The FJ40 Land Cruiser is a Flagrant Copy of the Jeep, But It Built Toyota's Bulletproof Reputation

SOLD Back in WWII, retreating US forces in Southeast Asia left behind a US built Army Jeep that was captured by the Japanese Imperial Army, and they very quickly saw the usefulness of it. Toyota was contracted to build a version for military use, so they reverse engineered the American model and found that what they created was good - very good. It proved its mettle by climbing to the 6th (out of 10) checkpoint on Mount Fuji, something no other vehicle had done before. This caught the attention of the Japanese police, who immediately put in an order for some of their own. The Land Cruiser (a name borrowed from Land Rover) was off to the races.
After the war, Toyota began exporting vehicles all around the world in very limited quantities, and none proved as popular or in demand as the Land Cruiser. It was built to a standard of ruggedness and reliability far beyond most of its peers, and that really mattered in areas without roads, or where breaking down could be a death sentence Many went to the developing world, with exports to the Middle East, Africa, South and Central America, and everywhere else that had treacherous roads (or lack thereof) and serious consequences for mechanical failure.
The F155 6-cylinders were more or less as flagrant a copy of a GM engine as the Land Cruiser was of the Jeep, but it was built to a higher standard and became legendary for its simplicity and reliability, with examples reaching the half million mile mark and beyond. Variations of this engine were built all the way until 1992, a testament to its perfection.
More and more, these rugged off-roaders are living much more pampered lives as restorations and collector cars. With more than one million of them built over the years, there are plenty to choose from, and there's no reason to start with a bad one. Lack of rust and originality top the list of desirable candidates.
Full review and test drive by Bill.

[@dharmi44]

By far you offer the best Car Reviews on all of YT! The humor is second to none.....the Vehicle History-and the organic nature of the videos is just simply awesome!

[@100aceswid]

I agree 100%

[@scottdavis_34]

"Oh for the Love of God" Filming, shifting and steering with no power steering. Bill is at his finest here. : )

[@bokkenrijder172]

"...the steering is not what I would call 'laser precise'...." 🤣

[@9ZERO6]

The steering is 100% not precise. 🤣

[@jeffreypaul9428]

"Good morning! It's digusting in Naples!" - can't get enough of that opening. (Tampa here and the weather is also disgusting).

[@egold2071]

It surely is disgusting down there. This story is the one time Naples popped up in the news. Oh for the love of God... kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKCaoaFmlrJ4Z7M

[@mckou1547]

Bill, people don't watch these because of the car! We want to hear you review the world around us! I know others agree.

[@jamesboardman8859]

Yes, I do. But Bill also has a knack for providing factual information about the car, combined with his societal commentary. Quite a enviable skill these days!

[@lornperkins4270]

Hell yeah .We LOVE YOU BILL...AND SHOW US WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE you never point the camera at yourself

[@egold2071]

@@lornperkins4270 Easy there Skip! He's like the Wizard of Oz man, you ain't seein' him. Best you can hope for is a reflection off a black car or window.

[@egold2071]

@@jamesboardman8859 A proper tale teller! I.E. 'So Audi came about long ago, this big grouping of companies, oh for the love of God... it's more confusing than Father's Day at Mick Jaggers or Wilt Chamberlain's house.'

[@luxurreview]

I’ve said this since the beginning! He’s finally listening a little to us.

[@joe6096]

Get yourself a go-pro Bill! You definitely need both hands to operate a 3 on the tree with no power steering lol

[@akishot6735]

It’s hard to watch

[@lornperkins4270]

I agree. He's probably using a shoulder cam from the 80's...the man struggles sometimes

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Go Pro is demeaning and this only adds character to the videos.

[@egold2071]

No Go Pro for our friend Bill. He says it makes him look 'retarded'.

[@bokkenrijder172]

Bill, that BMW i3 review was BRILLIANT! 👍🏻😎

[@brettb8825]

Agree. Nothing to apologize for at all.

