The Toyota Land Cruiser celebrates 70 years of existence this month. Launched in August 1951, the Land Cruiser was originally known as the Toyota BJ, a four-wheel-drive vehicle equipped with a powerful engine. Initially designed for military use, the Toyota BJ quickly earned an enviable reputation as a go-anywhere vehicle. The name Land Cruiser was coined in 1954 as the model expanded into the civilian market and went head-to-head with the British-built Land Rover.

In the 70 years since its ‘birth’, it has sought to deliver safety and security to diverse customers across the globe. Subsequently, the Land Cruiser family has grown significantly, spawning pick-up, wagon, station wagon and luxury SUV variants. While the model range has expanded, the core DNA of the model remains ingrained in the metal work.

To mark this historic occasion, sales of the latest Land Cruiser 300 have commenced in Japan, ushering in the next chapter in the Land Cruiser history book – while promising to deliver the best ʼCruiser yet. The Land Cruiser 300 draws inspiration from its forefathers to deliver a driving experience of the highest calibre.

As a further celebration of the marque's 70th birthday, Toyota Gazoo Racing has announced the inclusion of Land Cruiser in its GR Heritage Parts Programme. The parts will be reproduced for the 40 Series Land Cruiser, which was produced between 1960 and 1984.

The project reproduces spare parts that have been discontinued and sells them as genuine parts through a special collaboration with suppliers, in order to support customers who wish to continue driving older vehicles that bring back fond memories and that they truly love and cherish.

The Land Cruiser has long promised "to take people anywhere and everywhere". Even models whose production has been discontinued for several decades continue to be cherished by large numbers of customers all over the world. However, recent years have seen a shortage of spare parts, with Land Cruiser owners expressing fears they will no longer be able to drive their vehicles.

For this reason, Toyota Gazoo Racing has made the decision to reproduce parts for which there is greatest demand and need, so that customers can continue to drive their vehicles safely and with peace of mind. The company has carried out preliminary surveys with exclusive Land Cruiser dealers and fan-club representatives from across the globe and is advancing preparations to reproduce and sell parts related to the critical functions of driving, turning and braking for the 40 Series Land Cruiser.

These parts will be supplied as ‘heritage’ parts and will include engines, drivelines, and exhaust systems. Availability of parts will be launched as preparations have been completed, with a target launch date of the beginning of 2022.

In the spirit of the 70-year milestone, Toyota South Africa Motors will also be releasing a special 70th Special Edition model based on the 70 Series – with the celebratory model earmarked for a Quarter 4 debut. While development is still underway, customers can register their interest at their nearest Toyota dealer.