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We all know and love the Land Cruiser–big, rugged, and built to run for ages, it’s been one of Toyota‘s most successful vehicles ever created. The nameplate’s notoriety as one of the premier off-road machines has been spread all over the globe for more than 60 years. Even here in the United States, the fascination and passion for the SUV has made huge impacts on men such as ICON founder Jonathan Ward, Slee Off Road founder Christo Slee, and the late, great Marv Spector, a larger-than-life figure here in Southern California.
Photos: Toyota Global Newsroom
Just recently, Toyota made an announcement that shook the ground in the off-road community: For about one year, the Japanese automaker will reproduce the 70 Series Land Cruiser, complete with a smorgasbord of upgrades and enhancements that brings the design into the 21st century.
The news came in conjunction with the 30th Anniversary of the 70 Series, which originally had a production run from 1984 to 2004.
Two body styles will be made available–Van and Pickup. The latter of these is actually a new style never before offered, and as a double-cab should prove quite popular and potentially collectible as the years go by. Both styles will feature ladder-frame construction, keeping with the expectations for durability and toughness that the Land Cruiser has long represented. Meanwhile, the interior of the 70 Series will sport options that modern-day buyers can enjoy–items such as electronic mirrors, T-Connect telematics system, and more.
The pickup and van models, their available color options, and entry/breakover/departure angles.
The 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 engine rests well inside the engine bay, and commands 254 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque; a stout amount for the two-ton-plus 70 Series, and one that’s already seen extensive use in the late-model 120 Series. Despite all of this good news, however, there is one issue that we must address: the re-released 70 Series will only be sold in Japan.
The interior of the revamped 70 Series, as well as its 4.0L V6 1GR-FE powerplant.
It’s a cruel trick to play on the rest of us living beyond the land of the rising sun, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to take it lying down. Petitions and support groups might help, but there’s always the choice of heading for Nippon on a round-trip ticket and buying one for yourself (around $34,600). There has to be a way to import it, right?
What would you do? Pop down below and tell us what you think in the Comments section.
