My father has owned a bj40 for the last 18 years (for my entire life) and I practically grew up in that car. Every morning my father would drive me to school with it, every family trip was made in that car. I remember how I used to bump head on the ceiling in the backseat.... but now that same bj40 is rusty and in bad shape, the engine works, but the body of the car is getting corroded away... But the best thing about fj40- and bj40- toyotas is, that when ever i see that kind of vehicle, I don't see a car... I see my father
I loved this comment. My uncle used to give us a ride in his Australian HJ47 troopy. He still owns it and we ve named her Bess. She's got the original 2H engine. Suffers from mechanical problems but that's because she not driven for 5 plus years and garaged. Fixing her up, she ll be as good as new.
A nice, honest, ordinary man talking about his beloved truck... For me at least, this is the most real and pure video in the series. Especially because he kept it stock and simple. It doesn't need a V8 or jacked up suspension, it's perfect as it is. Cheers
@seabassisadinosour modern jeeps are great. But don't kid yourself. During the days of the 40s run jeeps were garbage by comparison. And this is coming from somecody that had and LOVED his 83 AMC Spirit GT. 258 with 232 head with the shaft rocker setup, external oil line for the head, 10/1 Aries pistons, ported head, Clifford intake, large Holley carb, headers, Duals, clutch from an SX4. Not dogging AMC but Jeeps during the FJ40s run were an embarrassment. And I had an FJ40 for over 20yrs. Long before they were "Fashionable". Don't kid yourself. Jeeps of that era were junk until you swapped out everything in the drivetrain except the engine, and maybe the transfer case for a few years. That was true until long after the end of the 40s run.
My most favorite episode yet. Very well done. I understand where Josh is coming from when it comes to older vehicles of that caliber. No plastic covering up things, just bare bones utility and raw reliability. I give this one a standing ovation.
My folks bought a 2011FJ cruiser base model new. It was our only car until last year, when it was passed down to me at 200,000 miles. I feel the same connection to our FJ as he does here. I do the maintenance to keep it going, which is minimal, and I don’t plan to make any extraneous mods. It has see lots of off-roading, since I work for a museum crew that keeps track of bison herds/ other things. It also drives me around the city every day to uni and back. It was the only vehicle that moved my family across the country multiple times. No big fixes have been necessary, it’s incredible how reliable it has been. It’s also one of the only 2011 FJs that didn’t get irradiated from the tsunami that year. It’s a special car. I’m never going to sell it. It’s been a canvas for all the stories i’ve been through. Just thought I would share how special these cars are. Even if some don’t consider the new FJs to be true FJs, trust me, as years go on, this generation of cruisers will prove to be as special as the originals were.
I bought one today. Here in Bogota I had been looking for months. Stopped in at a parts garage to ask if anyone knew of Fj43 for sale. Low and behold the guy behind the counter told me yes and he would call a friend. After about 30 minutes the seller pulled up and I fell in love. It was just the color, white with a hard top, A/C, heat, all the tools, manuals and with the original import papers from Japan. Also had a stack of paperwork from being serviced at the dealer. Well, here we are a week later and it's mine. Planning to keep it all original, maintenance up to date, and driving it around South America until I come back to the USA in two years. Gotta hand it to Petrolicious, this video is magnificent! I totally love this video as it reflects my views about this awesome truck. Cheers!
MY father bought a 1972 FJ new, off the lot, is all original & the damn thing still drives, is mostly original and is currently being restored. We used that cruiser for deer hunting for 30+ years, and there really weren't any places this vehicle was not capable taking you. People who put V8s in these are ruining the vehicle!
@Dr. Devastator CRAP MOTOR??? This thing is built to be reliable, when you are far from everything you don't need crazy power or speed. You need an engine that starts and works well every single time.
@Dr. Devastator A lack of power certainly doesn't mean its terrible. It was built for reliability rather than big power and speed. I like my V8's too but I prefer to keep my 4.0L inline six in my Jeep YJ.
The history of the Land Cruiser began in 1950, shortly after the Second world War. Japanese automakers were asked to produce a prototype compact 4 x 4 truck which they did in January of 1951. The prototype was a truck with a B-Type gasoline powered water cooled in line 6 cylinder engine installed on a SB- type 1-ton truck chassis. The Toyota Land Cruiser Model BJ (1951-1955) was the first mass produced Toyota compact 4 x 4. Ultimately, this model developed into the Land Cruiser 20-30 series and then the FJ40. Small refinements to the body and longer leaf springs made the ride more comfortable for the FJ40, but the "bones" that made the BJ a truck remained in the FJ40. Those truck "bones" were as follows: The engine: The willis Jeep had a 2.2 liter compact in-line 4 cylinder. By contrast, the Toyota BJ vehicle has a 3.4 liter larger sized in-line 6 cylinder engine. At the time it was considered unusual to match a 4 ton truck engine to a compact truck chassis. The powertrain: From the BJ-type to the subsequent 20-series there was not LO gear in the transfer. The 3.4 had strong torque from the start so there was no reason for a LO gear but when the 4 speed transmission came with a low gear, the 1st gear having a low gear ratio of 5.53 compared to the final gear ratio of 4.11, a result of its being based on truck specifications. The chassis: The ladder type frame of the BJ and ultimately the FJ40 was built for towing 3,000 lbs. The body: Back in the 1950's the American Army contacted the Toyota Motor Corporation with a request for a 4WD vehicle to be used by the soldiers and military police stationed in Japan. Toyota took the request seriously. The result: the Land Cruiser, a literally bulletproof vehicle. This history was taken from several different sources including a book published by Toyota called The Land Cruiser Story 1951- 2003. Personally, I used to call the FJ40 a car until I was corrected several times by my mechanic. The reason it feels so much like a car to me is because the steering is extremely nimble especially when compared to a Land Rover. But you can't let the steering fool you. The "bones" are based on a truck. You can really feel the torque and power from the engine, powertrain and chassis when you take off in 1st gear. Maybe most importantly, no car can go the places a Land Cruiser can when it goes for a drive off the road.
That's funny how the U.S. and Japan were enemies some years before, and then they become friends. Hey, can you make this for my new battle, and the old enemy says, sure!
