The Toyota Land Cruiser celebrates 70 years of existence this month. Launched in August 1951, the Land Cruiser was originally known as the “Toyota BJ,” a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a powerful engine.
Initially designed for military use, the Toyota BJ quickly earned an enviable reputation as a ‘go-anywhere vehicle. The name Land Cruiser was coined in 1954 as the model expanded into the civilian market and went head-to-head with the British-built Land Rover.
According to Toyota Motor Corporation, in a statement released today, the LandCruiser, in the 70 years since its ‘birth’, has sought to deliver safety and security to diverse customers across the globe.
“Subsequently,” it stated further, “the Land Cruiser family has grown significantly, spawning pick-up, wagon, station wagon and luxury SUV variants. While the model range has expanded, the core DNA of the model remains ingrained in the metalwork.
“All over the world, the Land Cruiser has supported lives, livelihoods, and lifestyles, and promised to take people anywhere and everywhere, while returning them home safely. Now, the Land Cruiser’s essence of reliability, durability, and off-road performance has further evolved in response to the evolving needs of its global customers.”
A cumulative total of approximately 10.6 million units―and more than 300,000 units a year―are being cherished by customers in 170 countries all over the world.
Land Cruiser 300 Sales Commenced
To mark this historic occasion, sales of the latest Land Cruiser 300 have commenced in Japan, ushering in the next chapter in the Land Cruiser history book – while promising to deliver the best ‘Cruiser yet. The Land Cruiser 300 draws inspiration from its forefathers to deliver a driving experience of the highest calibre.
GR Heritage Parts Project
As a further celebration of the marque’s 70th birthday, Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced the inclusion of Land Cruiser in its GR Heritage Parts Programme. The parts will be reproduced for the 40 Series Land Cruiser, which was produced between 1960 and 1984.
The project reproduces spare parts that have been discontinued and sells them as genuine parts through a special collaboration with suppliers, in order to support customers who wish to continue driving older vehicles that bring back fond memories and that they truly love and cherish.
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