Shared by @grunty_diecast (Instagram)
This is an '81 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ45 Pickup. Part of the J40 series of Land Cruisers introduced in 1960, the FJ45 was a long wheelbase version of that series available in two- or three-door hardtop, two-door pickup and four-door station wagon versions. The FJ45 was introduced in 1963; the station wagon FJ45 was the shortest lived of all the J40 series, lasting only until 1967 when it was replaced by the FJ55. The J40s were also produced as the Bandeirante in Brazil and the Macho In Venezuela. Production ended in 1984 although it stretched until 2001 in Brazil.
Now this casting was designed by the late Ryu Asada and introduced in 2021 in the HW Hot Trucks series. This casting was not considered a New Model by Hot Wheels when originally introduced which indicates it was planned for another series; I however have no idea what series this casting was intended for although I have a suspicion it was intended for the Premium line. This casting has seen two releases: the above and a black Red Edition release.
Curiosity: this is the first Land Cruiser to enter the lineup since the original Jun Imai-designed FJ40 casting in 2010. I believe they couldn't use that because of a certain lawsuit.