I own a 1978. It was purchased by my parents in 1992 and I learned to drive in it that same year (age 13). I also owned the matchbox car but mine was tan (just like my 78). We drove it to go snowboarding in the winter and rock crawled it in the summer in Big Bear Lake, CA throughout my childhood. About a decade ago I bought it from my parents and added the Downey fuel injection, mini-truck power steering and Vintage Air conditioning. When I met my wife she named it Elsie and we drove away from the chapel in it when we got married. This video perfectly conveys my thoughts and emotions of the FJ40....my FJ40.
Great truck, my Dad bought a BJ 42 diesel new in 1977 and that has been my childhood transportation, with great experiences and memories, Dad sold it in 2007 , I still have visual, smell and sounds in my mind. I am so glad my Dad exposed me to these .
This is the vehicle type that virtually put LandRover out of business in Australia. We have an early three speed. Very common in Oz, where they sold thousands.
I had one for 30 years mine was 3 speed strait six petrol, it was imported from Australia to England it was a 1974 registered . i wish I hadent sold it i loved that 4j 40
Last week I saw one at a BP station. White body, black soft top, dirty and battered but still looking really solid. It had a snorkel, too. On the other side was a new black Jeep Cherokee with black alloys and ARB bullbar, which was unusual. But the FJ really stood out.
This is hands down the best automotive channel on RUclips and authentic stories like this one are the reason why. These people really love their machines and their passion for them really comes through the videos. Don't ever stop making this stuff. I really love the ethos behind those old Cruisers: they're rugged, practical and 100% the right tool for the job in certain situations. They're also absolutely bullet proof. When I was a kid living in the NW of Western Australia in the 70's so many of my Dad's friends had these vehicles (Dad had a Series IIA LWB Land Rover -- also very tough) and they just went everywhere.
My dad had one of these back in the day, and its the first vehicle that i've ever driven. Hard times forced him to sell it. I made a promise that I will own one someday..
I had a 76FJ40 from age 16 to age 40. (along with parts vehicles etc). The pure utility, the form coming from the function... that is what makes them so beautiful. The lot I had had to go. They had been sitting for several years by the time I was 40. In bad repair. It was just time for them to go. Sold the entire lot and agreed to a discount price as long as they had everything gone within 3 days. I cried like a baby when the last one left. It hurt. A lot. And watching this I am crying now even though I am pushing 50. Thank you for the video.
My first vehicle was a 65 Fj40 at age 17. It sat not running for several years and I let it go to a friend that I lost contact with. Kids and life took over. I had grown up around Fj’s my whole life, dad,grandpa,uncle, all had one at sometime. It took me nearly 25 years to get another Fj40 and l am not letting it go anytime soon. As a matter of fact a Fj60 is in the family now. Great video and I understand your passion.
Very nice film ! Great to see some off-road on this channel. I kind of understand why Richard Hammond liked this car even if the one he bought was rubish. It's indeed a rough car.
+TobRacer Yea I think unlike the other two cars in the TG Botswana special the Cruiser had actually been worked hard its whole life and it was much older than the Range Rover and the Suzuki. They are truly bullet proof cars but sadly like anything they don't go forever without spare parts, maintenance and TLC.
This video is a real gem, far above average. It is apparent that someone or everyone involved at every level(camera, editing, audio, music selection, narrative composition, continuity,etc.) applied skill taking professional pride in their work and the quality shows.
This video really rings true to me. I bought a 75 FJ40 in 1996, still own and would never sell it. My three kids grew up riding around the mountains of Colorado in it, priceless stuff. I haven't upgraded a lot because I really like the pure utility of it just as Josh mentioned. My wife and I went on dates in this before we were married, I figured if she liked the FJ even if with its noisy and rough ride then I hit the jackpot with her, we still go on dates on it.
Outstanding video description of what it means to own the iconic FJ40. I have a '77 FJ40 I bought (as the 3rd owner) in 1982 (currently with only 81,000 original miles in 2000) and it evokes the same feelings you describe. I don't restrict it to street use...it's driven mostly around the place to do all sorts of chores and every time I get in it, crank it up, the sounds, smells and vibrations are exactly what you describe. Best video I've seen that explains the emotional attachment one can have with the Landcruiser. And who are the jerks that gave this vid a thumbs down...jeep owners maybe?
I rescued and re built a 1973 that was a twin to this. I left Lil ' blue stock, added a brush guard and Warn 9000i to the front. I drove her daily for about 7 years. I still regret my decision to sell her. Truly my favorite vehicle ever! Never let me down, always started on the first turn of the key. This video is touching, and brings back memories of my travels all over Oregon.
Love my 40,built in January 1969 and I’ve owned it for the past 27 years.Pretty much stock engine has never been rebuilt,got three on the tree,originalSpring Green color,has 5 inch lift and 36 inch super swampers.Drive it everywhere & like you I don’t baby it much,4 wheeling,camping,freeway,city, I use it for what it was built for.
I too have the same passion. My first car was purchased at age 16, a 1978 FJ40. I have had several over the years and at age 47 am currently doing a frame off, nut and bolt restoration. This one I will cherish for the rest of my life. I love watching this video, so well done. Thank your for sharing you love of the FJ40!!!
Great video! After 25 years I still own my 82 CJ5 and now share the jeep experience with my two kids around town and in the mountains. A family heirloom for sure!
Beautifully put together video and gorgeous cruiser. Same year as mine. Sometimes I wish mine was a little more stock but I'm just happy to have one. :) One thing to note though, power steering and air conditioning became a factory option in 1979.
My Father has had his 1984 Toyota Diesel Bj42 Since 85' and he keeps it looking like the day it rolled off out of the factory.. It's been in the family for a long time. Most of my greatest memories are travelling with my Dad and my brother, or waiting for summer so we could hop in the land cruiser and go camping. They are an amazing 4x4. And once I was able to drive it, It's all I wanted to drive other then my first car which is an 84 Toyota celica supra, and neither of these vehicles will be leaving the family.
We have a 76 "restomod" that looks identical to this one in every way except for the roof rack. Has a tasteful chevy conversion. Complete 100% frame-off restoration. We love it. Just the coolest thing to ride around in imaginable.
It is such a good feeling to see it drive through the rivers and up the rocky hills, doing what it was made to do.. What a beautiful car.. Good job my friend, good job..
