned.
we still have a FJ40 carting the fuel around the farm prntscr.com/iim5nh nothing wrong with it. well it needs a new hand break have to jam a metal bar between the seat and the break pedal to stop it rolling away form me when i get out to open the gates.
Dominic Mammone lol. Reminds me of one of the scenes in”The Gods Must Be Crazy” 👍
"If you want to go to the outback, bring a Land Rover. If you want to come back better take a Land Cruiser" :)) interesting!
Toyota actually flew over some of their engineers to provide support for those Landcruisers when they first came into Australia. One of their tasks was to send back reports on any part failures or issues so that the design flaws could be fixed back in Japan. That continuous improvement is impressive when compared to most other auto manufacturers that don't give a damn if their cars are total lemons.
I just purchased an 1983 fj40 in Saudi Arabia. You would not believe what I paid for it, but I'm about to drop some cash to get it restored. FJ40's are plentiful in Saudi. Thanks for the brief history lesson.
During late 70's my grandfather used to take me drive around with his 1965 fj40. I had my own 1983 fj40 around mid 90's and this video brought back so many memories with those vehicle.
Just discovered this video...takes me back about 50 years lol. My father drove a 1970's something FJ. I nicknamed it the "bone shaker" because it juggled you over every little pot hole and bump. Loved it.
Love the FJ40... One day I'll own one. For now I'm loving my FJ Cruiser....loaded with all original equipment. Will keep it 100% stock. Will be worth more later on. Awesome video! Thanks
You were right
I have 2...
I got my first one in the fall of 1974. It was the 1973 FJ 40. The first with a floor mount stick shift. I drove the Alaska Highway with it in the spring of 1976. My second one was bought in Helena , Montana in the fall of 1978. It was a 1977, the olive brown, double rear door, four speed. It later got a home made winch. I last saw it in Malta, Montana in 1991. I did a lot of off reading back then.
I wish Toyota still made these!!!
I hate all these computer's in cars! They're all sh*t!!!
I loved my 1973 FJ40. It would go anywhere and was fun to drive. Thanks for sharing the history.
Steven Madewell i have a 1973 fj40. it is my project car. they are like damn tanks.
my grandfather swore by toyota
I have a 73'. I drove it from Phoenix to St Pete, FL. All over AZ camping. Love it.
As an owner of both a 1975 FJ55 and a modern FJ, I really enjoyed this! Keep up the good work!
Virgil Kelly thanks. I think after some of my current projects are complete I’m going to be shopping for one.
I love my BJ40. And enjoy so much its engine sound and overall loyalty. It’s running proudly through some roads and streets in Latin America and going through a slow but secure process of restoration.
Thank you for the video. Very interesting information 👍
I've owned my '69 for ten years now. I brought back to life after it had been sitting, wasting away since 1993. I paid $2K for it and it's worth considerably more now. It still has the stock drive train but it is very capable off road. I drive it to Cars and Coffee on occasion and it always gets a lot of interest and comments from people at the show!
I have a 68 and its still has the 3 speed and even though I've updated the brakes with a 78 axle and put in a Saginaw power steering kit... it is rock solid after 52 years.
This video definitely deserves a like from any Toyota lover, including me.
I recently bought my second land cruiser. A 1975 fj-40 relatively unmolested and in great shape, no rust and a beautiful faded rustic green. My first land cruiser was a 1970 I had in high school. I drove the wheels of it and it never let me down. Being young and dumb and broke I let it go when repairs were needed and no $$$ in my pocket. Recently I started looking for another 4x4 and found a 75 on-line. A bit pricey but my wife said if you want it, go for it!! God, she is the best! Test drove it and it took me back to high school and many great times on and off road. I was looking at more affordable c-js but come on. The f-js were just way better built. Chris
Bought one 20 years ago. Love it. Can't tell you how many times I've been told what a nice Jeep I have lol.
originally built for the snowy river mountain scheme in australia, I have on of the original petrol engines.
Specialized 29er snowy hydro you mean?
I'm a jeep owner but have to respect the Toyota pickup's. When they show up in the middle of the night on the rubicon and start crushing obstacles you have to give them there due respect.
As an owner of a 67 FJ40, it's a tank. Thank you for the video!
My daily drive is a 1982 HJ47 ute and it's a total workhorse that never lets me down. I get an offer on it almost weekly but never to be sold.
40 72 picking my 1982 troopy on Saturday, so excited man
DirtyDog awesome. They become part of you. After a while you get to sense when something's not right. The other day I just had a feeling the water separator under the drivers side cab needed cleaning out and I was right. You just get to know every bump and rattle
Nice coming back to this vid now owning 1983 BJ42 :) Good job!