[@JollyGreen79]

My dad had a 73 growing up. Had the side facing rear seat. It was the first rig I ever drove on his lap at 5-6 years old. I managed to hit the neighbors garage as I suddenly jerked the wheel like I was playing withmy old console car toy on the living room floor. The next time I got to drive I was sitting on a phone book being taught how to actually drive. It didn't have a three on the tree like that one but it did have that straight six. It's not only the first rig I drove but it was the first rig I leanred to work on. My old man had the philosophy "if you drive it, you learn to work on it, or you don't drive it." The simplicity of the FJ40 is unparalleled in KY opinion with maybe the exception of the VW's of the same era. The first rig I recall my mom driving was an early 70's VW Beetle. My old man cringed the day he traded his Yota in on a late 80's Jeep Cherokee. The only reason he let it go was he had acquired a fishing boat that poor old FJ just couldn't pull faster than 45-50 mph. He still kicks himself for letting that thing go. Especially when he sees them sell for over $40k at the Barrett-Jackson. Great video! What a blast from the past! I do wish you had hit the turn signals. They were red if I recall and they made a funny sound before they started flashing.

[@Cristobal_Ygnacio_Arriaga]

This video was quite hilarious to watch for a random recommendation. This particular Land Cruiser has a couple of modifications like the tailgate that it supposed to be 2 small barn doors, the rear seat should be 2 jump-seats left and right , the soft top is aftermarket but that’s to be expected and the America’s Fj40 would have a small roll bar but only in the back. The diamond plate is also aftermarket because they would rust on that spot fairly quick

[@bogotstogoskiing]

You're correct on all counts except one. If the truck was a factory soft top then it came with the fold down tailgate instead of the barn doors which it appears this did.

[@bokkenrijder172]

"I did a double shot this morning!" 🤣🥃🥃

[@jamesc.2986]

Laughing out loud at the shifting left handed bit Bill!!! Nice job though, great videos, always find something to laugh at!

[@sachemrock]

Bill, we love you anger and all! You are a great guy and very funny! Love your channel....😄

[@thehoff3189]

What's the deal with the pixilation...OMFG LOL hilarious!

[@joe6096]

Another video from Bill, with more chipper Canadians and scouting birds and roosters..... oh by the way, the vehicle is cool!

[@mikeskipworth856]

One handed with no power steering and a 3 speed. Talent.

[@Personlpp]

Inline 6's last forever for the love of god.

[@anthonybertone2336]

Tone it down I wouldn’t know what to think if I didn’t get to hear Bill rant that’s the best part of the video

[@andrewsmactips]

I remember towing an Austin Sheerline for thirty miles at night using an FJ40 Land Cruiser and a wire rope. Easily the most nerve wracking thing I've ever done that didn't involve pixelation.

[@lornperkins4270]

Watching him struggle with that old thing is funny *OH FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WHERE THE HELL IS 1ST*..L.M.A.O.

[@razvandobos9759]

I just LOVE the Land Cruiser.

[@paulfromcleveland5871]

It took me a second to get the pixilation joke, but I laughed my ass off!

[@79thump8]

I got nervous when I heard the unzipping. But it turned out fine.

[@patdry]

18:09 is why i love watching these videos.

[@63humanbeing]

Bill, please be yourself, and do not apologies for being honest 👍🏼

[@ChrisMFlorida]

hahaha Bill.. bukkake? Oh lord jesus!

[@hooptyhoop9829]

"assumed room temperature" LOLOL

[@andy-james-]

Bill, do not get a head mounted Go Pro, they have a small blind spot which the birdys know about...

[@randolfo1265]

Bill your three on the tree skills are not bad considering your trying to make a movie at the same time. Brave going out on the main road like that!

[@volvotwoseries3384]

Man you're a riot. I wish I wasn't 18 hours away I'd buy a car from you. Maybe in a few years if I can tolerate the heat. I'll see you in a winter.