Great vid - brought back nice memories of my father, who was a great Dad. His job was teaching instructors who taught linesmen in what was then the Commonwealth telecommunications provider, Telecom. One course he taught was the use of explosives in regional line laying works, so they gave him a government registered Land Cruiser - with explosives inside, to be stored overnight in the family garage. The course was taught at a nearby Army base, and at the end of each course he had to dispose (blow up) left over cordite and explosives - so he and the other instructors took their kids out to blow stuff up. I was the oldest, and got to drive the Landcruiser with ex[plosives through virgin Australian bushland on the Army base, blow stuff up and even do so gelignite fishing. Different times, but the fun of driving that Landcruiser has never left me. One day I will get one and restore it, albeit with some modernisation
Everything about this vid is exceptional; including your FJ as well. I remember back in 1972, my uncle had one and I loved it then. I was only 8 at the time and I can also relate to the certain smell you mentioned. A distinctive steel/metal smell that just conveyed how tough and cool these vehicles are.
This dude is gonna owe me close to a $100k by the time I get my Landcruiser done. LOL This was one of the first videos I found when I first started looking about 5 years ago. Something about the way he portrayed the 40 Series, and my already growing interest, really set the hook. Now I'm a Landcruiser nut.
@@bernardbarbour Since making this comment originally, the cost of that 40 series has gone past the $100k mark..... and I picked up a decent 80 series. Hi, my name is Karl. I am a Landcruiser addict. LOL
@@KBrogger Hahahahaha, I know that's right Brother. I'm a Land Cruiser addict too. I have owned several 80's, 4 runners, and Tundra's. One 80 I drove it from Georgia and all through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The Tundra I drove all the way from Tennessee to Argentina via the Pan Am Highway. Never even had a check engine light. I love Toyota trucks and this FJ43 I will keep for the rest of my life. Cheers Sir!
I love this video almost as much as I love this man's attachment to his truck. I think any gearhead can understand that deep attachment to a specific vehicle.
+Henry Kincaid It is what the Toyota FJ is based off of, all the old WWII vehicles left over. Japanese are really good at taking something and refining it. Well at least Toyota, lol.
+Ali Ahadi yeh, the modifications Toyota made to the jeep made it into a completely different car (character wise anyway); oh and, um *willys.....auto corrects a bitch
+Ali Ahadi well for one they look very different (which I think changes the character dramatically), the land cruiser feels a lot heavier (I don't know which is actually heavier though) and the land cruiser just feels quirkier than the jeep; the jeep feels more western, you can sort of tell that the land cruiser is Japanese
LOVE your FJ40 mate. I got a blue 2-door Wrangler and this reminds me so much of it, the way you feel towards your car, exactly how my Wrangler makes me feel. You know you've found the right car when you park it and can't take your eyes off it or still keep dreaming you drive that car, not some supercar you see on TV.
I knew at a young age my dad was making a mistake when he sold his. Would/SHOULD have been my first and last car. Now I really despise his decision... Lol!
That is a great video. My son shared it on Facebook. I bought him his 1979 FJ40 when he was 18 years old. It is the same color as yours. He says he loves it and will never sell it. He is in college studying to be an archeologist. Wish I could share a pic on here of him and his. Do you do Facebook?
I *so* agree. I'm not against creature comforts, as long as it doesn't take away from the ruggedness and practicality of the original vehicle. It's the same thing with upgrades, particularly if it helps to improve the driveability and safety of the vehicle. My favourite Toyota Land Cruisers are the *FJ40,* the *FJ45,* the *FJ55,* and the *FJ60.* *This* is what an SUV *should* be. Not "cutesie poo", nothing fluffy. The only upgrades I'd want would be power steering and a turbo diesel engine, for better fuel economy, and better climbing up hills, a cd player for the radio. But other than that, I'd keep it as original as it came.
Hi, mate. I love to see the passion when you talk about the car, this is definitely a lasting and reliable off road machine. I don't have a full size FJ40, but I have a 1/6 scale one that I use to make my RUclips videos and it is just the same colour as yours. It is funny when you name the video "...Rugged Companion" because on my last post on Instagram I wrote "your best off road companion for the last 63 years" and that was before watching this video. My father also told me that my grandfather had a blue one as well, but it got totaled when his (my grandfather's) brother fell off a bridge with the car. Anyway, your words and the way you talk about the car is truly inspiring. If you don't mind, I would like to use some of your words on my next videos about the car. Let me know if that is okay for you. Cheers and good job on keeping automobile history alive for the next generations.
This is the vehicle type that virtually put LandRover out of business in Australia. We have an early three speed. Very common in Oz, where they sold thousands.
"I feel like I made a mistake when I sold it... I thought I lost it for good" Such serious feeeeeeelllllsssssss.... as I am being forced to sell mine :cry:
My dad bought an FJ40 in 1966, but it was a ragtop with rag doors. I learned to drive it on trails at age 10! I remember the windshield wipers being out of sync and the kick panel vents. It had a hand choke and throttle on the dash. I bought it from my dad when I was 16. It was my first vehicle. I sold it back to my dad and years later he traded it for a Morgan horse!
My dad bought an old FJ45 off this old guy who had 2 that were rotting in his yard, they were all rusted up, but he was so old he couldn't manage to fix them up anymore, so my dad bought them off him super cheap, cause the guy just wanted to see them running again. My dad took 2 years to restore it in all original Toyota parts, and every couple of weeks he'd take some pictures of what he had been doing with it and took them to the guy, and painted it bright yellow. It was incredible. It was so sad for everyone when my dad had to sell it, because everybody loved the car (I'm from a small town in the UK, so everyone knew that was my dad's car, and everyone loved it), but it only had 3 seats and we had to move when my brother was born, so we couldn't keep it. I really hope one day it'll resurface somewhere for sale, but the FJ45's with the original truck beds sell for a lot of money now, if they are in the condition my dad's was they go for up to £75,000, but it'd be cool to see it again, cause that was like 15 years since we sold it, and we haven't seen it since.
