I am working on getting FJ25 data from Toyota (1 Viewer)

[Indygbd]

Since I am now interested in FJ25 Land Cruiser's, I have been doing a lot of reading here about how many were imported? How many were actually built each years? What is the difference between black vin plates, and silver plates on the firewall? What were the vin#'s imported to the U.S.., ect...

For those of you who do not know, until this year, I have managed Toyota dealerships for the last 20 years. About 7 years ago, I was hired to open a new Toyota dealership for the retiring Senior Vice President of Toyota Motor Sales and CFO. Dave Illingworth currently sits on the board of directors for some Toyota divisions. I met with his this morning and explained some of the questions we would like answers to. He told me he would contact an archivist in Japan that he knows, and see what he can find out. He is heading to Japan for a board meeting in October so worst case, I should have some answers shortly after that, if not before.

So, I need some of your help! You guys have lived and breathed early cruisers longer than I, and I am not sure at this point all of the questions we would like to have answers for. I say shoot for the moon, and see what I can get. If any of you can think of specific questions I should ask about, let me know and I will see if I can get the answers.

Dave wants be to put together and document for him to personally hand the archivist and see what they can come up with for us. I told him that people in the Land Cruiser community feel that Toyota does not care about the real history of Toyota's early start in the U.S.. I also mentioned that with some of these cars becoming more collectible, have the real data out there would be beneficial to not only us, but Toyota too. That last thing they want to see are early Toyota Land Cruiser's running through large collector car auctions undocumented incorrect information about how many were ever built, ect...

Bring me your Cruiser questions and we will see what I can get.

 

[nuclearlemon]

how many of the soft top 40 series with the angle cut doors were produced?

 

[Indygbd]

how many of the soft top 40 series with the angle cut doors were produced?

I will put that down on the list. Since I am new, did all the FJ25 soft top models have angled doors? I have a 1960 fj25 hardtop and I know those had regular doors.

 

[nuclearlemon]

yes, soft tops had the angled doors

 

[JackA]

I realize this is for fj25s and early 40s but it sure would be sweet to get some info on LVs. Like how many produced and how many shipped to various locations....loke the US, South America, and Australia.

 

[Splangy]

If be interested in knowing the VIN range for each model year and total number of each model year imported. We seem to have the number of trucks imported each year, but not a break down of the number of each model year imported. I would also like to see the breakdown of hardtop vs soft-top models imported.

And as Jack mentioned, more LV info would be helpful.

 

[Bear]

Gabe,

Thank-you for sharing this.

Not an FJ25 question, but how about ending the rumors by asking: how many USA-spec 1983 FJ40s were exported to the USA?

 

[redrock]

What are the correct colors, codes, and formulas for fj25s?

Is there a paint/trim schematic for the 25 showing paint logic, such as the frame and rims?

What happened to the only exterior body metallic color used on the the 40 series, T-301 Gray Metallic, and are there any pictures and formulas?

 

[Cruiser_Nerd]

Specific to the 25:


Import quantities, dates, port of entry? Possibly even for specific units? Many were imported in to the U.S. by servicemen, etc. and let's not forget our friends in different markets, it would be helpful if we knew the same information by market.

Delivery address (dealers) for specific units in the U.S.?

There was a 59/60 production change which included items such as tall to short tool box, front crossmember, cradle engine mount etc. was this a single production change and what was the date and frame number if it was?

What was the frame number and import details of the first 25 imported by Toyota into the USA? We only have the owner name and location from the early advertisement which is likely not accurate.

When did production year frame numbers begin, and what was the range? ie: Did the 1959 production year begin on 1/1/1959 and was the first frame stamped 9 FJ25 10001? Did the 1960 begin with 0FJ25 20001, and did this convention carry forward to the early FJ40?

What was the last FJ25 frame number and date and was there a clear cut separation from the FJ40 model, or was there a transition period where parts were mixed?

Are we correct in assuming that FJ28's were numbered consecutively and mixed with the FJ25 frame numbers? And did the same occur for the other variants, FJ35, 24, etc...?

And last, but not least, what is the real story on VIN plates in the USA? Our consensus is that they were either dealer, or port of entry, stamped and installed.

 

[JohnnyC]

My 2c

1) I would like to see the report from the US military that was sent to Toyota about the suitability of the Toyota trucks from 57' tests at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

Testing feedback data and information was sent to Toyota after testing was complete.

2) I would like to see any reports from the Japanese Imperial Army or Toyota about the AK10.

Pictures of and testing information from its construction.

We have very limited info on this truck and only 2 known pictures.

production information.... plans... blueprints

 

[Living in the Past]

Specific to the 25:


Import quantities, dates, port of entry? Possibly even for specific units? Many were imported in to the U.S. by servicemen, etc. and let's not forget our friends in different markets, it would be helpful if we knew the same information by market.

