Toyota's legendary Land Cruiser just turned 70 — a historic milestone being celebrated in Australia with the release of special-edition versions of the rugged Land Cruiser 70 Series off-roader.
The platinum anniversary marks the 1951 Japanese debut of the Toyota BJ, which three years later was renamed Land Cruiser, a nameplate with more than 10 million vehicles sold worldwide.
In Australia, about P1.14 million LCs were sold, according to Toyota's arm in the continent.
Meanwhile, the standard 70 Series LC is a classic in itself, because since 1984, this generation has been in production and on sale in several markets, while receiving mechanical upgrades along the line.
The Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary is available in single-cab, double-cab and wagon variants, and only 600 examples of the model will be produced (320 double cabs, 200 single cabs, and 80 wagons). It's available in three colors: French Vanilla, Merlot Red, and Sandy Taupe.
Aside from its color choices, the Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary is made unique by its black "heritage" grille that bears the retro Toyota badge styled in capital letters. The grille matches the black front bumper and wheelarch flares.
The stealthy treatment continues with darkened 16-inch alloy wheels and headlamp bezels, while the front foglamps and daytime running lights have been upgraded to LED units.
Marking the anniversary is a "Heritage Land Cruiser" badge above the front wheelarch, as well as a "70th Anniversary" emblem.
Inside, the Land Cruiser 70th Anniversary features a number of premium options not previously offered on the 70 Series.
The seats are clad in premium black upholstery, while black leather-accented trim has also been applied to the steering wheel and gear shifter. A woodgrain-look trim in the instrument panel, silver accents for the air vents and black treatment for the switch trims on the doors, lend classiness to the interior.
A newly designed black center console has also been fitted, complete with two additional 2.1-amp Type A USB chargers and a pair of cupholders.
All LC 70th Anniversary trucks are powered by a 4.5-liter turbo-diesel V8, producing 202hp and 430Nm of pull, teamed to a five-speed manual transmission only.
As for running gear, all Land Cruiser 70 Series special-edition variants feature low-range gearing, a 3,500-kilogram towing capacity, front and rear differential locks, a raised air intake, and a 130-liter fuel capacity.
"The Land Cruiser nameplate has earned legendary status in Australia, with a decades-long track record of durability and reliability in the toughest conditions our country has to offer," Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said.
"The 70th Anniversary special-edition is a tribute to the many Land Cruisers that came before it... helping Australians navigate our harsh and rugged environment, whether that's through the desert, across the mountains or deep in the forest."
In place of the neo-classic 70 Series in the local Toyota lineup, are comfort-oriented LCs such as the 200 and Prado (below) and the funky FJ Cruiser.
Photos from Toyota Australia, Toyota Global
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