Toyota launches Land Cruiser 70th anniversary model

Toyota’s tough-as-nails 70-series Land Cruiser started life seven decades ago as the BJ that was intended for military use, and expanded into the civilian market in 1954 where it took on the Land Rover with its go-anywhere capability and ruggedness.

Built with a robust body-on-frame design, this long-running series of all-wheel drive Toyotas comprises the 76 Station Wagon, 78 Wagon and 79 bakkie.

To celebrate the vehicle’s platinum anniversary Toyota has released a 70th Anniversary edition of the 79 series single and double cabs. The package adds visual tweaks and a host of utility-improving features aimed at more hard-core Land Cruiser enthusiasts.

Unique 70-year emblems adorn the exterior and the durable cotton canvas seat covers, with the Toyota ellipse on the grille replaced by prominent Toyota lettering (as with the Hilux GR-S and Land Cruiser GR-S) for a distinctive look. The doors have a nostalgic Land Cruiser badge as a nod to the iconic 40-series built between 1960 and 1984.

The 70th Anniversary model is offered exclusively in Ivory White and Sand Beige.

The package also adds parts for when the going gets tough, including a heavy-duty front steel bumper, integrated winch preparation, and a tubular rear step bumper with a detachable tow bar.

As with the rest of the Land Cruiser 70-series range the Anniversary models have long-range fuel tanks (180l in the single cab and 130l in the double cab),

Though its styling is a throwback to a bygone era, the vehicle has mod cons including remote central locking, aircon, dual front airbags, ABS brakes, and a touchscreen audio system with navigation and Bluetooth.

Power is supplied by a 4.5l turbo diesel V8 with outputs of 151kW and 430Nm. Transmissions are five-speed manuals, with part-time four-wheel drive and a low range transfer case.

Pricing

Land Cruiser 79 S/C 4.5 Diesel V8 70th Edition — R889,700

Land Cruiser 79 D/C 4.5 Diesel V8 70th Edition — R943,100

Includes three-year/100,000km warranty, with service plan packages optionally available.