Thanks Russ, I appreciate your direct and factual style, no BS and just get straight to the points. I usually watch military history vids but it would be nice to hear some stories about great cars and the people and events linked to them.
No unnecessary flare, very informative, well paced- love it! Don't change a thing! Just make more
Being 28, have had 4 fj40’s and love them until the day I die.
Just can’t get enough of these.
Your dad must be rich
The very first FJ to be sold in the US can be seen in the Land Cruiser Heritage Museum. They have it on display. They don't have one of the first, they have the actual first Land Cruiser to be sold on US soil.
I've been there and saw that. It's definitely worth a visit for anyone that wants to know.
Jeep guy here, just came to say keep making the videos. My Jeep shares the garage with an FJ.
No, your landcruiser tolerates your jeep in the garage lol
Well, I am very happy and satisfied with my Toyota Fj40 diesel (1989) that I have over 10 years ... and I would never trade for another car ... except for another Fj40... Bandeirante, as it is called here in Brazil...
You've one amazing vehicle there!
If it its diesel you have a BJ40 👍🏻
Clear message, clear structure, easy to understand, thank you
you've done great. keep up the great work. i grew up in Qatar and my family owned an 84 4cyl manual and and 86 6cyl auto. both were offraoding beasts. to bad this brand never sold in Canada.
WRONG. I've owned a '75 FJ40 & a '76FJ40, the former of which I gave my son. I currently have an '81 BJ42, & a '96 FZJ80. I've also had an '89 BJ75 & a '90 HZJ77. Where do you get they were never sold in Canada? The 100's & 200's weren't, but we did get their more expensive Lexus brothers.
Nice work Russ, i have an awesome BJ40 1978, been building it for years and now im almost finished. Sure does have a fantastic history. ;-)
Rami Mikhael jealous. I need to get one.
Well done!! ...i have got a bj40 and an XT500 (Japanese low tech heavy metal battlegroup😎)..let the good times roll👍
Thanks for the video, my family bought a Toyota Land Cruiser FJ 40 in 1980 front the dealer back in Colombia and the price was aprox.250 dollars. Can you believe it?
I was 5 years old and l can’t forget the smell that came from the cab, was amazing!
Good work for the 1st episode. I was just a tiny bit less interested when I heard the V8 in the 1st clip in your video. I am not a purist, but I was looking forward for a pure history lesson. Thank you for sharing :) I am a 43 owner myself. Took me 4 years to rebuild.
The first fj40 ever that I saw was in 1973 when my dad bought a bare bones KE20. Needless to say, I fell in love. It had by then a fully synched 4speed gearbox and WOOOWWW!!! 15 inch wheels and tires. On a Japanese vehicle! So yeah when I finally bought one it was in the nineties. Pushed in a small block Chrysler in it. Somebody came, was, liked it and bought it for nearly double the price. After 2 days I regretted selling it :(
Loved the outtakes! Way to personalize and make it your own! Much likes.
That was well done! I just picked up a 1974 for restoration!
Wow, you knock that out of the park my friend. A tip of the hat to you and a very well put together video. You got the the Like and the bell. I grew up in Panama and at 16 you could get a bike license and 17 for car license. Everyone, and all the girls rode bike for that right of passage. The 4whl drives came straight off the ships from Japan and prices were half the state side prices. In the jungle with the rainy season only a bike or a 4whl drive saved the day so they were everywhere and dirt cheap. Your presentation was spot on, great job in editing. Thank you and I hope you find one.
I learned to drive with this car. It will always in my memory.
Saw a fj40 outside of man-ready mercantile out of Houston texas. Mad respect for these vehicles. would love to drive one, one day. As a jeep guy I’ll admit these have a cool factor or two we dont have on them.
I've owned three of the Cruisers over the years. I love 'em they are a work horse! Just picked up a '74. The prices are going up. Get one before they get out of reach.
Land Cruiser is the best car in the world ,, I own 4 of them
If you ever want to give one away, I’ll gladly take care of it for you!
nmelkhunter1 wow did this shit ever work with you
Sell me one
Me two. I own a kzj90, hj60 / 61 and an bj40
fj200 heavily modified , fj 100, fj40 and 03 prado. love them
I almost forgot. I also had a rusty 1967 FJ 40 that I bought for the top. It had the bench seat and three on the tree. I ran it through the local trails in the Big Belt mountains of Montana, minus the top, hood and a fender.