[@anthonybaker967]

My co workers from Yeman they love it!!😀

[@VirginiaFruitGrower]

Omg he is so funny. The last part about what makes Japan great had me ROFL 😂

[@sbfhawk4343]

Looks like this gem is an older gal late 68 to 69 model with the Shifter on the Column. The its got the older 2F engine with the lower compression and the 3 speed transmission.

[@imkirbo3094]

I was genuinely crying laughing when you set off in second bouncing over the intersection

[@harrison6.2]

Land Cruisers are cool and all, but will you review that Ford Flatbed truck?

[@paulpark1170]

So this is how you drive a manual with one hand…well done

[@WolfShadowhill]

They made a copy better then the original. Millennial? Most GenX have never heard of 3 on the tree, but oddly enough despite being in that gray area between millennial and GenZ the first car I ever looked at buying was a 3 on the tree, in a 1959 Plymouth Savoy, it was such a cool car although it was in pretty shitty condition

[@pabloelsur1624]

"My Donkey!!!" 😂😂😂

[@ryansrides9714]

Another great video bill, thank you so much!!! I can’t wait to see you review that Bentley!!!

[@ronmccullock1407]

Thanks for another superb video Bill you always make me smile in this rather mad world

[@MrBriankprice]

Do not tone it down. Very entertaining

[@thefirehoser8312]

Your historical comments are about as accurate as the "Drunk History" show. For one, the F engine was developed with the cooperation of GM engineers, not stolen and reverse engineered.

[@roberthenson8208]

Love the therapy! Gonna try it too!!

[@pauli6043]

Hey Bill, if ya can't find 'em, grind 'em!

[@SuicidalWarhead]

Please don't turn down the hating, it really gets the juices flowing.

[@esmealwaly6101]

How much is it??

[@anthonybaker967]

Lol😂i wouldn't touch that one Bill!

[@joe6096]

19:51 - If you can't find it, grind it!

[@marcustate3513]

Bla tangly better from the beginning

[@peterjaniceforan3080]

We love toaster Bill❗️

[@andythrasher5789]

First in. Cool rig!

[@HADJEE]

King Kong Vs Godzilla. Hai!

[@ohbogey]

14:52😂🤣😂🤣

[@roberthenson8208]

Love ya!!

[@mikea.6608]

What?! Drink more and be more angry!!

[@johnmax834]

FJ40s have lost so much value in the past 5 years. It is still a cool vehicle.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Superior to ours

[@GrandmaKeith]

Lol BJ

[@artiomtrankovsky7849]

First

[@richardcollins5918]

Missed it by 1 minuted to Andy Thrasher

[@I_HateClickBait]

Somebody needs to talk Bill into strapping a GoPro to his forehead for his in car driving scenes. C’mon Bill.

[@mikewright2858]

"The poor bastard assumed room temperature ..." ... LMAO

[@billsbirds2052]

🐦we are always watching 🐦

[@egold2071]

^ Funniest comment of 2020

[@jetstream454]

The account and the comment 🤣

[@patrickwalsh467]

What a cluster! The birds were watching and laughing at your shifting performance. Don't turn your back on them!

[@patdry]

“severed human head” was a nice touch. caught me off guard 😂

[@makiwa]

A dear! I've never laughed so much watching a car review on YT.... My jaw was aching! Thanks Bill, you made my day.......lol.

[@plumbawl5977]

Big One Handed Thumbs Up, Bill!

[@Berchol]

Toyota produced these “jeeps” here in Brazil for around 40 years and it was their only vehicle of choice. It was kinda hard for them at the beginning to dissociate their image from the utilitarian aspect when they finally decided to produce the Corolla here

[@TheViking1302]

You’re killing me!!! Hahahahahaha haha.... « the BJ oh by the way can someone explain me the pixels... »

[@jamesboardman8859]

I was wondering the same thing about the pixels. Huh?

