Description
For sale is this 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60, a classic 4x4 in great condition and perfect for someone looking for a reliable vintage off-roader. This Land Cruiser is currently registered as a Historic Vehicle in the UK, which means it is exempt from MOT and road tax – a fantastic perk of owning a classic. The vehicle is originally Australian and was imported to the UK in 2005. It has been dry-stored and regularly driven, including long trips such as journeys to Wales without any issues. Despite the 414, 999 miles on the chassis, it remains in excellent driving condition.
The 12HT turbo diesel engine is a standout feature – this period-correct engine has been completely rebuilt, with £18, 500 spent on the rebuild and installation. It has only 5, 000 miles since the rebuild, and it offers improved power and reliability compared to the original engine. During the rebuild, numerous components were replaced or overhauled, including the turbocharger, fuel system, and clutch. The engine runs smoothly, and the vehicle starts without issue. There is a slight puff of white smoke at startup, but this clears up quickly and does not affect performance. The 5-speed manual transmission conversion (done by the previous owner) makes highway cruising at 70-80mph a breeze, providing a much more modern driving experience.
The bodywork was last restored in 2015 with a respray, and the exterior is still in good shape, though it does show minor marks consistent with age. There are some areas of rust on the doors and along the roof rain sills, which will need attention at some point, but these are cosmetic and don't affect the car's roadworthiness. The underside and chassis are in great condition, well-protected with coatings that have preserved the vehicle’s integrity over the years.
The interior features the original safari tan upholstery, which is in fantastic condition for its age. The headliner shows a couple of small marks and holes, and the rear wheel arch carpet covers are missing, but the interior overall presents very well. An aftermarket radio is currently installed (with modest sound quality), and everything inside works as expected – including lights, gauges, and heating.
This Land Cruiser is a solid, well-maintained example of a true off-road icon. It’s ready to be enjoyed as is, or with a few future improvements (mainly addressing the minor rust areas) could make a fantastic restoration project or fully usable classic for long-distance driving. Why do I love this Land Cruiser? It's an absolute legend of a 4x4. I bought it because I was looking for a reliable classic that I could drive long distances without hesitation, and this Land Cruiser delivers that in spades. It's not just a showpiece – this vehicle gets used. I’ve taken it on long trips to Wales and back, comfortably cruising at 70-80mph, and it always performs without fault. The 12HT turbo diesel engine, rebuilt to the highest standards and with a significant investment of £18, 500, is powerful and efficient, and the driving experience is enhanced with the 5-speed transmission conversion, which really opens up the car for modern speeds.
What makes it unique is the balance of originality and upgrades. It's got all the classic Land Cruiser character – from the safari tan interior to the classic 4x4 stance – but with modern driving usability thanks to the engine rebuild and transmission conversion. I also love that it’s been kept relatively original, with only tasteful updates to make it more practical for everyday use. The fact that it is MOT exempt is also a huge bonus, and the vehicle comes with full documentation and receipts, proving its quality and the care that has gone into it over the years.
The safari tan interior is a real highlight for me, as it’s a rare feature and in great condition – just a few marks that are to be expected in a car of this age. It’s a true pleasure to drive and is a real head-turner wherever it goes. The way it feels to drive, with the sound of the engine humming away under the bonnet, is like no other. It's got that classic Toyota reliability that makes you feel confident taking it on long drives and exploring.
I’m selling this Land Cruiser because I’ve decided to move on to another project, but I know it’s going to make someone else extremely happy. If you're looking for a classic 4x4 that’s ready to drive and enjoy, or one that you can continue restoring, this HJ60 is an excellent choice. With its mechanical improvements, rare interior, and solid condition, it stands out in the crowd of classic Land Cruisers. Whether you plan to keep it as a reliable weekend warrior, take it on adventures, or just show it off at classic car meets, this Land Cruiser will certainly impress.
