Toyota introduced the Toyota Land Cruiser in 1951, originally as the Toyota BJ.
The Toyota BJ was developed as a military-style four-wheel-drive vehicle and was influenced by the wartime Jeep concept. It used a truck-based chassis and a powerful six-cylinder engine, allowing it to handle steep terrain and difficult working conditions.
Toyota renamed the vehicle Land Cruiser in 1954. The name then became associated with a growing range of rugged four-wheel-drive models sold to governments, businesses, explorers and private drivers around the world.
The Land Cruiser’s history includes several distinct generations, including the 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 series. Its reputation for durability made it especially important in regions where road infrastructure was limited. The original BJ was not yet the globally familiar model line, but it established the foundation.