1 Jan 1955
By CHRIS HARRIS
The first LandCruiser was commissioned when the Japanese National Police Reserve Forces asked for a Willys Jeep-style “general purpose” vehicle in 1951.
Two years later the Toyota Jeep BJ was born, renamed Land Cruiser a year later after Willys demanded the Jeep name back.
The 20 Series was the civilian version of August 1955. Many variations and modifications occurred in its 29-year history and ranged from the FJ20 through to the FJ29.
Australia first saw the FJ25 Series as part of the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme in 1959.
