Description
The Land Cruiser truly is a go-anywhere, any-time vehicle. Land Cruisers first appeared on the market in the early 1950s, as tough, rugged and dependable vehicles, but ultimately they were basic tools. It wouldn’t be until the late 1960s that a station wagon variant would enter the market offering buyers more creature comforts and luxuries.
The 100 series launched to the public in January of 1998, continuing Toyota’s legendary reputation for dependable rugged capability, but now with added luxury thanks to a vastly improved interior on the previous generation, as well as an all-new 2UZ V8 engine, the first generation of Land Cruiser to benefit from 8-cylinder power. The 100 series would remain in production right the way to 2007, being facelifted a few times.
In the UK, the Land Cruiser was known as a Land Cruiser Amazon, which this car is. An original UK example, with just 1 family owner from new. Bought new in 2002 by the son of the current owner. The current owner bought it from his son after one month in 2002 and has owned the car since. On the exterior, you’ll not only find handsome good looks, but you’ll be able to appreciate the amazing condition. This is thanks to a recent bumper-to-bumper, renovation and repaint.
It wasn’t just painted though, both the front and rear bumpers were replaced with genuine new items, the drivers front and rear doors were replaced with new panels, as was the grille support panel, and every imaginable moulding, trim and clip were attended to, as shown by an invoice from Toyota for over £7, 000 in parts alone. The excellent exterior is complemented by a set of alloy wheels wrapped in a matching set of appropriately chunky rubber.
Step inside and you’ll be greeted by an original grey-leather interior, which is in excellent condition with just the most minor of wear on the drivers seat bolster. Sink into the extremely comfortable seats and you’ll be able to appreciate the steering wheel, dashboard and cluster which are all in excellent condition with minimal wear showing. It’s at this point you’ll notice that the Cruiser has covered just over 105, 000 miles meaning it has lived an incredibly pampered life.
In the boot, you’ll find two additional fold-down seats, making this an unequivocally practical machine, the grey carpeting is also in excellent shape, and the split tailgate offers the ideal camping chair or even kitchen counter for when you head out on an Amazonian adventure.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find the heart of the beast, a 4. 7L 2UZ-FE V8 engine, a near bulletproof unit that is a development of the engine that first appeared in the Lexus LS400. It provides plenty of torque and power to an automatic transmission that also has high and low range. The 100-series Land Cruiser is also fitted with independent front suspension and rack and pinion steering meaning that these models are far more capable on the road than any previous generation, whilst not compromising its off-road prowess.
The engine bay is in incredible condition, with no signs of leaks or damage, but also minimal corrosion with items like brake pipes presenting in an almost new condition. An impressive feat for a car nearly 25 years old.
It’s undeniable then, that thanks to its low mileage and recent renovation that this could be the best 100 series Land Cruiser available right now. A Land Cruiser though isn’t just a car, it’s a companion to adventure, it will take you anywhere, over any terrain, and thanks to the V8, that terrain includes London as this model is ULEZ compliant!
Unfortunately, all service records pre-2020 (including the service book) have been misplaced by the vendor. If they ever materialise, they will be sent to the new owner. This car will also come with a fresh MOT.
As with all our vehicles, a full digital folder is available on request containing more images, walk-around videos, and scans of the service history. The car can also be viewed by appointment at our West London showroom.
