The J40 series of the Toyota Land Cruiser lineup was first seen on the streets in 1960 and remained in production until 2001. Based on a shorter wheelbase, the F-prefix with model numbers signified its petrol engine. Based on the structural rigidity and all-terrain capability of a military vehicle, the FJ40 was the most successful Toyota-made Land Cruiser in the US market. Other than its fuel specification, the FJ40 model number also indicates its shorter wheelbase, while a medium wheelbase series adorn numbers from FJ43 to 46, and longer wheelbase versions have the numbers FJ45 and 46.

This Land Cruiser is particularly known for its sturdy and rigid structure with an impeccable all-terrain performance. It offered the experience of driving a military vehicle with immense toughness and quick acceleration. Discontinued in 2001, the car still has such a huge customer pool that Toyota still manufactures and offers parts for the J40 worldwide. To pay homage to its contribution in establishing Toyota's Land Cruiser market worldwide, in 2006, Toyota released a J40-themed cruiser named FJ Cruiser.

Dubbed as the 'Iron Pig' for its strong gesture, the FJ40 is a dream car for classic SUV/Land Cruiser lovers, and here is a look at Toyota's most iconic all-terrain vehicle.

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The Minimalistic Yet Rugged Body

An Image Of An Ivory Classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Via YouTube / Jonathan Ward

Bearing the impression of Jeep CJ, the FJ40 was a two-door vehicle with soft and hard top options. On the inside, at the front, there were two jump seats, and in the rear, there were two front-facing benches fitted upon the wheel drum. Everything in the exterior and interior of the vehicle was minutely designed. However, that was not the company's shortcoming. In fact, it was the idea not to adorn the car with anything fancy.

The concept of ruggedness and long-lasting was strictly followed while designing the vehicle, which was evident from the padding on the seats.

Born as a Landcruiser, the FJ40 was proved to be a legendary off-roader because of its jeep-like two-boxed angular chassis design. With 8.3 inches of ground clearance and short overhangs beyond the wheelbase at the front and rear gave this vehicle an extraordinary all-terrain capability.

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The Basic And Clean Interior

An Image Of Classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40's Interior
Via Pinterest / Benjamin Fargen Designs

The driving console was quite basic and convenient. A three-spoke large steering wheel was featured with easy-to-see gauges behind it. In the middle of the dashboard, a switch panel was fitted to control lights and other systems. In later models, power steering, air conditioning, and audio system were featured as well. A long and wide windscreen increased the visibility, and a wraparound rear window elevated the vehicle's rough-and-tough look.

A Laborious Engine Under the Hood

An Image Of The Classic Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40's Engine
Via Pinterest / frederick liwanag

The exterior ruggedness continued under the hood of JF40. In between 1960 to 1975, three engine variants of the JF40 model were available. The initial engine specification was a 6-cylinder inline 3.9-liter petrol engine that produced 105 hp (78 kW;106 PS) and 256 nm torque.

Two more engines were introduced after increasing its steady climbing and crawling capabilities in boulder and pothole-ridden roads. While the displacement quantum of the engines remained the same as the 3.9-liter engine, they were able to produce 125 hp with 283 nm torque and 128 hp with 294 nm torque. Later from 1975, a 2F version of the engine was given to the J40 that had a 4.2-liter displacement and overhead valve configuration. The engine was undoubtedly more powerful than the earlier versions, with 133 hp and 284 nm of torque.

In all engine versions, the power transmission was facilitated by a 3-speed manual gearbox that catered power to the rear wheels. An optional four-wheel powertrain was also available. The truck-like leaf suspension in all the wheels was rigid and complementary to the vehicle'

The astounding JF40 was well received in the American market and later worldwide. Particularly its military jeep-like appearance appealed to many along with its impeccable performance. From 1960 to 2001, several modifications were made to meet the demands of the global market. Some of these included changing its two-seater interior into a four-seater cabin, making it more suitable for family travel. Further for better acceptance, a diesel engine (H and B class) was also introduced in certain countries. By 1968, 1 lakh JF40s were sold worldwide, and within a very short time, by 1973, that figure increased to 3 times the actual number.

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