Monday, February 22, 2010

Toyota Land Cruiser - Gaining traction as an overlander's vehicle

The Toyota Land Cruiser - reliable, comfortable, sound proof and above all, available on the 2nd hand market at an attractive price point to modify into an expedition vehicle.

Land Rover might have truly opened Africa, but currently Toyota are the preferred vehicle of choice.

Here's a quick overview of the various Toyota model's that have crossed Africa, Asia and South America).  Similiar to the Land Rover article, the criteria is an overland expedition and website detailing the trip.



FJ40
Wikipedia:

The Toyota FJ40 is the model designation for a Toyota Land Cruiser 40 series made from 1960 until 1984. Most 40 series Land Cruisers were built as two-door vehicles with approximately the same dimensions as a Jeep CJ.
The model was also available under the BJ40 / 41 / 42 ( short wheelbase ), BJ43 / 44 / 46 ( middle wheelbase ) or HJ45 / 47 ( long wheelbase ) designation where it had a Diesel engine.


OA-N4 - Dagmar & Stephan



FJ45

The Planet Project - Ian & Nikki



BJ45 - 1984

Land Cruising Adventure - Karen-Maritje & Coen
I can't find an African trip however this Toyota has almost completed the full globe.



HJ60
Natuurlijk Afrika - Andres & Marre

Troopie 75 Series (HZJ75) - 1990
Radio Baobab - Frederik & Josephine

A must read is the trip report of  their Lubumbashi to Kinshasa overland route

Overland Dreamers - Geoff Kingsmill

80 Series - 1992
Mind the Elephant - Will & Hannah


Picture Africa - Catt & Dawie


90 Series (Colorado / Prado)

Hope to see you soon - Karel & Hildy

100 Series
Drive to Oz - Graham & Family



Other Land Cruiser Models
I have not found any of the latest Land Cruisers kitted for an expedition.  The Africa Overland Network currently has about 101 Toyota's listed.

Videos
A good overview from 4xforum:

Summary
The avid Toyota fan will recognise that I have left out a number of Toyota's on this page.  The renown Toyota Hilux is one example but is very scarce in the UK hence the lack of modified vehicles for overland travel.

4 comments:

  1. It's amazing Toyota has had the gall to sell these things without air bags till now.

    Have they increased the rear axle width to match the front with this update? The current ones are atrociously dangerous with the narrow rear and wider front.

    ReplyDelete
  2. The FJ80 started having airbags in the USA since 1995

    ReplyDelete
  3. petrie.jack@yahoo.com.au

    I have a Australian registered Toyota Landcruiser which has a professionally fitted living arrangement within the Vehicle.
    Purchased in Brisbane, Australia it has been shipped to Cape Town, South Africa and travelled through Africa to Cairo, Egypt. The vehicle is currently in London, England where I am attracting interest from potential buyers.

    Basic specifications
    2006 Toyota Landcruiser Diesel
    119,000km on clock
    6 Cylinder
    Troop Carrier Model, Living arrangement includes, Fridge, Sink, Oven, 2 Double beds and additional accessories.
    Serviced by Toyota every 10km (Completed log books etc)

    If there is any interest please respond as I have further information regarding the vehicle.

    Best regards,
    Jack

    ReplyDelete
  4. First time here...u have nice space and really inspirational stuff... I'll be back soon.

    HJ60 landcruiser

    ReplyDelete

Comments always welcome...