Toyota’s classic Land Cruiser 70 gets re-released … but only in Japan

By Stephen Edelstein Published September 2, 2014

It’s not unusual for carmakers to celebrate the anniversary of a significant model, but it is unusual for one to do that by putting that model back into production.

The Toyota Land Cruiser 70 turns 30 this year, and you will be able to buy one again, but only if you live in Japan, and only for one year.

Introduced in 1984, the Land Cruiser 70 has little in common with today’s behemoth SUV besides a name and a boxy silhouette. Yet like many vehicles from the simpler past, it’s attracted a cult following.

Toyota ceased production in 2004, but it will re-introduce this classic vehicle as if the assembly lines halted yesterday. Other than an updated front fascia and a few interior changes, the Land Cruiser 70 is virtually unchanged.

The reincarnated SUV will be offered as a four-door wagon (or van, as Toyota calls it) and a crew cab pickup truck.

Related: Biodiesel-powered Toyota Land Cruiser takes on Dakar

Both versions feature old-school part-time four-wheel drive with an available electric-locking differential, and a 4.0-liter V6 good for 228 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque.

Prices start at approximately $34,615 for the van, and $33,655 for the pickup. Like your favorite re-released album, they’ll only be available in limited quantities. Toyota plans to build just 200 units – at a rate of 70 per month – over the next year.

Finding a used Land Cruiser 70 online is probably more sensible than planning a trip to Japan, but walking into a dealership and buying an essentially new 1984 vehicle does sound pretty cool.

Now if only Toyota would do the same with the Mark IV Supra.

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Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

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