Classic Land Cruiser 70 returns to the Japanese market, after a ten-year absence, in commemoration of its 30th anniversaryToyota has celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Land Cruiser 70 series in Japan by re-releasing an updated version of the original.
Originally launched in 1984, the Land Cruiser 70 quickly proved popular thanks to its heavy-duty construction and sheer longevity.
Sales in Japan drew to a close in 2004 but, due to continued requests to return it to the market, Toyota has brought back the Land Cruiser 70 in Japan for around a year.
For the first time in Japan a double-cab pickup variant will be offered, alongside the conventional four-door 'van' version. Many classic features are retained, such as the ladder-frame chassis, but both the interior and exterior have been lightly modernised.
Under the Land Cruiser's bonnet is a 4.0-litre '1GR-FE' V6, found in the current generation of Land Cruiser. It produces 228bhp and 266lb ft, and is claimed to average 13mpg.
Power is transmitted to the wheels via a five-speed manual transmission and primarily to the rear wheels, although a part-time four-wheel-drive system allows for additional traction on looser surfaces. An optional limited-slip differential is also available.
The manufacturer expects around 200 orders a month for the planned year of sales. Prices for the 'new' Land Cruiser start at 3.6m yen, equivalent to approximately £21k.
Toyota has also revealed two special-edition versions of the current generation of Land Cruiser, which will be offered in Japan.
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