In talking with one of the FJ team members for about an hour at the party, I was told...
1. Everything retro was a huge battle with Toyota Japan.
a. TOTOYA spelled out on the grille was a major battle and one TMS guy took on Japan to get it. Japan just didn't understand.
b. The white top was an issue.
c. SFA was not even considered by Japan.
d. The offset of the spare tire all the way to one side was wanted by TMS as well but they didn't choose that as a battle to fight too hard about.
From years of talking to my friend Will Carroll, (Master Tech and now Regional Trainer for TMS)....
Toyota Japan is very difficult to deal with trying to get them to understand what we "need" in the US.
Example, after years of TMS asking for a full-size truck they finally said, OK, we'll design one for you. The T100 was the answer. TMS again asks for a real full-sized truck, the Tundra was designed. Again, TMS says we need a REAL FULL-SIZED truck, we'll see what we get here soon.
So what I'm seeing, is that TMS did the best they could to answer our pleas with the constraints of Japan. After experiencing the FJ in person, I'd say they did a good job and I applaud their efforts. If I had the $$, I'd be on the list and buying one ASAP. I've owned several Cruisers (40s, 60s, 80s) and minis/runners for the last 20+ years and I think that the FJ is a quality vehicle that I would not hesitate to take anywhere I'd want to go, including 3rd world expeditions.
Why does anyone want a pre-built "J**P Rubicon" type vehicle anyway? I would rather build my vehicle how I want it, starting with a spartan, rugged, bullet-proof platform (old Cruiser)! Of course I'd love to have a 70 series troopy or pickup, but until the US reverts into a rugged wilderness requiring one, they're just not going to be imported here by Toyota.
Darren Webster
Salt Lake City
TLCA 4061
Wasatch Cruisers 104
93 FZJ80
72 FJ40