In 1977 we were seriously looking at buying a green 1976 Landcruiser; but 10MPG and a serious rough ride dissuaded my wife's vote. So we bought an MG midget......?!??! (don't ask)
+Jai Courvoisier The tiny midget is a step up from a motorcycle; the TR6 is an actual usable car. I've owned a lot of old sports cars; I buy other people's projects and finish them; enjoy them, sell, and move on to the next project. After owning at least 250 vehicles; the versatile, reliable Miata mx5 I enjoy the most for a daily driver.
We had a 3-speed 1972 FJ40 for 16 years. In that time we blew up 9 clutches during 4WD weekends with dozens of other Landcruisers, Land Rovers and Range Rovers. Sadly the model here is the "bad" one: the awful double rear doors which makes the car almost useless. :P The good model came with a clamshell rear door, which opened vertically, and then provided shelter. Underneath were two small side-opening doors, with the spare hung on the left door. The very best landcruisers had their lower split doors discarded, and a solid single door was then hinged from the floor, with chain supports. The spare tyre is then relocated to the side of the vehicle - where it is out of the way. This configuration allows you to pop the clamshell, sit on the rear tailgate, and have a cup of coffee and a sandwich or pie.
Huh! Well since this one doesn't allow you to have your sandwich or pie on the back.... it's "useless"! Yeah yeah.... I know there's lots of other ways you can describe it as supposedly "useless" because you can't haul something in it like more junk for your yard, or you can't gut a deer from it etc... etc... but not everyone needs it for what you do. LOL it sounds like the guy who owns it doesn't think it's useless. I believe him.
Lol Japan and the US were enemies during WWII. They weren’t building vehicles for them then. I believe it was during the Korean conflict that they started building them
Great starts for both you young gentlemen. Stick to your plans, build them to suit no one but yourselves, then hang on to them so that one day you may be able to pass them along to your children. Best wishes to you both.
My father has owned a bj40 for the last 18 years (for my entire life) and I practically grew up in that car. Every morning my father would drive me to school with it, every family trip was made in that car. I remember how I used to bump head on the ceiling in the backseat.... but now that same bj40 is rusty and in bad shape, the engine works, but the body of the car is getting corroded away... But the best thing about fj40- and bj40- toyotas is, that when ever i see that kind of vehicle, I don't see a car... I see my father
I loved this comment. My uncle used to give us a ride in his Australian HJ47 troopy. He still owns it and we ve named her Bess. She's got the original 2H engine. Suffers from mechanical problems but that's because she not driven for 5 plus years and garaged. Fixing her up, she ll be as good as new.
youngtigerguy awesome bro!
You need to hang on to this and restore it.
@@Javelinjoe73 I second that. Never get rid of it. Treat the rust before it gets worse.
please restore it or sell it to someone that will before it dies,it deserves more
This kind of quality, reliability, and simplicity is no longer sold at a dealership.
He also picked it up for 4k
the 79 series is still sold, it's insanely expensive but it's the closest you can get to one of these oldies lc
*laughs in jeep*
Bet that thing will outlast most vehicles built in 2020
They made off roaders complicated these days with all those switches and electronics, like operating an aircraft
"It's not the most comfortable vehicle,but it will always get you home"-Richard Hammond
pooploser524 / that’s all that needs to be said for me to own one of those, it looks so durable and handy.
Funny what happenes at the end of that episode
@@alexj.5207 Well it still kept going. I think they just put too much bias on the Range Rover. Because it's British.
@@jannadrielcervo7753 I dont think thats why but they definitely purposely destroyed it so Hammond wouldnt have to go down that hill
My neighbor has a 1974 rebuilt the thing is a tank now they make the yuppie model
A nice, honest, ordinary man talking about his beloved truck... For me at least, this is the most real and pure video in the series. Especially because he kept it stock and simple. It doesn't need a V8 or jacked up suspension, it's perfect as it is.
Cheers
There are very few vehicles that have a soul, this is one of them.
MacTechG4 MyLandyHasASoul #LandRover #Best4x4xFar
it stole its soul from the jeep
@seabassisadinosour modern jeeps are great. But don't kid yourself. During the days of the 40s run jeeps were garbage by comparison. And this is coming from somecody that had and LOVED his 83 AMC Spirit GT. 258 with 232 head with the shaft rocker setup, external oil line for the head, 10/1 Aries pistons, ported head, Clifford intake, large Holley carb, headers, Duals, clutch from an SX4. Not dogging AMC but Jeeps during the FJ40s run were an embarrassment. And I had an FJ40 for over 20yrs. Long before they were "Fashionable". Don't kid yourself. Jeeps of that era were junk until you swapped out everything in the drivetrain except the engine, and maybe the transfer case for a few years. That was true until long after the end of the 40s run.
The off-road vehicles on this channel are among the best, if you ask me. Makes for lots of interesting scenery and stories to be told.
+Lazy Game Reviews Wow that so surreal. I was just watching a video on your channel, before I came to this one :)
+04dram04 wow you two have so much in common. you should date
Agreed
Every Day Survival your a Ass Clown
LoL i was watching a vid of urs like 10 min ago.
That car looks so happy going through those rivers, lovely.
Stream. It's not a river.
Reubin Thomas nobody cares!
Ben A i do
J Y So do I
My most favorite episode yet. Very well done. I understand where Josh is coming from when it comes to older vehicles of that caliber. No plastic covering up things, just bare bones utility and raw reliability. I give this one a standing ovation.
"You're turning the same screw you turned 20 years ago." That's a beautiful sentence.
i think the reason i like this Chanel is that its not about the car, its about the owner and the car.
My folks bought a 2011FJ cruiser base model new. It was our only car until last year, when it was passed down to me at 200,000 miles. I feel the same connection to our FJ as he does here. I do the maintenance to keep it going, which is minimal, and I don’t plan to make any extraneous mods. It has see lots of off-roading, since I work for a museum crew that keeps track of bison herds/ other things. It also drives me around the city every day to uni and back. It was the only vehicle that moved my family across the country multiple times. No big fixes have been necessary, it’s incredible how reliable it has been. It’s also one of the only 2011 FJs that didn’t get irradiated from the tsunami that year. It’s a special car. I’m never going to sell it. It’s been a canvas for all the stories i’ve been through. Just thought I would share how special these cars are. Even if some don’t consider the new FJs to be true FJs, trust me, as years go on, this generation of cruisers will prove to be as special as the originals were.
