Toyota to Make New 40 Series Land Cruiser Parts
The Land Cruiser program follows successful efforts to support collectible vehicles like the 2000GT and Supra.
If you’re lucky enough to be the owner of a 40 Series Land Cruiser, prepare to get happy. Because Toyota has just announced it will be producing new parts for the beloved off-roader, which means the days of scouring the forums, swap meets, and eBay for NOS parts might just be over. At this point, the company has yet to release a comprehensive list of exactly which parts will be available, but we do know that running gear and exhausts are confirmed to be on the menu.
The heritage program will be run by the company’s Gazoo Racing wing, which has also provided new versions of hard-to-source bits for legendary cars like the iconic 2000 GT, along with the third- and fourth-generation Supra. Given that the 40 Series left production during the Reagan administration, and that rust proofing wasn’t exactly Japan’s forte during that era, I’d like to think we’ll see some bodywork and assorted trim bits available too. The big question, of course, is how reasonably priced they’ll be.
For example, over my years surfing automotive forums, I’ve heard lots about BMW Group Classic, and how that division of the company will provide replacement parts for virtually anything the Motoren Werke has ever produced. The advent of 3D printing has made that easier, of course, though I’ve heard it’s still ferociously expensive to source OEM parts for ancient German iron. But if you’re working on a restoration like that, something tells me that isn’t going to come as a surprise. And BMW is far from the only marque in the game.
At this point, it’s entirely possible to build an entirely new version of a classic like a Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, or Chevy Camaro completely out of a catalog, as Dynacorn has licensed the designs from the original manufacturers, and can provide sheetmetal that’s better quality than anything produced back in the day. Thanks to British Motor Heritage, even fans of the MGBs can get in on the fun, and I’ve always dreamed about building one of their GT shells from the ground up.
Personally, I don’t see Toyota going so deep as to start re-popping the entire Land Cruiser bodies — but I’d love to be surprised. More news on this cool new program when it becomes available.
Photos: Toyota