The Toyota Land Cruiser had its first deput in 1951 as a Japanese version of the Willys Jeep MB.

Named: "BJ Toyota Jeep"

Willys-Overland immediately began legal actions to copy write the name "Jeep" as a trademark.

In a test, the BJ Toyota Jeep climbed to the sixth station of Mt. Fuji — the first motor vehicle to perform this feat. The first orders for the vehicle come from police and forestry departments because of its off-highway abilities.

As a result, the "BJ Toyota Jeep" was given a new name: "LAND CRUISER", by Hanji Uemura, then CEO of the Araco division of Toyota. The name was announced on an official Toyota press release dated June 24th, 1954.

Originally powered by an 85-horsepower diesel engine. In 1958 it was replaced with a 120hp gasoline engine.

In 1953 the Land Cruiser made its international debut.

In 1954 Toyota officially began mass-producing the Land Cruiser, rather than building them on a made-to-order basis.

In 1955 Toyota replaces the original 85-horsepower diesel engine with a 120-horsepower 3.8-liter gasoline unit.

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1950's TLC Fire engines: