Six decades ago the world was recovering from a devastating war, and everybody was building four-wheel drive vehicles, from the American Jeep to the British Land Rover and Mercedes' extraordinary Unimog - and Toyota built the FJ40.
Fast-forward 60 years and Toyota has climbed on to the retro bandwagon with the FJ Cruiser, an unashamed tribute to that first off-roader, but with enough 21st-century attitude to give it some character of its own.
The FJ Cruiser, released in South Africa this week, borrows its straight mesh grille, single round headlights and straight cut, high-mounted bumper from its forebear.
The white roof pays tribute to the early FJs, as do the high-mounted air intake and upright windscreen - but the latter has no less than three short-throw windscreen wipers for when the going gets muddy.
Access, however, is unashamedly new-century, with large front doors concealing the handles for two rear-opening 'suicide doors' creating a huge opening in the side of the FJ for loading family and their playtoys, complete with integrated side steps and lots of grab handles.
Motivation is provided by a four-litre V6 petrol engine with variable valve timing, for which Toyota quotes 200kW at 5600rpm and 380Nm at 4400rpm, while burning 11.4 litres per 100km and emitting 267g/km of CO2.
That's delivered to the rear wheels - or all four - via a five-speed 'intelligent' autobox with flexible lock-up, which measures road conditions, power requirements and driver inputs to adjust gear selection and gear changes, and a transfer case offering 4x2, 4x4 high and 4x4 low ranges.
Suspension is by double wishbones in front and a four-link set-up with lateral rods at the back, with anti-roll bars at both ends and 17-inch rims, providing 245mm of ground clearance - which Toyota says is the best in the Land Cruiser range.
Short overhangs allow for an approach angle of 34 degrees, a break-over angle of 29 degrees and a departure angle of 30 degrees, and there are two heavy-duty hooks on the front bumper and one at the rear.
Our launch correspondent, Jesse Adams, was generally impressed with its off-road ability: “I tackled some seriously rocky climbs at the FJ's Gauteng launch this week, and couldn't manage to scrape its undercarriage as I passed over buttock clinching-sized boulders no matter how hard I tried.
“The turning circle is also remarkably good for those tight winding trails, but from the driver's seat it feels wide for some of SA's narrow gauge 4x4 paths.”
As for its on-road ability: “It's a comfortable vehicle for the road but, like the Hummer it's a little floaty at high speed so no sudden lane changes please,” says Jesse.
The FJ's utilitarian theme continues in the cabin, which intends to combine 'functional and funky', with a traditional, squared-off Land Cruiser dashboard, body-colour trim elements, round grab handles and old-fashioned side defrosters.
But 'functional' also means thick rubber flooring, breathable water-repellent upholstery with a urethane undercoat for easy cleaning and an anti-rattle mat in the front console.
Spec levels, however, are right up to date with eight-way adjustable front seats, CD/USB sound system, aircon, rear video camera and cruise control among other niceties.
The FJ Cruiser even has a special roof-mounted speaker that uses the roof lining as a membrane for real surround sound. Safety equipment includes six airbags, active front headrests and traction control.
Toyota is offering four variants starting at R435 500 for the 'Base Model' with black grille, fabric upholstery and silver front bumper section.
The limited-edition Sport Cruiser (R457 300) has special black paint and badges, extra chrome detailing throughout the exterior, as well as FJ-styled door scuff plates, full wheel cover on the back door and leather seats.
The Trail Cruiser will be available only in metallic grey for R451 700, which gets you a roof rack with integrated driving lamps, blacked hard spare wheel cover, tow bar, all weather carpet sets and Trail badges.
The Desert Cruiser at R450 000, in tan only, comes with driving lamps on a front nudge bar, all-weather carpets, rock rails, tow bar and special badges.
Each version comes a three-year or 100 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.