Ask just about anyone who’s owned a Toyota pickup what they like most about them and you might hear things like “run forever”, “great for offroad”, and “holds their value.”
Toyota trucks have a stellar reputation, whether you’re talking about ones made today or 60 years ago, they still remain as solid as ever.
The first Toyota “Jeep”, or Land Cruiser if you will, was born in 1951 when the US Military ordered the first ones from Japan for use by American soldiers in the Korean War.
Toyota saw the opportunity to create a vehicle that would last far beyond the expectations of its overseas deployment and make an impression on those who sought out the indestructible land conquering machine.
The image worked and gave Toyota the opportunity to reach the consumer grade truck buying market in the US where it sold more Land Cruisers than any other model. Land Cruiser’s were built to sustain relentless offroad adventure, and buyers soon became infatuated with the immortal 4×4’s. The TLCA (Toyota Land Cruiser Association) exemplified the fact that a substantial number of owners weren’t alone in their love for the Toyota 4 Wheel Drive Vehicle.
It wasn’t uncommon to find Land Cruiser’s in the midst of a restoration, because for the most part Toyota’s run forever. You’d see them in garages, or parked off to the side for the occasional wrench session. Owners wouldn’t part with them, just a little elbow grease yielded the ultimate 4wd for offroading.
Whether you grew up at the time these rigs were commonly seen in the US, or you know someone who’s restored one and drives it to this day, the vintage Land Cruiser will always have a home.
