>In stark contrast, the Toyota Land Cruiser is rather out of place in
>  America.  Until recently, it's utilitarian nature guaranteed it
>  right-lane-only status on the Foothill Freeway.  Now days, it's
>  "Americanized" with a V-8 and Independent Front Suspension - but that's
>only
>  the North American models.

Not at all. The V8-engined models (some with Lexus badges) are
marketed everywhere for those who can pay for them.

Luxury versions of the Wagon were available as early as 1982,
possibly earlier. I know someone with a 1984 turbodiesel 4.2wiuth
full electrics etc. It'a quiet, unlike my workplace's basic I4-diesel
1982 Wagon (same body). Both are used imports from Japan. Tanks,
these cars.

>The rest of the world - including the UN,
>  continues to receive vehicles more at home traveling across a rutted 2
>track at 25 kph than on a 100 kph roadway.

Beam-axle versions are still available everywhere (except perhaps for
the US) for those who want to go really bushwhacking and not trash an
upmarket interior. But SWB bare-bones versions? Never seen a recent
one.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut