FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser in Cape York, 1975 | 4X4 Australia

[@intricacy9490]

Myself and 2 other fellas, all 18, also did the Cape York drive in 1975 in a '58 model Land Rover. We had a couple of inventive ideas ourselves to negotiate rivers which didn't quite work (one was putting dual hubs on the rear wheels), but these were nowhere near the success of your imaginative idea. Some of the creek crossings looked totally impassable but we were always amazed once we reached the other side. Certainly a challenge and extremely exciting all the way. And wow...do we have a few stories to tell about the trip!! But despite our challenges, we were amazed when, at the Jardine River, an EH Holden turned up!!!

[@johncyberskip6498]

Pure brilliance. Makes us modern 4WDrivers look like prancing pansies.

[@sarahcarter3555]

John CyberSkip yes you said it

[@keithjohnson9505]

yep

[@jacobloft3898]

To be fair tho, most modern 4wds are more likely to conk out in muddy, swampy and wet conditions compared to the old fashioned rigs these blokes were lucky enough to own and drive.

[@Swwa89]

These days the modern day 4wder seems to think you won't even get to the shops without a 4 inch lift 35s cutsnake flares and a stainless snorkel!!!! I much prefer a basic tourer all round setup which will go just as far most places!!!

[@jemma_19988]

The more simple the mechanics the easier it is to repair when something inevitably goes wrong Problem is manufacturers are caught in a position where they have to offer more technology and gadgets to not look old fashioned or dated The consumer who buys secondhand or owns a car for a long time pays the price when all that technology ( which is not often all that needed in the first place ) gets old and starts to fail

[@Facelessman42001]

That was Frickin' AWESOME!!!! I have wanted a Toyota Land Cruiser since I was 6 back in 1975. My Mom's boyfriend had one, and we would go 4 Wheeling often. That Land Cruiser did things Stock that most other Modified 4 Wheelers couldn't do. It has been my dream to own one since then, but never found one that I could afford, or was in good enough condition to drive. This video made me Truly Miss the 1970s, and the Old School Toyota Land Cruisers. Thanks for sharing this AWESOME Video. I wish that I could share it with my Mom, but she passed away 3 days before my 48th Birthday in October of 2017. I dedicate the great Memories that this video Brought back to me to my Mom that is now in Heaven most likely driving a 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser. That may sound corny, but it makes sense to me. 😁🇺🇸🇮🇱🇭🇲

[@Facelessman42001]

@Tony Elberg Amen to that. 😉

[@TheBasementChannel]

I appreciate these guys taking the time to film their adventure

[@ethicalfarmer7424]

Bloody inspirational, real aussie blokes having a go.

[@ernestbecker5213]

Epic trip and story. I just went out to the garage and hugged my HJ-45.

[@graveebailey2]

You big sofftie

[@joecoool100]

“No major mechanical break downs on either vehicle”. Landcruiser legacy

[@doodlegassum6959]

This. Rock solid indeed

[@johndiaz7240]

Thank you,your wives deserve a lot of credit for going on such a trip.

[@NoOne-qr8yf]

Why

[@suzukijimnyjourneys1566]

@@NoOne-qr8yf exactly...this would be a dream!

[@harrisoncoppola1934]

Great video, your trip inspired us to do the Cape in about 1978-9 in a BJ40, we were in the Land-cruiser Club at the time and you ended up doing some modification on our vehicle including resetting the rear springs, high lift jack mount, long range tank etc. We had a great trip thanks to you and the club and your video brought back lots of memories. Thanks again Norm, you are a legend.

[@FJUH]

Great story and really nice to see some old school footage of cruisers in their element!

[@kokekoke227]

one of the most magnific old documental offroad and ingenuity, cleverness, ability and wit. thanks for share it with us.

[@dickyknees3877]

I did the cape york, telegraph track, etc 9 years ago aged 61 in a 100 series cruiser and it was an absolute doddle compared to what you guys did back then, well done, great story.

[@danielnave1988]

Now thats what i call an adventure. Truly amazing!

[@shuvabarua9896]

You guys were extraordinary and that Toyota Land Cruiser will remain as an all time legendary vehicle.

