Page 64 - Motor Trend (February 2020)
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FJ55
hardtop model, bouncing your head off the overtaxed engine, same four-speed manual
ceiling is especially unpleasant. and low-range transfer case, same axles,
Although Toyota would continue to suspension, and brakes. It still has the
sell the 40 series from its introduction in same 8.3 inches of ground clearance, too—
1960 through 2001, the company quickly though being 29.6 inches longer with a big
realized a demand in markets like the rear overhang impinges on its off-road
U.S. for a wagon body with four doors and capability somewhat. This becomes clear
traditional rear seats. After four years on when I pinch closed its long tailpipe drop-
the market, the short-lived wagon variant ping the rear wheels into a deep rut.
of the long-wheelbase FJ45 was replaced Despite the stretch and the reinforce-
by the less trucklike FJ55 in 1967. The so- ment, the FJ55 only weighs in 250 or so
ugly-it’s-cute nose earned it the nickname pounds more than the 40, so there’s little
Iron Pig, which only adds to its charm. penalty in acceleration and drivability. It’s
This two-tone Pig I’m driving is a ’77. still painfully slow by modern standards
The frame’s been boxed and stretched 16.3 and hates hills and elevation, but even
inches, but otherwise this proto-SUV is with considerably tighter steering than the
mechanically identical to the FJ40. Same 40, it’s still not a vehicle you hurry around
64 MOTORTREND.COM FEBRUARY 2020
