1 Jan 1960
By CHRIS HARRIS
The archetypical LandCruiser, the 1960 FJ40-series showed little external differentiation from the FJ20, but the way the vehicle was produced changed.
Short wheelbase (FJ40), mid-wheelbase (FJ43) and long wheelbase (FJ45) models were produced, some in soft and hardtop variations.
Official Australian FJ40 sales started in 1962 with the arrival of the two-door three-door soft-top, powered by a 3.9-litre six-cylinder engine tied to a three-speed manual gearbox.
In November ’72 a four-speed manual replaced it, and at the same time the first of the classic FJ40RV Hardtops and FJ45RV utilities landed.
During 1975, their 4.2-litre six-cylinder engine also made it into the FJ40 soft-top, and all FJ40 varieties now featured power brakes and rectangular door handles.
A full-floating rear axle and hazard flashers followed the following year, while in 1977 roll bars were introduced.
The BJ40-series from 1977 denoted the 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, which became the BJ42RV from 1980 to 1984.
Meanwhile, a squared-off frontal facelift marked the 1979 models, while front disc brakes and a radio arrived during 1980.
The FJ45 11-seat Troopcarriers were available from 1982 to 1984, powered by a 4.0-litre version of the perennial ‘six’.