Best looking truck of all time
Nice video dude. I'm currently building my 40, still long way to go, here in Venezuela we call the 40 "Macho"!
Good, real,vid,thanks I enjoyed the way you did it,bloopers were real!thanks fred hammer nz
Great Story, what a vehicle! Great quality vehicle! Thanks.
I owned a Jeep and couldn't wait to own a FJ. Only they quit making them by the time I was ready to buy one. So I bought the 1984 delux pickup 4x4. Never regretted it; Best stock 4x4 I've had. Still would love to own a FJ 43 or 45 though. Not enough change in my couch either.
I own a hj45 they are one great trucks thanks for the video
I am the proud, 19 year old owner of a 1969 FJ40!
Same! Just got a 69 a couple of weeks ago and am working on restoring it right now!
Mine has been in the family since it was new, but it's sat for over 40 years haha
Restoring a 77 atm
Great video! My old man owns an fj80 and he loves that truck!
I have a 68 fj40 with the front axle and engine from a 78 fj40. It is rock solid after 52 years and I've owned it for 24 years. Toyota took a jeep and made it better.
I would never change my silent motor, beautiful model, low gas consumption, stainless, reliable and powerful land rover
Carlos Olmedo Awesome. There’s a lot of Land Rover videos to watch. ✌🏼
I've owned two of the FJ40s, a 76 and a 77 and also an 88FJ62. We loved them all..Very reliable to an extreme but gas hogs. Loved the FJ's and 62 for all off road tasks though. These are very heavy duty. No mystery they hold up better I mean just look underneath one of them some time you'll see it's massive heavy suspension and parts underneath. They have a lower center of gravity than a Jeep on the same wheel base due to that weight but I've owned Jeeps and have one now actually and day in and day out you have to upgrade a lot of the Jeep to hold up. The TLC comes ready for it as is.
I owned a FJ40 1979 6cyl 4.2lt. Best capable 4x4 on 33' of its day.
Thanks for the information on the FJ. You did a great job on presenting this video, Russell.
LOVE TOYOTA VEHICLES, NEVER HAD THIS VEHICLE BUT IM STILL DRIVING MY 32 YEAR OLD TOYOTA TRUCK!
Always in love with fj40
Excellent presentation! Thanks for taking the time to share this info. Always loved the FJ40, beautiful truck.
Good Video - my ex father in law had one and traded it for a 1990s Holden Commodore (GM) Sedan he's been kicking himself ever since ! Can't afford one myself but just bought a new 79 series twin cab cruiser .It will have to do
I have a 84 4x4 base model Toyota pickup and absolutely love it, I also have a 98 Cherokee and love it. But I'd trade both for an fj40, because well I love them even more.
great video. thanks. i have one fj40 75 and im working to make it new again.
I was able to afford only a 1/24 scale model of this truck.
Jaja the damn car is expensive as hell
Nice ...I got myself a 1/10 RC4WD fJ CRUISER kit not a real one but you get to build it and drive it :)
It's an excellent vehicle and I definitely feel your pain.
Who makes the kit you have? I'm a model builder (mostly aircraft, some armor, vehicles and ships) but I'll build anything interesting. I have the Lindberg Charger cop car which is a pretty nice kit.
@@wrightflyer7855 RC4WD store.rc4wd.com/RC4WD-Gelande-II-Truck-Kit-wCruiser-Body-Set_p_4348.html
Awesome job very informative greetings from the ancient megalithic city of TIAHUANAKU BOLIVIA 🇧🇴
Subscribed. Excellent research done. Thank you
good video...nice old honda in the background
I drove an FJ-40 in college in Colorado. It had the Chevy 350 engine, and damn, it was so cool.
Love my FJ40 1970 under Restoration
You're just a Jappo Toyota fanboy! Rides a Honda too! ;-)
But seriously, I really enjoyed your video. I've become a huge Jeep fan in the past year (although I've always like them), but as my interest has grown, I've begun to appreciate the FJ-40. In fact, I'd love to have one (probably the 43 model), but I don't have the disposable income. (Plus, I'd be afraid to scratch it.)
As for your outtakes, it shows a great deal of humility that you showed them. I've done voice over work for 15 years and now I'm doing on-camera... it's more challenging than people realize, particularly with scripted narration! I will check back with future installments of your channel.
Christopher G haha. I drive a Ram Truck and have a Ford E Van. My boat has Chevy 454 engines ✌🏼 there’s not many USA vintage bike options outside of an HD.
Came for the FJ40, liked the video, subscribed to the channel, bought the shirt!
