For decades, the Toyota Land Cruiser quietly toiled away as the go-anywhere vehicle of choice. Land Cruiser is the trusty steed used by scientific researchers in Antarctica, nature preservationists in Africa, and miners 5,000 feet beneath the earth’s surface - opens in new window or tab. in Australia.
Its incredible off-road capability—combined with Toyota’s legendary durability—is why both the Red Cross and the UN have a fleet of Land Cruisers ready to be deployed around the globe for disaster relief efforts.
Climbing Terrain and Rising Values
Land Cruiser traces its roots to the 1950s and the US military. The outbreak of the Korean War prompted the Pentagon to commission a Jeep-like vehicle that could be quickly put to use in Asia. The resulting FJ40 gained a dedicated following among outdoor and off-road enthusiasts.
1984 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
As with any work vehicle, conditions and values are all over the map. But these days, the best examples—those professionally restored to original spec—routinely trade for over $100,000. The highest recorded sale was a restomod by the FJ Company for $270,000.
Collectors wanting a Land Cruiser should consider the 40-series’ successors, the 60- and 80-series Land Cruisers. Not only is the entry price lower, but newer models are more civilized without losing the robust nature of the original.
Rugged, Roomy, Repairable: The FJ60
1985 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60
The 60-series sold in the US from 1981 to 1990. This generation is split into two types: the early FJ60 and the later FJ62. Both are long-wheelbase four-door wagons with a familiar SUV profile. They have more usable room than the FJ40. Of course, all Land Cruisers use body-on-ladder frame construction with low-range gearing.
The FJ60 came with Toyota’s 4.2-liter straight-six-cylinder engine with 135 horsepower and 210 pound-feet of torque. While excellent for off-road duty, you shouldn’t expect it to drive like a modern car. The only transmission option is a four-speed manual, so acceleration is modest.
Safe highway driving speed maxes out at about 65 to 70 mph. However, because the engine is carbureted, it’s the last Land Cruiser you can repair on the go with simple hand tools.
Fuel Injection Makes the FJ62 An Improved Highway Cruiser
1988 Toyota Land Cruiser F62.
If you’re willing to sacrifice some off-grid capability for comfort, the FJ62 is a good alternative. In 1988, Toyota updated the 60-series with these features:
- A new front end featuring square headlights
- Fuel-injected 4.0-liter inline six good for 155 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque
- Four-speed automatic transmission, better geared for highway driving
- Amenities like power windows and locks.
Despite these pluses, a true survivalist might opt for the FJ60. After all, an automatic transmission cannot be bump started.
Hardcore Offroad Meets Hardcore Lux with the 80-Series
In 1991, the Land Cruiser 80-series arrived with a complete redesign. Toyota wanted to bring its utilitarian roots into the age of the contemporary SUV. Gone were the 60-series’ chrome bumpers , replaced with a rounded profile and the body-contoured bumpers of the 1990s.
The cabin was roomier and filled with amenities. The 80-series was so luxurious that a version of it debuted as the first Lexus LX. Don’t be fooled, though. The 80-series still had serious chops, with a solid front axle and optional triple locking differentials for hard-core off-roading.
Many consider the 80-series the ultimate Land Cruiser. It’s modern enough to drive in high-speed traffic while retaining the elements that make it a four-wheeling beast.
Among the 80-series, the ones to look for are 1993 to 1997 examples with the 4.5-liter straight six, making 212 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The 1997 model year offered two limited-production models that are the ultimate collectibles: the 40th Anniversary Edition and a Collectors Edition. In particular, Toyota offered the 40th Anniversary Edition in an exclusive Antique Sage color that set it apart from regular 80-series. Expect to pay double for examples equipped with the trio of locking differentials.
Enthusiasts Not Flocking To Later Models Yet
After the 80, Land Cruisers went to an independent front suspension design that was more comfortable on the pavement. While still eminently capable, they lacked the cachet of its predecessors.
Prices for 60- and 80-series have doubled in the past few years, but don’t let that stop you from investing. Given the market value of FJ40s, there’s still a lot of room to expand.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.