I bought one today. Here in Bogota I had been looking for months. Stopped in at a parts garage to ask if anyone knew of Fj43 for sale. Low and behold the guy behind the counter told me yes and he would call a friend. After about 30 minutes the seller pulled up and I fell in love. It was just the color, white with a hard top, A/C, heat, all the tools, manuals and with the original import papers from Japan. Also had a stack of paperwork from being serviced at the dealer. Well, here we are a week later and it's mine. Planning to keep it all original, maintenance up to date, and driving it around South America until I come back to the USA in two years. Gotta hand it to Petrolicious, this video is magnificent! I totally love this video as it reflects my views about this awesome truck. Cheers!
thank you for not putting a damn v8 in that!
In-line 6 my man...
All original Toyota 👍👍👍
I'd go for a 1FZ-FE, personally.
I saw a Toyota v8 conversion in one
How bout a 2jz? Sutututututuututuutu! 😁😎
Finally, after the recent batch of over-achievers, we get a normal guy with his car. Thanks Petrolicious :-D
His name is literally Commons lol
J M that made me laugh. Lol.
So much cooler than those big money dudes with Ferrari 250 models
Unbelievable how much they're worth today! Luckily I've kept mine but it has been in the shed for the past 8 years! awesome video once again!
Get it out and run it! Their a blast, wish I never sold mine.
They're worth their value today! They stood the test of time and are still being helpful in many places accross the world!
want to sell it?
@@wheretonow3106 lol right?!
MY father bought a 1972 FJ new, off the lot, is all original & the damn thing still drives, is mostly original and is currently being restored. We used that cruiser for deer hunting for 30+ years, and there really weren't any places this vehicle was not capable taking you.
People who put V8s in these are ruining the vehicle!
My '72 has the original 3.9l (239 c.i.) and it runs great.
How so?
Dr. Devastator ....the crap motor from 1976 that still goes perfect? Yeah shitbox hey.
@Dr. Devastator CRAP MOTOR??? This thing is built to be reliable, when you are far from everything you don't need crazy power or speed. You need an engine that starts and works well every single time.
@Dr. Devastator A lack of power certainly doesn't mean its terrible. It was built for reliability rather than big power and speed. I like my V8's too but I prefer to keep my 4.0L inline six in my Jeep YJ.
The history of the Land Cruiser began in 1950, shortly after the Second world War. Japanese automakers were asked to produce a prototype compact 4 x 4 truck which they did in January of 1951. The prototype was a truck with a B-Type gasoline powered water cooled in line 6 cylinder engine installed on a SB- type 1-ton truck chassis. The Toyota Land Cruiser Model BJ (1951-1955) was the first mass produced Toyota compact 4 x 4. Ultimately, this model developed into the Land Cruiser 20-30 series and then the FJ40. Small refinements to the body and longer leaf springs made the ride more comfortable for the FJ40, but the "bones" that made the BJ a truck remained in the FJ40.
Those truck "bones" were as follows:
The engine: The willis Jeep had a 2.2 liter compact in-line 4 cylinder. By contrast, the Toyota BJ vehicle has a 3.4 liter larger sized in-line 6 cylinder engine. At the time it was considered unusual to match a 4 ton truck engine to a compact truck chassis.
The powertrain: From the BJ-type to the subsequent 20-series there was not LO gear in the transfer. The 3.4 had strong torque from the start so there was no reason for a LO gear but when the 4 speed transmission came with a low gear, the 1st gear having a low gear ratio of 5.53 compared to the final gear ratio of 4.11, a result of its being based on truck specifications.
The chassis: The ladder type frame of the BJ and ultimately the FJ40 was built for towing 3,000 lbs.
The body: Back in the 1950's the American Army contacted the Toyota Motor Corporation with a request for a 4WD vehicle to be used by the soldiers and military police stationed in Japan. Toyota took the request seriously. The result: the Land Cruiser, a literally bulletproof vehicle.
This history was taken from several different sources including a book published by Toyota called The Land Cruiser Story 1951- 2003.
Personally, I used to call the FJ40 a car until I was corrected several times by my mechanic. The reason it feels so much like a car to me is because the steering is extremely nimble especially when compared to a Land Rover. But you can't let the steering fool you. The "bones" are based on a truck. You can really feel the torque and power from the engine, powertrain and chassis when you take off in 1st gear. Maybe most importantly, no car can go the places a Land Cruiser can when it goes for a drive off the road.
That's funny how the U.S. and Japan were enemies some years before, and then they become friends. Hey, can you make this for my new battle, and the old enemy says, sure!
I own a 1978. It was purchased by my parents in 1992 and I learned to drive in it that same year (age 13). I also owned the matchbox car but mine was tan (just like my 78). We drove it to go snowboarding in the winter and rock crawled it in the summer in Big Bear Lake, CA throughout my childhood. About a decade ago I bought it from my parents and added the Downey fuel injection, mini-truck power steering and Vintage Air conditioning. When I met my wife she named it Elsie and we drove away from the chapel in it when we got married.
This video perfectly conveys my thoughts and emotions of the FJ40....my FJ40.
6:43 thats gonna make one hell of a wallpaper
I'm definitely going to have it framed!😉👍
Great truck, my Dad bought a BJ 42 diesel new in 1977 and that has been my childhood transportation, with great experiences and memories, Dad sold it in 2007 , I still have visual, smell and sounds in my mind. I am so glad my Dad exposed me to these .
This is the vehicle type that virtually put LandRover out of business in Australia. We have an early three speed. Very common in Oz, where they sold thousands.
exactly, the landscapes in australia are amazing for off roading.
I had one for 30 years mine was 3 speed strait six petrol, it was imported from Australia to England it was a 1974 registered . i wish I hadent sold it i loved that 4j 40
Last week I saw one at a BP station. White body, black soft top, dirty and battered but still looking really solid. It had a snorkel, too. On the other side was a new black Jeep Cherokee with black alloys and ARB bullbar, which was unusual. But the FJ really stood out.
