Toyota 40 series cars posted the largest number of enteries in the Dakar during the 1979-1985 period mainly driven by private French teams. While there apparently was always an FJ in the top ten during this time, there was only one podium and only two stage victories both on successive stages in 1985. Stage 13 was dominated by the BOSTEELS / VANELSLANDE - TOYOTA FJ 45 n?457 while Stage 14 went to the </SPAN>FOUGEROUSE/JACQUEMAR TOYOTA</SPAN> FJ60 which ultimately took 3rd overall. Apparently, these remain Toyota's only two stage victories at the Dakar, and it seems it would be another 27 years until another Toyota would make the Dakar podium again (De Villiers-Hilux 2012!?). Interestingly, this was also the first year that Mitsubishi Pajeros scored a win with a 1st and 2nd and some memorable pics of two Pajeros and two FJ60s at the finish line.....
St?phane BOSTEELS Dakar Enteries:
1979:Co.,CITRO?N GS</SPAN>
1981 : CITRO?N AM SER</SPAN>
1982 : TOYOTA HJ (DNF) </SPAN>
1982 : TOYOTA HJ 45 (DNF) </SPAN>
1983 : TOYOTA HJ 45 (DNF) </SPAN>
1984 : TOYOTA FJ 45 (64th Overall) </SPAN>
1985 : TOYOTA FJ 45 (Stage 13 victory, 9[SUP]th[/SUP] overall,) </SPAN></SPAN></SPAN>
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Pierre FOUGEROUSE Dakar Enteries:
1979 : TOYOTA BJ 40/45</SPAN>
1982 : TOYOTA CELICA PROTO</SPAN>
1983 : TOYOTA FJ 40/45</SPAN>
1984 : TOYOTA FJ 60(10th overall)</SPAN>
1985 : TOYOTA FJ 60 (3[SUP]rd</SPAN>[/SUP] overall, Stage 14 victory)
I do believe that given today's economic conditions, in Pakistan if a vintage/pre 1986 category was to be introduced on the rally scene it would really bring in a significant number of new participants and add some fresh interest to the game ... but then that just may be a nostalgic old man dreaming
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