Saw four 70 series on a trailer today...

[Tyler Durden]

I had never seen a 70 series in person until today (driving back to the office). A semi had four identical newer 70's (white, four door, steel wheels, with aftermarket front bumpers) in tow. I'm guessing these were just passing though though (central Virginia).

Were these ever imported to the US (yeah, I could search, but I'm bored and wanted to chat)?

 

[OGBeno]

I had never seen a 70 series in person until today (driving back to the office). A semi had four identical newer 70's (white, four door, steel wheels, with aftermarket front bumpers) in tow. I'm guessing these were just passing though though (central Virginia).

Were these ever imported to the US (yeah, I could search, but I'm bored and wanted to chat)?

Government/private military contrators probably, CIA maybe, etc. These will not be in the US long. They are probably getting outfitted or armored or used in training and then being sent abroad.

TGS USA sales office is located in North Carolina as well considering all of the 7x series vehicles coming into the US come from TGS.

 

[Tyler Durden]

Government/private military contrators probably, CIA maybe, etc. These will not be in the US long. They are probably getting outfitted or armored or used in training and then being sent abroad.

TGS USA sales office is located in North Carolina as well considering all of the 7x series vehicles coming into the US come from TGS.

Cool. Thanks for the info. Does their U.S. office have a website? I'm just seeing the foreign one.

TGS contact details

Edit: Got it.

http://tgsusa.com/

 

[OGBeno]

Cool. Thanks for the info. Does their U.S. office have a website? I'm just seeing the foreign one.

TGS contact details

Edit: Got it.

***TGS USA***

I've contacted her before and asked how to get one for private purchase.

She pretty much laughed and told me to pound sand. Just ain't happening.

And she does know that there are lots of "LC freaks" who want one. She said she entertains a few requests for purchase info. every week from private individuals.

EDIT: Sorry, she's based out in McLean.

 

[Tyler Durden]

I've contacted her before and asked how to get one for private purchase.

She pretty much laughed and told me to pound sand. Just ain't happening.

And she does know that there are lots of "LC freaks" who want one. She said she entertains a few requests for purchase info. every week from private individuals.

EDIT: Sorry, she's based out in McLean.

Yup...that's right down the road from me. I take that as a sign. So are they not DOT approved, or do they only deal with companies/organizations? Any idea what they're asking for one?

 

[4XLT]

Onur,

Do you know if she is a parts source for anything you can't get at your place, like 70 stuff? Pardon my ignorance if you can source what TGS would sell -- set me straight.

Thanks,
Duke

 

[OGBeno]

Yup...that's right down the road from me. I take that as a sign. So are they not DOT approved, or do they only deal with companies/organizations? Any idea what they're asking for one?

They are definitely not DOT approved. If they were, I'd be driving a 2011 HZJ79 tomorrow.

Onur,

Do you know if she is a parts source for anything you can't get at your place, like 70 stuff? Pardon my ignorance if you can source what TGS would sell -- set me straight.

Thanks,
Duke

IIRC, she does not entertain any requests for any private individuals and that includes parts sourcing as well.

Basically, you have to be a part of an NGO/Government organization that has an account with TGS. That's the only way she will entertain any inquiry.

 

[4XLT]

Figures. Just when you actually wish that someone connected with govt. was corruptable.

Would have been a cool pic of the shipment...

 

[Tyler Durden]

They are definitely not DOT approved. If they were, I'd be driving a 2011 HZJ79 tomorrow.



IIRC, she does not entertain any requests for any private individuals and that includes parts sourcing as well.

Basically, you have to be a part of an NGO/Government organization that has an account with TGS. That's the only way she will entertain any inquiry.

Oh well....I emailed them anyways. It's puzzling that they bother importing/stocking (or whatever they want to call it) in the states, if they can't even be operated here. That seems like a colossal waste of logistical resources (paying to ship them here and then ship them likely right back where they came from).

It occurred to me that I could probably get my boss to setup an account so that I can pick one up (he'd do it for s***s and giggles). Something tells me they're way outside my price range though.

Figures. Just when you actually wish that someone connected with govt. was corruptable.



Would have been a cool pic of the shipment...