Ive had my 68 fj40 for 21 years now and its the the most wonderful vehicle with its own soul and spirit then any vehicle ive ever owned
arhur pereyra that sums them up perfectly 👌
This is hands down the best automotive channel on RUclips and authentic stories like this one are the reason why. These people really love their machines and their passion for them really comes through the videos. Don't ever stop making this stuff. I really love the ethos behind those old Cruisers: they're rugged, practical and 100% the right tool for the job in certain situations. They're also absolutely bullet proof. When I was a kid living in the NW of Western Australia in the 70's so many of my Dad's friends had these vehicles (Dad had a Series IIA LWB Land Rover -- also very tough) and they just went everywhere.
My dad had one of these back in the day, and its the first vehicle that i've ever driven. Hard times forced him to sell it. I made a promise that I will own one someday..
I had a 76FJ40 from age 16 to age 40. (along with parts vehicles etc). The pure utility, the form coming from the function... that is what makes them so beautiful. The lot I had had to go. They had been sitting for several years by the time I was 40. In bad repair. It was just time for them to go. Sold the entire lot and agreed to a discount price as long as they had everything gone within 3 days. I cried like a baby when the last one left. It hurt. A lot. And watching this I am crying now even though I am pushing 50. Thank you for the video.
Im a Jeep guy, but i must admit, that thing is sweet. Love the color, love the simplicity of it. Great video!
how is it possible that this channel does not have a million+ subscribers? Love the short films you create
Antonio Talarico o
Price is too high 😬
Magnificent. Everything about this video is just magnificent.
Except for the guys socks
My first vehicle was a 65 Fj40 at age 17. It sat not running for several years and I let it go to a friend that I lost contact with. Kids and life took over. I had grown up around Fj’s my whole life, dad,grandpa,uncle, all had one at sometime. It took me nearly 25 years to get another Fj40 and l am not letting it go anytime soon. As a matter of fact a Fj60 is in the family now. Great video and I understand your passion.
6:42 what a gorgeous shot! Absolutely gorgeous
One of the best review. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this guy speak of his story and experience.
Very nice film ! Great to see some off-road on this channel. I kind of understand why Richard Hammond liked this car even if the one he bought was rubish. It's indeed a rough car.
+TobRacer its a truck.
+TobRacer Yea I think unlike the other two cars in the TG Botswana special the Cruiser had actually been worked hard its whole life and it was much older than the Range Rover and the Suzuki. They are truly bullet proof cars but sadly like anything they don't go forever without spare parts, maintenance and TLC.
+alexander1485 In Europe a car is a car, and where I come from a truck is forklift.
+alexander1485 It wouldn't be considered a truck here either, it's more like a cj jeep.
TG Bolivia Special...
This video is a real gem, far above average. It is apparent that someone or everyone involved at every level(camera, editing, audio, music selection, narrative composition, continuity,etc.) applied skill taking professional pride in their work and the quality shows.
This video really rings true to me. I bought a 75 FJ40 in 1996, still own and would never sell it. My three kids grew up riding around the mountains of Colorado in it, priceless stuff. I haven't upgraded a lot because I really like the pure utility of it just as Josh mentioned. My wife and I went on dates in this before we were married, I figured if she liked the FJ even if with its noisy and rough ride then I hit the jackpot with her, we still go on dates on it.
you were three years old when that truck was built, and there you are ! together again. i have one too. love mine.
Outstanding video description of what it means to own the iconic FJ40. I have a '77 FJ40 I bought (as the 3rd owner) in 1982 (currently with only 81,000 original miles in 2000) and it evokes the same feelings you describe. I don't restrict it to street use...it's driven mostly around the place to do all sorts of chores and every time I get in it, crank it up, the sounds, smells and vibrations are exactly what you describe. Best video I've seen that explains the emotional attachment one can have with the Landcruiser. And who are the jerks that gave this vid a thumbs down...jeep owners maybe?
I rescued and re built a 1973 that was a twin to this. I left Lil ' blue stock, added a brush guard and Warn 9000i to the front. I drove her daily for about 7 years. I still regret my decision to sell her.
Truly my favorite vehicle ever! Never let me down, always started on the first turn of the key.
This video is touching, and brings back memories of my travels all over Oregon.
This is my dads dream car of all time , I will buy him one some day !
Love my 40,built in January 1969 and I’ve owned it for the past 27 years.Pretty much stock engine has never been rebuilt,got three on the tree,originalSpring Green color,has 5 inch lift and 36 inch super swampers.Drive it everywhere & like you I don’t baby it much,4 wheeling,camping,freeway,city, I use it for what it was built for.
Te felicito x tu video amigo saludos desde Chile soy venezolano vivo aquí x el problema que hay allá pero sabes tú Toyota es lo máximo felicidades
The 1 minute bgm from 5:35 to 6:35 is simply joy! I wish I can get it stand alone. Great video!
I could watch this over and over. Just love the story. Such an amazing video. Well done.
I too have the same passion. My first car was purchased at age 16, a 1978 FJ40. I have had several over the years and at age 47 am currently doing a frame off, nut and bolt restoration. This one I will cherish for the rest of my life. I love watching this video, so well done. Thank your for sharing you love of the FJ40!!!
Nice car, nice scenery and a nice owner. Nailed it!
Great video! After 25 years I still own my 82 CJ5 and now share the jeep experience with my two kids around town and in the mountains. A family heirloom for sure!
Beautifully put together video and gorgeous cruiser. Same year as mine. Sometimes I wish mine was a little more stock but I'm just happy to have one. :)
One thing to note though, power steering and air conditioning became a factory option in 1979.
My Father has had his 1984 Toyota Diesel Bj42 Since 85' and he keeps it looking like the day it rolled off out of the factory.. It's been in the family for a long time. Most of my greatest memories are travelling with my Dad and my brother, or waiting for summer so we could hop in the land cruiser and go camping. They are an amazing 4x4. And once I was able to drive it, It's all I wanted to drive other then my first car which is an 84 Toyota celica supra, and neither of these vehicles will be leaving the family.
Awesome video of an awesome 4x4. 6:39 shot is absolutely gorgeous.
+camryt amazing dynamic range
We have a 76 "restomod" that looks identical to this one in every way except for the roof rack. Has a tasteful chevy conversion. Complete 100% frame-off restoration. We love it. Just the coolest thing to ride around in imaginable.