Great video! Thank you for the history. I love these rigs
My Dad had a BJ 40 when we lived in Panama. I don’t remember what year it was, but we went some neat places in it.
Great job. (Also, you’ve got to check out Jonathon Ward’s Icon series FJ restorations. In fact, Jonathan ‘s esteem within the Toyota community is so high, be was a consultant on the design of the FJ Cruiser. Toyota approaches him for his engineering and design input.)
Still have and loooove my 1975 FJ40. Great rigs!
Great video.....iconic vehicle..... Ive had 3 always regret selling them.... Found one in southern BAJA last winter might be mine this year....
I drove an FJ40 in high school (80’s). I wish I still had it. Currently drive a Tacoma and Jeep JKU. The JK is better on the street and is better off-road, but it will never be as tough or as cool as an old FJ.
" you want to go for an overland journey take a Land Rover! You want to be sure to come back? Well, then take a Land Cruiser" - there is some truth in it.
I was grown up (Africa & Middle East) with Land Rovers, Range Rovers and Land Cruisers.. They were all great cars without a doubt, you could repair in the middle of the bush, no problem.
Despite I adore the Land & Range Rovers especially the older models, which you could repair in the middle of the bush, but at the end fo the day Land Cruisers are the ones you can count on.
We own a 18 years old 100 series (one of our daily drivers) - you cannot kill this beast, I simply love it and I am currently rebuilding a 60 series from 1988 - here in Africa ...
Russ, I enjoyed your video. I subscribed, and looking forward to more of your videos. I’m currently looking for classic FJ40
Down Under, the diesel version of the FJ’s are very sought after, known as the BJ.
There are several reasons why the BJ is more popular than the FJ.
For one, fuel is more expensive here than in America, and diesel vehicles are cheaper to run, high compression which has better engine braking, always in tune with no spark plugs, leads etc, no electronic problems when crossing rivers etc, higher torque than petrol engines which is great for towing and the list goes on.
We call them shorties, cruisers fourbys, 4 wheel drives or BJ’s.
There is a big trend now to convert the suspension from leaf springs to coil springs.
Very well done, bro. This is a very informative video. Loved, loved, loved the out-takes! So now I must make time to see what else your channel is about. Keep on keeping on, man.
Always appreciate a good FJ40 video. I have a pretty nice 78. Would love to get a shirt!
Very well done
I had a 72...it was bullet proof!
Thank you for doing this!
Your effort is appreciated
The outtakes definitely earned you a thumbs up!
It might interest you to know that an FJ 40 variant is being used by the Philippine military. It is called the Mini Cruiser. It looks just like an FJ 40, but in a reduced size and a 4 cyl engine. Delta Motors Corp was a Philippine company that bought a licence from Toyota in the 70s to manufacture this reduced size version for local military service. It is still in service, even as Delta Motors no longer exists.
If toyotas are so good in Australia where are all the 80 series you saw back in the 90,s you still see heaps of older landrover still going
80s are all over the place mate, unstoppable.
You must be living under a rock because there are 80 series Landcruiser every where and they still hold their value!
I drive a 1994 Toyota HiAce, 2.4 diesel 5 spd 2 spd transfer case, seats 5 and get's 30+ mpg. Great truck.
I want a 2.5 diesel for my 04 Toyota taco that would be the kind !!!!
Sorry 2.4
I owned a BJ42 1983 model and the Diesel engine had grown to 3.4 litre for that model 3b diesel Great car 5 speed manual power steer with disc front end
The Honda in the background 👌 🤤
Awesome video, very informative.
Excellent video! I appreciate you making it. Count me as a new subscriber. I ADORE these Land Cruisers. What absolutely breaks my heart is that as Americans we don't have the freedom to own the current production Toyota 79 series Land Cruisers. Instead we are stuck with rebuilding very old Fjs, or settling for the American version of a land cruiser that has been optimized for soccer moms getting groceries.
Great roll up!
Fj 45 are sooo good
Very informative like the content 👌
And it's incredibly EXPENSIVE!
Great video buddy!
Incredible research!
Good video you made here keep it coming. Back in the 80s we took a in-line 6 cylinder engine from a wrecked 4 door Land Cruiser along with the wire harness and computer ( fuel injected engine ) and it bolted right into a 56 Chevy Pick Up, Made for a nice power plant in this truck. It bolted in the Chevy because Toyota got the production rights to the Chevy 235 in line 6 cylinder engine when Chevy dropped it from their production. I would love to have about 72-76 4 door Land Cruiser.