[@lesinboston9208]

Japanese porn

[@9ZERO6]

DO NOT tone it down. I shared the toaster review with anyone who listen and they loved it. Btw I worked in a Toyota dealership service department for about 23 years. We had an FJ40 as a "lot" truck for a very long time. It was an absolute beast. Rough as hell and beyond basic. Driving over 40 miles per hour demands that the driver pay attention. We completely mechanically restored one while FJ40 parts were still available. The customer dropped 20k on it. I test drove it after the overhaul. It was very slow, rough riding, and had zero creature comforts. But damn, the customer loved it, and that is all that matters. It is a true utility vehicle. The straight 6 is 100% bulletproof. Good memories.

[@HeCute_]

Hearing Bill bitch about how everything is tougher one handed is hilarious

[@robertl.3074]

Bill, I love your videos. Get yourself a damn camera mount when you’re driving the cars so you can drive the cars. That was agonizing and I feel so bad for you. Much love though, from hot humid sweltering Saint Augustine Florida.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

Bill.. .PLEASE do not tone anything down!!!! The main reason we love your videos, aside from the great cars you present, are the rants!! we LOVE THE RANTS!!

[@lornperkins4270]

DAMN RIGHT WE DO!

[@sethdbourne]

I drove a Chevy cargo van back in 1994 that had 3 on the tree... millennials have no clue what a manual transmission is

[@dcarts5616]

Whoa! Never thought I’d see one of these on this channel. Need more anger though Bill.

[@HADJEE]

I thought Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler used Land Rovers?

[@tajetaje9238]

That was a gooden and that gear shift into first gave me the giggles good man Bill have a good weekend you all stay safe

[@christhomas835]

Everytime i staple my list ofcdemands to the severed head in the glovebox of my camry the dang thing pulls loose when i brske too hard

[@Mr2pint]

Bill you really have to get a GoPro and head attachment trying to juggle a big video camera and driving at the same time is crazy

[@frankirvine316]

Good one Bill✅ Just add double clutching with the 3 on tree You can’t go wrong mate😁👀

[@gregvarner9562]

Bill, I love your reviews and your commentary and have watched you for a long time and am a fan. But....please when your driving something like this on the road, get someone to help hold the camera. Watching you struggle with the shifting across the wheel was so anxiety producing that I couldn't really concentrate on what you where saying about this crazy awesome vehicle.

[@slyguyaction]

“Assumed room temperature” ⚰️🤣

[@PiranhaJaw22]

19:50 hilarious

[@thomasharper4166]

Left handed shifting three on the tree covid whiskey while filming!Legend!😂

[@kriscarmelo]

assumed room temperature LOL

[@klaus4441]

Shifting isn't a secret , everybody could hear it

[@nemonooit]

Fantastic cars, too bad this one's been fcked up.

[@ravencrestmedia]

Good job on the disparaging comments wow

[@deepcow]

Scotty Kilmer watched this.

[@flwrfan1752]

Bill just is not a fan of birds!!

[@snggarageeng]

after watching your videos i know everything about weather in Naples

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

One handed

[@MikeBMW]

Bill, you know, this is a video that even a chipper Canadian might like. This would be a great truck, er, SUV, er - whatever, for fording the Yukon. But, ya gotta like the the comfort of the three on tree: this will never be stolen by marauding birds and what not. Even so, I gotta have a bourbon, or two, before I watch one of your vids so I can get into the right frame of mind. Still, Bill, you always got your cool vid and your, oh, heck, for the Love of God, I can't think of anything more to type - love it! :)

[@tonycarlson9013]

Flagrant copy of the Jeep? Toyota actually built Jeep's for the US military before. Unlike the company that currently owns the Jeep name. Toyota got the contract to build jeeps for us during the Korean war....

[@pullyourownweight442]

I wish you could narrate my day to day life lol great job

[@Rainbowrobb]

17:20 He is a millennial

[@sparky6086]

No. Bill is Generation X.

[@super20dan]

hands down the crudest vehicle i ever drove

[@richard343s]

They don't make them like they used to.

[@paolozanconato3665]

Wow