Stock Number: 4321

The Toyota 70 series isn't considered a modern SUV, and that's why people love them. Now sold as tall, unibody sedans, the traditional body on frame ute is going the way of the Dodo bird. This 1992 HZJ73 Land Cruiser is offered with only 115K verified miles and features a rugged 1HZ diesel engine, 4WD, and a rare Fiberglass top option. Finished in Toyota's Bluish Gray Metallic (183), the body is in good shape other than a few scuffs and dings associated with normal use, and a dent on the chrome rear bumper. Current on its maintenance schedule, the aggressive all-terrain tires, electronic HUB lock, and selective transfer case make this a formidable off-road vehicle that can withstand the rigors of daily driving as well.

The interior of the 70 is busier than you might have expected, and by the 1990s, Toyota had updated the interior with some handy powered options and amenities. Power windows and locks function as they should, and an adjustable steering column and manual climate control ensure the driver remains comfortable. If A/C isn't your style, OEM rain guards make driving with the windows down much more civil and allow for decent ventilation. The gray-colored dash is in good condition. It is devoid of any cracks or distortion and features a wood grain applique to dress up the cabin a bit. An altimeter and thermometer sit atop the dash to keep update on the conditions outside the truck, and a stopwatch and digital clock seem too new to be standard equipment, but they are! A Kenwood head unit pumps the tunes through a speaker system that extends from the front of the car to the rear barn doors. The seats, which are made of a blue/gray thatched cloth are soft to the touch. Besides a small tear in the driver's side bolster and a minuscule hole in the rear bench, they are in good nick. Over long drives, they remain comfortable and feel soft to the touch. The matching door cards are held tightly to the doors and are clean, and the headliner is properly upholstered to the roof. Some of the interior plastics have accelerated wear and scratches including the driver's B pillar, glove box, and center console.

The underpinnings of the platform are about as robust and reliable as it gets. Toyota optioned the 70 with several powerplants, but very few are as smooth as the 1HZ. Although it wasn't turbocharged from the factory, the diesel provides enough get up and go to get up to highway speeds safely. Aided by two new 12V batteries, the 4163cc straight-six starts up every time and settles into a near vibration-free idle. Benefitting from a fresh oil and filter service, the 70 requires no scheduled maintenance for another three thousand miles. Power is sent through an automatic transmission to both axles, and when the going gets tough, the driver can utilize a selective transfer case for better gearing. Mounted on the dash, an electronic HUB-lock system is standard equipment if you encounter some sand or snow that requires some extra grip. The suspension handles large bumps without complaint and is surprisingly civil on the tarmac. Aftermarket, multi-piece alloys all come with oversized Falken rubber, mounted at all four corners. The brakes adequately stop this two-door down to safe speeds, and the power steering is light and allows stress-free articulation.

This overland icon is a classic for a reason, and the increasing prices these models command are proof positive of that. Rugged mechanicals, Toyota reliability, and overall design simplicity make this a bonafide Japanese Classic and a pleasure to own.

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB complaint first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.