Favorite 4x4 ever. The only thing that comes close is a 68-73 Bronco. These are just so undeniably cool and look correct no matter the decade
International Scout is even better than the Bronco.
Or an IH Scout.
Just love old vehicles especially 4x4....driving old vehicles bring back old memories.
It is such a good feeling to see it drive through the rivers and up the rocky hills, doing what it was made to do.. What a beautiful car.. Good job my friend, good job..
Great vid - brought back nice memories of my father, who was a great Dad. His job was teaching instructors who taught linesmen in what was then the Commonwealth telecommunications provider, Telecom. One course he taught was the use of explosives in regional line laying works, so they gave him a government registered Land Cruiser - with explosives inside, to be stored overnight in the family garage. The course was taught at a nearby Army base, and at the end of each course he had to dispose (blow up) left over cordite and explosives - so he and the other instructors took their kids out to blow stuff up. I was the oldest, and got to drive the Landcruiser with ex[plosives through virgin Australian bushland on the Army base, blow stuff up and even do so gelignite fishing. Different times, but the fun of driving that Landcruiser has never left me. One day I will get one and restore it, albeit with some modernisation
Imagine this and a land rover defender taking on breath-taking landscape, moving in tandem and challenging each other...
Everything about this vid is exceptional; including your FJ as well. I remember back in 1972, my uncle had one and I loved it then. I was only 8 at the time and I can also relate to the certain smell you mentioned. A distinctive steel/metal smell that just conveyed how tough and cool these vehicles are.
This dude is gonna owe me close to a $100k by the time I get my Landcruiser done. LOL This was one of the first videos I found when I first started looking about 5 years ago. Something about the way he portrayed the 40 Series, and my already growing interest, really set the hook. Now I'm a Landcruiser nut.
Welcome to the Club, lol.
@@bernardbarbour Since making this comment originally, the cost of that 40 series has gone past the $100k mark..... and I picked up a decent 80 series.
Hi, my name is Karl. I am a Landcruiser addict. LOL
@@KBrogger Hahahahaha, I know that's right Brother. I'm a Land Cruiser addict too. I have owned several 80's, 4 runners, and Tundra's. One 80 I drove it from Georgia and all through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. The Tundra I drove all the way from Tennessee to Argentina via the Pan Am Highway. Never even had a check engine light. I love Toyota trucks and this FJ43 I will keep for the rest of my life. Cheers Sir!
Thanks for the video, same blue as my old 1974. Brought back good memories.
Not much of a SUV guy, but this one takes the cake for me.
I love this video almost as much as I love this man's attachment to his truck. I think any gearhead can understand that deep attachment to a specific vehicle.
Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender are the best off road vehicles in my opinion. Those things can go anywhere and beyond!
Don't say that to a Willis jeep fan....I agree with you but don't tell them that...
+Henry Kincaid It is what the Toyota FJ is based off of, all the old WWII vehicles left over. Japanese are really good at taking something and refining it. Well at least Toyota, lol.
+Ali Ahadi yeh, the modifications Toyota made to the jeep made it into a completely different car (character wise anyway); oh and, um *willys.....auto corrects a bitch
Henry Kincaid How does the character differ between the two?
+Ali Ahadi well for one they look very different (which I think changes the character dramatically), the land cruiser feels a lot heavier (I don't know which is actually heavier though) and the land cruiser just feels quirkier than the jeep; the jeep feels more western, you can sort of tell that the land cruiser is Japanese
LOVE your FJ40 mate. I got a blue 2-door Wrangler and this reminds me so much of it, the way you feel towards your car, exactly how my Wrangler makes me feel. You know you've found the right car when you park it and can't take your eyes off it or still keep dreaming you drive that car, not some supercar you see on TV.
Stunning video. Where was this filmed? The nature is beautiful.The only thing missing in this video is a loyal dog :)
+Knezicdex Sounded like it was filmed somewhere outside Boulder, CO.
+Knezicdex I think it could be Utah, google Boulder Mountains.....
+Knezicdex It's Boulder City, Idaho
+Brent Shanahan ....Shhhhhhh...let the above people be wrong...;-)
Just north east of Sun Valley, ID is Boulder City. It's a kick ass old mining town.
I had a 1977 just like this one that I bought new. Same color, 258 c.i. straight six, four speed. Fantastic vehicle, I wish I still had it.
Epic video. All that is missing is smell a vision...stunning.
Nice to see Idaho finally represented here. Couldn't have made a better choice.
A fantastic car ! Landscapes are wonderfull !
I used to get my Little Feroza to its limits too. And then parts got more rarer and rarer. I miss those times,
I really enjoyed the music in this episode.
i forget who it was that did the videos that include your avatar, can you refresh my memory? I know they were hilarious
Ty U. Zero Punctuation aka Yahtzee.
+MH5tube PCMR!!!!!
Simply, the greatest tribute to the 40 series !
I knew at a young age my dad was making a mistake when he sold his. Would/SHOULD have been my first and last car. Now I really despise his decision... Lol!
Back to rewatch this video, one of my favorite on the channel. The scenery, story and that absolutely perfect FJ always draw me back in.
That is a great video. My son shared it on Facebook. I bought him his 1979 FJ40 when he was 18 years old. It is the same color as yours. He says he loves it and will never sell it. He is in college studying to be an archeologist. Wish I could share a pic on here of him and his. Do you do Facebook?
So many memories with my grandfather in South America. I learn to drive in a fj 40 pick up
I *so* agree. I'm not against creature comforts, as long as it doesn't take away from the ruggedness and practicality of the original vehicle. It's the same thing with upgrades, particularly if it helps to improve the driveability and safety of the vehicle. My favourite Toyota Land Cruisers are the *FJ40,* the *FJ45,* the *FJ55,* and the *FJ60.* *This* is what an SUV *should* be. Not "cutesie poo", nothing fluffy. The only upgrades I'd want would be power steering and a turbo diesel engine, for better fuel economy, and better climbing up hills, a cd player for the radio. But other than that, I'd keep it as original as it came.
