Model year vs Production Date For fJ40's

[TacoJonn]

Just had a quick question when researching VINs.

Today it is common practice for automakers to produce cars/trucks in one year and have it sold as the following model year. IE, a 2017 Tacoma could have rolled off the assembly line in October of 2016 but will be sold as a 2017 with 2017 specs.

Was this different back when FJ40's were being produced? Would a vehicle completed in December of 1976 still be sold as a 1976 model?

Thanks for any insight

 

[Poser]

Was this different back when FJ40's were being produced?

No.

Would a vehicle completed in December of 1976 still be sold as a 1976 model?

No, it would be a 1977.



September/October has shown to be a common year break for Toyota with the Land Cruiser in the USA.

 

[brian]

the model year typically was sept or oct to sept or oct.

 

[1phrogguy]

I think there are a few exceptions with the 1978 models, those were build through December '78 IIRC.

 

[TacoJonn]

I think there are a few exceptions with the 1978 models, those were build through December '78 IIRC.

Why was this, do you know?

 

[pb4ugo]

Probably because the 79 had major design changes.

 

[brian]

'75 was an exception as well. 1-75/ 9-75.

 

[TacoJonn]

Probably because the 79 had major design changes.

I hadn't considered that but it makes sense.

 

[Mace]

I think there are a few exceptions with the 1978 models, those were build through December '78 IIRC.

My 12/78 is a 79 model year..

 

[Mr Cimarron]

My 1977 BJ40 build date was 11/76

 

[GHalll]

'75 was an exception as well. 1-75/ 9-75.

I have a Feb '75 and call it a '75 because that's how I get the right parts. '76 has disks mine came with drums.

 

[pb4ugo]

Feb of 75, would be a 75, wouldn't it?

 

[Mace]

yes..

 

[tls3601]

My 10/78 is a 1978 model...................., so I cant say I agree with all of the above. Cool vin numbers per month chart though

 

[thecrazygreek]

My 12/78 is a 78..... gas tank under the seat etc....

 

[brian]

And as mentioned already, the 78 model year ran long.
Just like the 74 model year that ran till Dec of 74.

 

[Uzjgaspowered]

Fwiw
my 78 Fj40
Built date 09/77
Early 1978 production truck?

 

[Mace]

Well, at least one 12/78 had the gas tank under the body and a square bezel..
#fj40-296348

But the pbrake was still on the dash

 

[allan man]

Interesting...... my 12/78 is a 78.

 

[Mace]

Alan, what's your cruisers serial number?