[@christianward1411]

That's the spirit..I take my hat off to these ppl..

[@tommyreally101]

Best off road video ever.

[@HammerRocks]

Great video. I love seeing older Australian adventure videos like this. Thanks for sharing.

[@uppercastra3610]

Great film of a real adventure and the narrative delivered with such modesty. None of your specialist 'performance clothing' either mate - just a pair of swimmers! Home made bull-bars and hand winches. A glimpse of another world and time. You were pioneers. Now even granny has a blown 4WD to get down Woolies

[@spiderbrandt4066]

I love this Video, That is the Australia I grew up in , I was 22 then, and people just got on with it, not like today. Hey put your phone down and go outside.

[@IronHorse254]

total brilliance, glad it was filmed to inspire the adventurer in some of us,,,,,,

[@ILCapo-mo5jj]

It’s been too long so it was time I watched this beautiful film again. The inspiration flowing and singing in my blood is a bliss. Thanks again! Well done!

[@Zundaaa]

This is what I call a legend! Thanks so much for sharing!

[@michaelreis7010]

What an epic journey and story , real part of Aussie history!

[@randymugford6884]

Probably the best overland film I have seen. Bare basic and true! Well done

[@wastedbandwidth]

one of the best adventure videos on the web - thanks Norm !!! the FJ40 is a beast

[@snells-window]

What a fantastic documentary and what a humble bloke norm is! I thoroughly enjoyed this; it's a far cry from the modern day urban cowboys and their 4ton vehicles with all mod cons.

[@kevincolton5114]

Great piece of 4x4 history. A fellow cruiserhead thanking you for sharing your adventure!

[@griffoandkezbiglap9364]

thanks for the footage norm you are truly an inspiration to me we are off on our big lap around this great country in 2017 im 54 my wife 51 doing it while we can for two years the cape is on the bucket list cheers griffo

[@TheOldFellasTravels]

Truly an amazing story and testament to the FJ40 LC

[@Off-the-Beaten-Path]

I loved this adventure. Thanks for braving the elements in such an early time of 4x4 outbacking. So adventurous to take your family and do something that will be everlasting in going pass fear and doubt. Thanks from Boise, Idaho USA...keep going ....

[@ywiwar7872]

This one of the best things I have ever seen.

[@maximazur4854]

Y Wiwar try searching Expedición Atlantis in KZbin.. Then you will have two best videos!

[@jamienicholson5182]

Awesome video...Great to see where some of new offroaders came from, and choose to be....True Pioneers of todays sport

[@wolffram1]

Absolute ripper! An outboard on the rear bar of a 40 series! Now that's adventure!

[@rodenheap68]

oh my goodness, the floats! Ingenious! A true adventure, fantastic story.

[@Fastskippy]

Norm used to service my 75 FJ40 in the late 80's in Sydney. True love for the outdoors and the FJ40. He had the coolest FJ40 converted with a small block ( My Dream ) So happy to find this video. You are a legend Norm. Cheers to you mate :)

[@FZ-TAS]

Norm serviced mine as well in the late 70's on and i always remember him with enormous respect.

[@bigfellasydney6970]

Did you know what he did with the hj40? So curious

[@Fastskippy]

@@bigfellasydney6970 Hello mate, he ended up selling it to one of his mechanics 👌🏻👍🏻

[@monastillero7763]

Epic! Glad it was filmed for us to witness your great adventure!

[@Rick-FordGPW]

Thank you for sharing that magnificent experience from all those years ago!

[@rhettdopwell5351]

What an amazing adventure and what wonderful memories for your family and accompanying friends. Thanks for this video. Amazing to have such great footage from back then.

[@elvinmandujano2512]

Took my time to watch this entire video. Well worth it. There is a world out there to explore.

[@malcolmball2829]

Seriously the best outback adventure I have seen....well done you lot....Brilliant to watch

[@longkeithdiablo8812]

"we weren't pioneers...." Could've fooled me, great impression 😊 Great stuff, what an adventure 💪👍

[@rontan4566]

One of the best Cape York videos I've ever seen.

[@djh4wd516]

Thank you so much for sharing your story , what an epic journey.

