The Toyota Land Cruiser turned 70 at the weekend (on 1 August 2021) and, as if the launch of the new 300 wasn’t momentous enough to mark the platinum anniversary of the legendary off-roader, the Japanese marque is releasing special-edition versions of the 70-series pick-up, double cab and wagon.
The past 18 months have been a rather busy time for Toyota’s long-serving and famously conservative nameplate (the pauses between the introductions of updated models can often last several years!). Having released 2 batches of the Namib Edition of the 70 series (120 double cabs and 60 single cabs), Toyota SA rolled out Land Cruiser 200 and Land Cruiser Prado model-year updates, reintroduced the 78 Wagon and, last week, the Prospecton-based manufacturer announced specs & prices for the Land Cruiser 300 , which includes a maiden GR Sport derivative.
The 70th-Anniversary Land Cruiser is instantly recognisable by its black grille with white TOYOTA lettering.
Now, just to clear up any confusion… Toyota’s legendary off-road nameplate did not appear until 1954, but the firm has chosen to celebrate the platinum anniversary of the Japanese introduction of the Toyota BJ in 1951, because that model became (was renamed) Land Cruiser about 3 years after that. Since then the Land Cruiser has become ubiquitous to the point that its model name is virtually a vehicle brand in itself. It has been estimated that Toyota sells approximately 400 000 Land Cruisers per year in 170 different markets; Land Cruiser production passed the 10-million-unit mark in 2019.
To quote regular Cars.co.za contributor Lance Branquinho, who penned our Testing the Land Cruiser Legend in Angola article: “Land Cruiser customers are some of the most demanding owners imaginable: people who use their vehicles to run businesses and emergency services where there are none. For them, vehicle durability is sacrosanct and breakdowns, simply intolerable.
The first batch of Land Cruiser Namib Edition derivatives sold out in a matter of months.
“In an automotive world where brands are drowning in the technological anxiety of evolving customer expectations, Land Cruiser remains the outlier. Its range manages to hold true to the most fleeting marketing concept: authenticity. These are vehicles that sell strongly, (with respect) little marketing effort on the part of Toyota,” he concludes.
Only 600 examples of the special-edition 70th-Anniversary Land Cruiser will be produced and it will be available in 3 variants (320 double cabs, 200 single cabs and 80 wagons will be made) and with a choice of 3 exterior finishes: French Vanilla, Merlot Red and Sandy Taupe.
The 70th-Anniversary Land Cruiser can be distinguished by its black heritage grille with “Toyota” lettering, with a matching black front bumper and wheel-arch flares, darkened 16-inch alloy wheels and headlamp bezels, plus LED front fog lamps and daytime running lights. The special edition bears a “Heritage” Land Cruiser badge above the front wheel arches, as well as a “70th Anniversary” emblem.
The 70th-Anniversary Land Cruiser’s interior features woodgrain trim and a number of leather inserts.
Inside, the 70th-Anniversary Land Cruiser features a number of premium options “not previously offered on the Land Cruiser 70 Series”, Toyota says. The seats are finished in premium black upholstery, while black leather-accented trim has been applied to the steering-wheel rim and gear knob.
Furthermore, the special-edition derivative’s cabin has been enhanced with woodgrain-look trim (including around the HVAC controls on the centre fascia), silver accents on the air vents and black switch surrounds on the insides of the doors. A newly designed black centre console has also been fitted, replete with a pair of additional 2.1-amp Type A USB chargers and a pair of cupholders.
ICYMI: The Land Cruiser Legend – How we got to 300
All versions are powered by a 151 kW/430 Nm 4.5-litre turbodiesel V8 mated with a 5-speed manual transmission. Suffice to say all Land Cruiser 70 series special-edition variants feature low-range transfer cases, a 3 500-kg braked towing capacity, front and rear differential locks, a raised air intake and a 130-litre fuel tank.
Toyota South Africa Motors confirmed it will be releasing the 70th Special Edition model based on the 70 Series. While development is still under way, customers can register their interest at their nearest Toyota dealer. The model is expected to touch down in SA in the 4th quarter of 2021.
Related content:
Land Cruiser 300 (2021) Specs & Price
The Land Cruiser Legend – How we got to 300