Delivery address (dealers) for specific units in the U.S.?

There was a 59/60 production change which included items such as tall to short tool box, front crossmember, cradle engine mount etc. was this a single production change and what was the date and frame number if it was?

What was the frame number and import details of the first 25 imported by Toyota into the USA? We only have the owner name and location from the early advertisement which is likely not accurate.

When did production year frame numbers begin, and what was the range? ie: Did the 1959 production year begin on 1/1/1959 and was the first frame stamped 9 FJ25 10001? Did the 1960 begin with 0FJ25 20001, and did this convention carry forward to the early FJ40?

What was the last FJ25 frame number and date and was there a clear cut separation from the FJ40 model, or was there a transition period where parts were mixed?

Are we correct in assuming that FJ28's were numbered consecutively and mixed with the FJ25 frame numbers? And did the same occur for the other variants, FJ35, 24, etc...?

And last, but not least, what is the real story on VIN plates in the USA? Our consensus is that they were either dealer, or port of entry, stamped and installed.

Jim the change was not 59/60. Four 1960 production FJ25, two of each. The change happened during 1960.

On the VIN plaques interested why some were black and some were silver. Seems more hard tops made it to the northern states and soft top to southern states. Interesting that my AZ FJ25s were equipped with a PTO. One still had a factory winch. One had a Ramsey connect to a factory PTO and last only had the Factory PTO but no winch. Not sure if almost FJ25s sold in AZ had the PTO option or if I just got lucky. Two of the three I know came from ranches in Southern Arizona.

 

[Indygbd]

I have been traveling the last few days. I will put together a report with questions and see what I can come up with.

 

[JohnnyC]

@Living in the Past

John should we ask about the full time 4wd... borgwarner equipped prototype fj40's ?



They will most likely give you a blank stare with that one

 

[hdjtachtig]

How many FJ2X are shipped to europe?
Is there a list of frame numbers and countries for the european ones?
What is the meaning of FJ23? (#51 in the list)
What were the worldwide differences.

And when they are digging the archives, any old information they find is welcome of course. even specific frame number related data (Color/Hardtop/softtop/accessoires)

x3 for the LV info.

 

[Doctor do Little]

How many FJ2X are shipped to europe?

No FJ2X shipped too Europe.
Toyota sales in Europe started in Denmark 1963 with the Toyota Crown. Sales in 2 years :1900 Crown.
These countries followed :Finland, Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Swiss, Sweden and Portugal.
Toyota started in Germany 1971.(Carina,Corolla) Land Cruiser mid 70`s ( 1975/76 / FJ/BJ40 & 55 , no 43 no 45 )
Cheers
Peter

 

[hdjtachtig]

Thanks Peter, good info.

The story goes toyota shipped a couple of FJ25's to Spain for a show in Barcelona in the late 60's. And after the show those were sold there. #51 owned by louwman (dutch Toyota importer) should be one of those.

 

[Doctor do Little]

Thanks Peter, good info.

The story goes toyota shipped a couple of FJ25's to Spain for a show in Barcelona in the late 60's. And after the show those were sold there. #51 owned by louwman (dutch Toyota importer) should be one of those.

Would ask the Louwman Group from where the 25 is.
In 1964 Louwman & Parqui became the Toyota importer for The Netherlands.
History  |  Louwman Group
Cheers
Peter

 

[Indygbd]

I already submitted questions to Toyota and am waiting to hear back. It might take awhile. I will keep you updated.

 

[Indygbd]

Small Update.
The former CFO/CEO of Toyota gave our information to a Japanese man who was head of product development of Toyota years ago. He said he would get me some information. He also gave the information to a guy that runs Toyota's private museum. Last name was Schwartz. I was told he would be our best bet, however everything is currently packed away with the move of Toyota's Headquarters from CA. to Plano, Texas. He said he would get back to me when he can.

He is also heading to Japan at the end of the month for a board meeting, and he will be taking a folder with questions to Japan with him. I am not sure who I will hear from first however I will keep you posted.

 

[Living in the Past]

@Living in the Past

John should we ask about the full time 4wd... borgwarner equipped prototype fj40's ?



They will most likely give you a blank stare with that one

Thinking about it Johnny this is probably the best chance but doubt it goes anywhere.

Ask about a 10/75 76 model with a M42 listed transmission on the VIN plate. JTO has a 12/75 with the same transmission with a slight difference in location from the transmission hump to dash to lock the transfer case. Not to switch from 2WD to 4WD. It's always in 4WD just switches from open to locked.