Toyota

In 1950, the outbreak of the Korean War created a need for a rugged military utility vehicle. The United States government, looking to support its forces in the region, placed an order for 100 vehicles built to the newly established Willys Jeep specifications and turned to Toyota to produce them. In response, Toyota developed the prototype "Jeep" BJ in January 1951. Larger and more powerful than its American counterpart, the BJ quickly demonstrated its capability. Initially, production was limited to small batches built to order, but by 1953, Toyota began regular production of the BJ at its Honsha plant. A year later, in June 1954, technical director Hanji Umehara renamed the model "Land Cruiser", giving the vehicle an identity that would become legendary in the decades to follow.

The second generation, known as the 20 Series, was launched in 1955. Unlike the utilitarian BJ, the 20 Series was designed with export markets in mind, offering greater comfort and a more civilian-friendly appearance. It featured smoother, more stylish bodywork and improved ride quality thanks to longer four-leaf springs, marking the beginning of the Land Cruiser’s evolution from military workhorse to global off-road icon.

In 1960, Toyota launched the J40 Series, the most famous and beloved of the early Land Cruisers. Produced until 1984 (and even longer in some regions), the J40 came in various wheelbase lengths and body styles. The J40 featured a ladder frame chassis, solid axles, and leaf-spring suspension, perfectly suited for off-road use. With its boxy shape, round headlights, and no-nonsense engineering, the J40 became a symbol of reliability in extreme conditions. It was offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines. By the 1970s, the Land Cruiser had solidified its reputation as one of the world’s most dependable off-road vehicles. The J40 series laid the groundwork for Toyota's future SUV lineup and helped establish the brand’s global reputation for quality and reliability.