[It should be noted that this vehicle has been subject to several cosmetic upgrades since the time of the photoshoot]

• Full respray recently undertaken 

• Extensive welding work completed 

• Iconic diesel engine famed for its reliability 

• Brilliant off road capability

As the old adage goes, “if you want to go somewhere, take a land rover, if you want to get back, take a land cruiser”. Toyota’s legendary offroaders have an unsullied reputation for both incredible off road capability and mechanical longevity, perhaps something less commonly associated with its European counterparts! 

A 1984 model, this HJ60 (the “HJ” designating this as a diesel model) is an early example of the more refined Land Cruisers we have come to know, naturally not compromising on ruggedness or capability in the slightest, the “60 series” Land Cruisers very much revolutionised the model with its sights set on the emerging SUV market, the 60 boasted greatly improved comfort and amenities, and importantly, the option of a somewhat legendary diesel engine, now famed the world over for its ability to rake up the miles and remain strong. 

Having recently undergone extensive bodywork and welding, alongside a full respray, this land cruiser is an ideal summer project for someone who wishes to own a truly iconic 4x4 with the hard graft already done. A lack of space and multiple other projects on the go for the current owner means that this HJ60 needs a loving owner to finish off that final piece of the puzzle and enjoy for many years, and many miles, to come. 

• Bought by a Toyota collector who began full restoration on the truck, rectifying any bodywork or rust issues and commissioning a full respray back to its original red, as had previously been painted blue

• Correct v5 registration document present

• First registered 01/08/1984

• Just over a year away from Tax, MOT and ULEZ exemption due to historic status

• Highly original interior 

• Good quality plastics 

• Incredibly comfortable seats

• Perfect candidate for light restoration 

The 60 series ushered in a new era for Toyota and the Land Cruiser, and much of that came down to the interior. Gone were the days of a bare bones cabin lacking in just about anything in the way of luxury, now the Land Cruiser sported an upgraded interior with vastly improved creature comforts, most notably on the list of improvements, better climate controls and the addition of air conditioning.

The cabin we find here is where the remaining work will be required for the new owner. While the dash panel, steering wheel and gauge cluster present in good order with clean grey plastics, the Land Cruiser will ideally benefit from replacement carpeting and a new headliner to really finish the vehicle off. 

Front and rear, we find great comfortable seats, however the drivers seat upholstery hasn’t borne the test of time as well as the other four and as a result, does present with some ripping and damage. At the sides sit four great door panels, the materials and switchgear on which are in great order and exhibit very little in the way of wear. 

Opening the excellent split tailgate at the rear, we are introduced to a vast storage area, within which is a collection of spare parts and external bodywork upgrades for the Land Cruiser, many of which have been fitted or are in the process of being fitted since the time of the vehicle’s photoshoot. 

• Fresh respray from blue back to red 

• Brilliant rugged styling 
• Largely original condition

When it comes to styling, there is something to be said for simplicity. Toyota’s willingness not to overcomplicate things in terms of design really paid dividends as the 60 series is arguably one of the finest looking 4x4s of the era. 

This example further benefits from a fresh respray in a brilliant red hue as the Toyota had been painted blue by a previous owner. Paired with fresh black trim pieces, the Land Cruiser looks absolutely marvellous from the outside. The paintwork itself exudes a brilliant shine from nearly every angle, and the aforementioned black trim pieces, most notably the headlight surrounds and front grille detail the truck off perfectly. 

At the front we are presented with a replacement Land Cruiser bumper, having just been fitted after arrival from the USA. At the time of the photoshoot, the truck did not have a rear bumper, but this has since arrived and been fitted to the vehicle. 

Off road tyres and wheels are the order of the day, and at all four corners sit smart wheels and all terrain tyres, which present in good condition. 

• Excellent 2H diesel engine 

• Extensive welding to rectify rust 

• Solid chassis and underside 

It wasn't just the exterior that was treated to extensive restoration work under its current ownership. Underneath the Land Cruiser was given a full going over as well, with a series of rust repairs and welding being undertaken to maximise the solidity of the truck before a coat of protective underseal was sprayed on to protect for years to come. 

Under the bonnet however, is where the real gem of the Land Cruiser lies. The impeccable 2H Toyota diesel engine, famed for hitting 6 figure mileages, the 3980cc 6 cylinder is in great order and starts with ease at the turn of the key. The current owner, an avid Land Cruiser enthusiast, reports an excellent drive from the truck.

As Land Cruisers go, this is certainly one of the more exciting ones on the market at present. With a full respray, a solid chassis and a horde of welding and bodywork under its belt, this beautiful HJ60 needs very little to be enjoyed. Just a loving owner and a minor interior restoration will see this as one of the finest Land Cruisers on the road.