Yeah...all I had was my cell phone and that sucks in good weather (it was pouring).

 

[Estancio]

OK... just thinking here... could there be opportunity here for someone working for an NGO, one which has operations just outside the USA (say Mexico), to set up a system of importing a few of these in from time to time thru TGS... and finding a back door way to get them into the states... probably some have tried, eh?

 

[caanuck]

We buy these for use underground in mining. Here is a quote from our supplier in Canada. I don't think those are destined for the CIA , any underground mines in your area?

http://strom.homeip.net/Resources/HZJ78L series spec sheet 2.pdf

We also use the single cab chassis for utility type vehicles

 

[Tyler Durden]

I got this back from them today. The gist of it is that they have a niche market and no interest to expand their client base. This is supported by their unwillingness to even providing pricing information (which I requested). Something tells me that their pricing is in line with whatever UN NGO's allow for purchasing vehicles (kind of how hotels flex to what .gov and .mil allow for travel expenses).

Dear John

Thank you for your enquiry. Please note the following regarding the supply of Toyotas from Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings Ltd. (TGS).
In case you are not already aware, Toyota Gibraltar Stockholdings Ltd. was set up by Toyota Motor Corporation in 1996 as a stock operation for the United Nations and International Humanitarian Organisations. It is a unique and special operation, strictly controlled by our head office in Japan to ensure that it is only used by eligible organisations. Officially it is not available to indigenous NGOs, unless the vehicle funds are coming from the UN or an international GO / NGO.

We therefore request you to confirm whether a vehicle purchased by you or your organisation would be consigned to a humanitarian organisation or a development project. If not, then we may not be in a position to assist you further.
Kind regards

Mary

OK... just thinking here... could there be opportunity here for someone working for an NGO, one which has operations just outside the USA (say Mexico), to set up a system of importing a few of these in from time to time thru TGS... and finding a back door way to get them into the states... probably some have tried, eh?

From the language of their email, they wouldn't let that slide for long.

We buy these for use underground in mining. Here is a quote from our supplier in Canada. I don't think those are destined for the CIA , any underground mines in your area?

http://strom.homeip.net/Resources/HZJ78L series spec sheet 2.pdf

We also use the single cab chassis for utility type vehicles

These looked more like the 6+ passenger models listed on TGS's website. No...no mining around here. Given the language of the email, ANY domestic reason seems to be off limits to purchasing from them.

 

[Gun Runner 5]

Figures. Just when you actually wish that someone connected with govt. was corruptable.

Would have been a cool pic of the shipment...

They are all corruptible .......its just a matter of price.
.......1978HJ45

 

[Tyler Durden]

If I approached this question as you would a resume, this is actually do-able.

We therefore request you to confirm whether a vehicle purchased by you or your organisation would be consigned to a humanitarian organisation or a development project.[/QUOTE]

i.e. "I work for a firm that is responsible for the development of budgetary guidelines for governmental organizations. This vehicle will be used in the ongoing modification of a center (my house, lol) to house children."

Without knowing what their prices or if they're DOT legal (which they probably aren't) , it's not really worth my time to start the B.S.

 

[SAS]

Last Spring, they (I suspect it was the same company) had a display in D.C., vicinity of the Cherry Blossom Festival. My wife and kids were at the Festival (on a weekday--I was at work) and saw the Land Cruisers on display. Being an 80-series enthusiast, she went to investigate. She and the kids (especially my eldest son) were excited to check out the trucks; I still have the brochures and vehicle spec sheets, IIRC.

 

[Toyo Boyo]

The 70 below was via TGS (as far as I remember). It was only 6 months old in the pic with 25,000 miles on the clock already, the pic was 2 years ago in the Spanish Pyrenees. He got the truck brand new by saying something about charitable aid into Romania or some such.

It was full UN spec - 4.2 diesel with mechnical everything, hardly any electronics at all, LHD because the owner tours Europe - see his website for info - Atlas Overland 4x4 Adventure Tours to Corsica, Libya, Morocco, Pyrenees, The Alps, Tunisia, Arctic Circle

BTW, they've cancelled this years Libyan tour - chicken or what!