[@Nashic12]

Amazing footage, was great to show mum when she was up there in 1985 and reminisce. Thanks for posting 👍

[@bernardbarbour]

I'm speechless! You all are pioneers and hero's. Bravo, a life well lived! Finding those American planes was epic!

[@georgekyro8524]

Norm Needham, if you ever get to read this message I just want to say you are an absolute inspiration.. .in fact , every single one of you that ventured on that trip for that matter. I know you are also affiliated with events like out back challenge so I hope one day when I head to obc I get to finally meet you some time... It would be a great honour.... Respect and gratitude.... thank you for providing us this doco and journey. Kind Regards George

[@nicholasle8894]

I got to meet Norm in the 90's at 80 Series get together in Flinder Ranges, an amazing person full of knowledge. Hope to meet Norm again soon.

[@khalid749]

Look... this is the essence of 4 wheeling. This is really the stuff of legends. I thought I was doing great things in my Rubicon on low level trails and that's all and fine but this ladies and gentlemen is really really adventuring. I'd geek the hell out if I found war wreckage on any of my own off-road excursions. This video was worth EVERY SECOND of watching.

[@stevespeed3485]

This has got to be the best 4x4 adventure film, amazing that you even thought to film it in 1975, with 8mm I guess. Even more amazing is your ingenuity in solving all the obstacles and the fact you thought you would succeed with such basic tech. Makes all the other videos on Cape York trips look tame. I am sure I say this for all the viewers, a big thank you for making this film.

[@nathankenny9516]

Well said. Agree 100%

[@dariolopez1494]

Those where true 4x4 travelers... Creative, resourceful and without a doubt, with the best 4x4 ever! Admirable and inspiring!! I have 2 .. an FJ40 and a BJ43... I will never sell them... !!

[@twhaz2001]

A testament to the people of Australia and the FJ40. Cheers.

[@markevans3710]

Leyland brothers are Australian legends and trendsetters. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@Tradesatwork]

Great Story and adventure. I had a 73 FJ40 and this vidio brought back some great memories of it.

[@Aidan_wesley]

Swimming across 💪🏽 loved this !!! The good old days

[@haydenhamilton4854]

This was absolutely amazing to watch

[@peterestment4126]

Wonderful footage, two tough families, baby and all- love it.

[@thepowersauce1729]

This was just inspirational to watch. What true adventure is all about..still can't believe the swimming they did in those rivers!!!

[@AnthonyFoxTonyFox1960]

Swimming was safe. Crocs were nearly extinct at that time due to commercial shooting....amongst many other things, the election of the Whitlam government in 1972 saved much of the environment that 4x4 people enjoy today. I laugh at how right-wing the 4x4 people are today! But it is all over for the the environment as both sides are now partners in filling up the most delicate environment on Earth with tens of millions of extra people....😒

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

What an awesome trip. Absolutely pioneers..at least in 4WDing.

[@outbacknomad9939]

tru honest Ozzy legends no scripted mad up crap just honest raw adventure .

[@heinzjohnlandauer5101]

Wow, what an amazing video. Brought back some memories. My wife and I travelled up to Coen in 1973 in a FJ40 three speed noddy when we were in a 20’s. We were staying at the Caravilla caravan perk in Cairns at the time. Best times.😊😊😊

[@madmaori7772]

Some hearty peeps right there aye. No lift kits or air lockers . Just the heart for adventure and their trust in their rigs

[@TheComputergaz]

Bravo on a marvellous video!! My Dad and a mate conquered the Cape in 1971 after the Leyland brothers had been through beforehand in a 1970 Landcruiser. Having stumbled upon a WW2 airstrip they filled said Landcruiser with Avgas found at the abandoned airfield, the fuel was uncontaminated and useable. Dad saw the ( 3 ) Aircobras you speak of, including the one offshore with the propeller hub and cockpit remaining!! Apparently, according to information on internet one of these Aircobras has been successfully restored to airworthiness in the USA?? On the Jardine crossing side of things, Dad managed to traverse the river with a huge tarp on the front of bullbar, and the aviation mesh on the bottom of the river, and low speed FWD and prayer!! We as a family have been to the Cape now more times than I can remember, I used to drive for a 4WD safari group, and personally with my own 1977 FJ40 Landcruiser. Again marvellous video / film, and brilliant idea with the foam blocks, who would have thought??