Hi, mate. I love to see the passion when you talk about the car, this is definitely a lasting and reliable off road machine. I don't have a full size FJ40, but I have a 1/6 scale one that I use to make my RUclips videos and it is just the same colour as yours. It is funny when you name the video "...Rugged Companion" because on my last post on Instagram I wrote "your best off road companion for the last 63 years" and that was before watching this video. My father also told me that my grandfather had a blue one as well, but it got totaled when his (my grandfather's) brother fell off a bridge with the car. Anyway, your words and the way you talk about the car is truly inspiring. If you don't mind, I would like to use some of your words on my next videos about the car. Let me know if that is okay for you.
Cheers and good job on keeping automobile history alive for the next generations.
HAHA I love how he sold it to his family and they improve the car and then he got it back free.
This is the vehicle type that virtually put LandRover out of business in Australia. We have an early three speed. Very common in Oz, where they sold thousands.
Good old no-nonsense machines 😎👍👍👍💕
Well, THAT "made my month;" Thank You, Sir !
Having owned (and enjoyed) an 81 FJ 40 for several years, I loved this video.
Those Locations man...a Photographers-Dream. Amazing!
Saw one of these a while back in person. It was painted desert beige. What a beautiful car, this video doesn't do it justice!!!
"I feel like I made a mistake when I sold it... I thought I lost it for good" Such serious feeeeeeelllllsssssss.... as I am being forced to sell mine :cry:
My dad bought an FJ40 in 1966, but it was a ragtop with rag doors. I
learned to drive it on trails at age 10! I remember the windshield
wipers being out of sync and the kick panel vents. It had a hand choke
and throttle on the dash. I bought it from my dad when I was 16. It was
my first vehicle. I sold it back to my dad and years later he traded it
for a Morgan horse!
You make every tuesday a nice day, no matter what.
I love owning an FJ40. There is just something special about them. Great video!!!
The potato I ate tonight is made in Idaho.
Thank you very much for your wonderful video.
Curiosity satisfied
My dad bought an old FJ45 off this old guy who had 2 that were rotting in his yard, they were all rusted up, but he was so old he couldn't manage to fix them up anymore, so my dad bought them off him super cheap, cause the guy just wanted to see them running again. My dad took 2 years to restore it in all original Toyota parts, and every couple of weeks he'd take some pictures of what he had been doing with it and took them to the guy, and painted it bright yellow. It was incredible. It was so sad for everyone when my dad had to sell it, because everybody loved the car (I'm from a small town in the UK, so everyone knew that was my dad's car, and everyone loved it), but it only had 3 seats and we had to move when my brother was born, so we couldn't keep it. I really hope one day it'll resurface somewhere for sale, but the FJ45's with the original truck beds sell for a lot of money now, if they are in the condition my dad's was they go for up to £75,000, but it'd be cool to see it again, cause that was like 15 years since we sold it, and we haven't seen it since.
In 1977 we were seriously looking at buying a green 1976 Landcruiser; but 10MPG and a serious rough ride dissuaded my wife's vote. So we bought an MG midget......?!??! (don't ask)
Hopefully, it wasn't a rubber bumper Midget.
+Jai Courvoisier Thank God no.... It was a 1971 Midget. Bought the MG cash; the FJ40 would require a loan..
Mr. Johnson The Midget is a great car, though. I want a Triumph TR6.
+Jai Courvoisier The tiny midget is a step up from a motorcycle; the TR6 is an actual usable car.
I've owned a lot of old sports cars; I buy other people's projects and finish them; enjoy them, sell, and move on to the next project. After owning at least 250 vehicles; the versatile, reliable Miata mx5 I enjoy the most for a daily driver.
+Mr. Johnson you owned 250 cars?? Good Lord!
It is so nice to see one being used... in it's proper environ.
We had a 3-speed 1972 FJ40 for 16 years. In that time we blew up 9 clutches during 4WD weekends with dozens of other Landcruisers, Land Rovers and Range Rovers.
Sadly the model here is the "bad" one: the awful double rear doors which makes the car almost useless. :P
The good model came with a clamshell rear door, which opened vertically, and then provided shelter. Underneath were two small side-opening doors, with the spare hung on the left door. The very best landcruisers had their lower split doors discarded, and a solid single door was then hinged from the floor, with chain supports. The spare tyre is then relocated to the side of the vehicle - where it is out of the way.
This configuration allows you to pop the clamshell, sit on the rear tailgate, and have a cup of coffee and a sandwich or pie.
Huh! Well since this one doesn't allow you to have your sandwich or pie on the back.... it's "useless"! Yeah yeah.... I know there's lots of other ways you can describe it as supposedly "useless" because you can't haul something in it like more junk for your yard, or you can't gut a deer from it etc... etc... but not everyone needs it for what you do. LOL it sounds like the guy who owns it doesn't think it's useless. I believe him.
@@lasvegasloner4621 I mis-spoke. Not useless so much as not as useful and handy as it should be.
You just summed up 4 wheel driving in 3 words anxiety, exhilaration and adrenalin!
Anyone watching this in 2019.?
Watched this more than once. Feel good video!!!
Here I am!
I had two FJ 40's a1973 and a 1977. I also had a 1967 for parts . Much mountain driving.
Yes, one of my best 4x4 vechile...
2020
FANTASTIC - Glad you managed to get it back - looks great
FJ40's have always been my favorite off road vehicle id take one over a jeep or Land Rover any day. Awesome video and owner
My Dad owned three,I still miss them..I hope someday I will buy one again 😩
Lol Japan and the US were enemies during WWII. They weren’t building vehicles for them then. I believe it was during the Korean conflict that they started building them
The bit of steel between the seat cushions got me twice - right hand drive models .
I bought a 1978 jf 40 at 16 and I'm almost done my rebuild on it, almost 18 so I'm keen to go on a road trip with it soon. grate car
Just been given my grandfathers Fj40 and I'm nearly 16, it's in pretty bad condition at the moment, but plan on rebuilding it the best I can.
Great starts for both you young gentlemen. Stick to your plans, build them to suit no one but yourselves, then hang on to them so that one day you may be able to pass them along to your children. Best wishes to you both.
Love that thing. He's lucky to have such beautiful places to wheel.
Nice to see an American FJ40 which isn't powered by a f*cking Chevy V8
Cheers
Yes, the need to put an LS in everything is also beyond me
That thing needs bt4
Fantastic. I had a 2007 FJ Crusier and now hoping Toyota will introduce it back in the U.S. market.