This is the most clear explaination of LC history that I have come across (it is an older page, 2003 vintage, so keep that in mind)
I like it because you can clearly see from the family tree- how the models are related and developed.
*forgot to add the link! here it is
Toyota Land Cruiser History
As bulldog-yota said, the LC Prado is simply called Land Cruiser in europe.
the 70-series wagon underwent a complete makeover in April 1990. In addition to the original 2-door, a 4-door semi-long model was introduced. Its name was changed to the Prado, and with other design changes it took on its own identity, making the transition to a passenger vehicle.
With a full model change in May of 1996, the Prado embarked on a new and independent path. This 2nd generation design was aimed at creating a car that retained its 4WD character while looking at home on city streets. It reflected Mr. Yoshii's experience while doing development work on another Toyota vehicle, the Carib. Then a Land Cruiser was used as a support car during snow testing. The heavy Land Cruiser often got stuck, while the Carib was "light enough to run circles around it," as Mr. Yohii puts it. Although he had no idea that one day he would be put in cha rge of Land Cruiser development, that experience helped him create the lighter, more car-like characteristics that made the 70-series such a success.
Toyota Press Release
Corporate Archive: TOYOTA LAND CRUISER TIMELINE
1935 – Toyoda initiates manufacturer of trucks with the G1
1937 – Toyota Motor Co. founded from its roots in Toyoda Automatic Loom Works
1939 – G1 becomes the GB, with 75-hp Type B engine
1950 – Development begins on 4x4 AK10 utility vehicle using the Type B engine
1951 – BJ sold to Japan’s National Police Agency
1953 – Large-scale BJ production begins
1954 – BJ named Land Cruiser
1955 – F-Series 3.8L Six adopted, FJ25 introduced
1955 – BJ discontinued
1958 – Land Cruiser introduced to the U.S. in September
1960 – 40 Series introduced, replaces 20 Series
1961-1965 – Land Cruiser 40 Series is the best-selling Toyota in the U.S.
1967 – 55 Series station wagon introduced
1968 – 100,000th Land Cruiser sold
1972 – 200,000th Land Cruiser sold
1973 – 300,000th Land Cruiser sold
1975 – 4.2L engine, four-speed transmission introduced
1979 – 55 Series production ends
1980 – 60 Series, second-generation wagon, introduced
1980 – Millionth Land Cruiser sold
1983 – Final year of 40 Series sales in the U.S.
1984 – 40 Series production ends
1984 – 70 Series introduced
1989 – 60 Series production ends
1990 – 2-millionth Land Cruiser sold
1990 – 80 Series, third-generation wagon, introduced
1991 – Full-time four-wheel drive introduced
1993 – 4.5L DOHC six-cylinder engine introduced
1993 – 90 Series introduced
1997 – 80 Series production ends
1998 – 100 Series, fourth-generation wagon, introduced
1998 – 4.7L i-Force V8 introduced
2002 – 120 Series (current Prado, Lexus GX 470) introduced
2003 – 4-millionth Land Cruiser sold
2007 – FJ Cruiser introduced