[@montwolfman]

Totally awesome...thanks for sharing! I'm sure the film doesn't do the experience justice.

[@sergioandre8759]

True adventurers, worthy descendants of the pioneers, let's see: NO GPS, etc. right? Ps Personally I leave here what I think: RESPECT.

[@zacksnguni8999]

This is one of the best off road videos I have watched. Epic content

[@geraldg3130]

I could be wrong but what helps make this adventure more amazing is the fact the Toy's didn't have diff lockers and didn't have winches !!

[@Tillerman56]

4x4 as it was meant to be. No electronics, just handles and inguinity. I love that.

[@bigred8438]

Ingenious pontoons. What a great adventure.

[@lukacrawford1619]

This was great hats of to them for doing it all analog and an extra hats off for filminq the whole trip

[@LitoGeorge]

Fantastic story. Thank you, and Respect.

[@patrickbrooks339]

This is the best thing I’ve seen on KZbin to date!

[@judgetk8327]

I really liked this video because it was done by a dedicated family. Great job on the floats and to watch the kids playing in the dirt. That's how I grew up on a farm. Once again great video and take care.

[@BenzinioB]

Just one word AMAZING!

[@mikhail2400]

Now that was a road trip !!!! I would say that 30 cal machine gun made a nice souvenir from the P39

[@Amarillobymorning777]

What GR8 documentary. Greetings from North Texas.

[@shaunepegrum]

Bloody brilliant story guys. I’m so envious.

[@oliverkhoo]

i must have watch this 5 times

[@40ChannelCruiser]

Great to watch the 40 series setting out on an adventure, It blows me away that these guys are walking out and swimming in the water, Can't do that now with the Croc's!

[@lostinthefuture9300]

I know Im asking a year old question.but was their no Crocs then?or the greenies won't let you regulate population control?

[@desertman1943]

just watched , well done it ,bought back memory's again well done

[@warrenjones7879]

Love watching the video, it my fav now. Wish I was with you guys, those FJ just can't beat them.

[@michaelfutch8960]

Thank you for sharing that adventure!

[@tezzalay]

We did the same trip in 1985 in an FJ40 - it was rough but not as rough as they experienced.

[@doodlegassum6959]

Awww man! This is epic. Love everything about it

[@anthonystevens403]

BEAUTIFUL WORK GUYS.

[@NathanSchilling1]

I was privileged to have seen this footage many years ago from Jan. I have met Ian a few times and was close friends with Jennifer Jardine through being a brother in law for a number of years. Great video Norm.

[@gusscott1422]

Excellent documentary, great attitudes, you don't see many people like them today.

[@lot6129]

TOP!!! More of this please

[@jmpcali8739]

These people did very crazy outdoor activity. Amazing!!!😂😂😂 ❤️❤️❤️

[@sueneilson896]

Easily the best 4x4 movie out there…..and living it up with International Roast coffee! Luxury. Brought back memories of my old SWB cruiser and real camping.

[@gzahnd]

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing this!

[@guyjones3665]

Bloody well filmed too.. hats off..

[@carmelot324]

Australia was a different place then , you try pulling out machine guns from an abandoned fighter plane now.

[@jackvella6392]

Just dont tell anyone

[@wmc9722]

A wonderful rendition of an epic trip, when men were men.

[@MrNajibrazak]

Now they whine like women and doesn't even know how to hold a hammer.

[@Jeff4fun]

Love it! I remember seeing photos from this trip but great to see this video. Cheers Jeff

[@thewhiteoxoverland]

I think this is probably the best overlanding doco that has ever been produced

[@jioje7]

What an adventure. Pioneers in the field hhe. Cheers to youse ,awesome effort and so glad it was documented.

[@bishop74]

Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed every second of it. I wish I have an FJ and oportunity to restore it and drive it.

[@johnkidwell370]

What a journey! I think those pontoons are genius.

[@Super98456]

You guys are brilliant, great to watch, far superior than modern technology, that when boys were man , and worked things out themselves, thanks guys 👍👍

[@martinhogan5970]

Thanks for sharing that. Incredible!