As a typical model of medium and large SUVs, Toyota Land Cruiser has always been loved by consumers, especially those with off-road feelings. From the original Jeep to the Land Cruiser that appeared on the auto market today, it has always been known for its solidity and durability. If the prototype is counted, the Land Cruiser has a history of 68 years. There are many off-road vehicles of different ages. Everyone is willing to empty their wallets for it. Some people say that looking at a thing, first understanding its history can naturally explain its present, so now let’s take a look at the past and present of this model. Today we will talk about the LC40 series of the third-generation model of Land Cruiser.
The third generation model: LC40 series
In 1960, the LC20 series models were upgraded to the LC40 series during the development of Toyota Motor these years. Toyota purchased new steel stamping equipment in pursuit of more product improvements. In terms of mechanical performance, a new F -type engine was installed and finally equipped with a low gear, but the transmission still uses the old one. Models produced in Brazil can also use Mercedes-Benz diesel engines. Starting from the FJ40 series, Toyota’s off-road vehicles are exported all over the world.
Starting from the 40 series, the Land Cruiser began to be exported in large quantities. In 1965, the cumulative global sales exceeded 50,000, making it Toyota’s largest-selling model in the United States. Until 1973, the global sales of this model reached 300,000 units . In 1975, the 3.9L gasoline engine was replaced by a larger displacement and more powerful 4.2L 2F engine. In 1976, the US version of the FJ40 began to use the same front wheel disc brakes as the FJ55. In the same year, Toyota Rand Cruiser America was established in California. In 1978, BJ, FJ40, and FJ55 models began to be officially sold in West Germany, including gasoline and diesel versions.
In 1979, the American version of the FJ40 ushered in a new upgrade. The surroundings of the headlights became wider and squarer, and the power steering system and air conditioning system were also first used. In 1983, the last batch of FJ40 produced in 1982~1983 was exported to the United States as 83 models, but no one knows how many FJ40s Toyota has exported. People guess that there should be about 300. Interestingly, because of its rarity, the 83 FJ40 also produced a special edition, but it is no different from the 82.
It can be said that the LC40 series can be regarded as the biggest contributor to the fame of the Land Cruiser, and it is also the model with the longest service year in the history of the Land Cruiser. It has dominated the market for 24 years until the LC70 series came out . During this period, after a series of technical updates, the long and short wheelbase versions for different purposes were launched for the first time.
Today, there are still some LC40 series in service, which shows its outstanding durability. In the long 24 years, after experiencing various changes of the times, LC has revealed some modern flavors, has a stronger sense of fashion, and is closer to the lives of ordinary people. Its body adopts a double-door design as a whole. . At the same time, the five-speed transmission was a product of advanced technology at that time, and it was also installed on the LC40 model.
