Toyota celebrates with LandCruiser 70th Anniversary

THE Toyota LandCruiser is turning 70 and to celebrate, the brand’s Australian arm is launching a special-edition 70 Series decked out with exclusive touches both on the exterior and within the cabin, for a starting price of $78,500 plus on-road costs.

Based on the range-topping GXL, the ‘70th Anniversary’ special-edition cars will be available in just three colours – French Vanilla, Merlot Red and Sandy Taupe – and limited to 600 units nationally when they arrive in local showrooms this September. 

That 600-unit allocation will consist of 320 double-cab utes (79 Series), 200 single-cabs and 80 wagons (76 Series), the former being the priciest at $82,600.

All versions carry a $7000 premium over their respective GXLs, however the extra cash nets buyers more than just a new paint colour; other unique touches include the black heritage grille with classic ‘Toyota’ block capitals, LED fog- and daytime running lights as well as a black finish for the bumper and wheelarches.

The ‘stealthy’ theme is continued by darkened 16-inch alloy wheels and black headlight bezels while a heritage ‘LandCruiser’ badge adorns the front wings.

Compared to the donor GXLs, the 70th Anniversary cars also add a number of unique equipment highlights, some of which have never before been offered on a 70 Series.

Among these are a leather steering wheel and gear knob, premium black upholstery, woodgrain-look trim and instrument panel, silver accents for the air vents and black door trim.

The centre console has also been redesigned, featuring two extra 2.1-amp Type A USB chargers and a pair of cupholders.

Other 70 Series GXL standard equipment features include a 6.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, hill-start assist, air-conditioning and a CD player.

Power and torque from the turbocharged 4.5-litre V8 diesel engine remain rated at 151kW/430Nm respectively while the familiar five-speed manual remains the only transmission choice.

All the usual off-road gear like low-range, locking front and rear differentials and the adventure-friendly 130-litre fuel tank is present too.

Toyota Australia sales, marketing and franchise operations vice president Sean Hanley said Australian customers had made LandCruiser the icon it is today, with 1.14 million having been sold locally.

“The 70th Anniversary special-edition is a tribute to the many LandCruisers that came before it, helping Australians navigate our harsh and rugged environment, whether that's through the desert, across the mountains or deep in the forest,” he said.

“The icing on the cake as we celebrate 70 years of LandCruiser will be the all-new 300 Series that we will launch later this year with the capability, performance and comfort to take Australians further than ever before.”

17,017 LandCruisers have been sold so far this year ending June 30 – not including the Prado (10,171) – 5229 more than over the same period last year.

2022 Toyota LandCruiser 70 70th Anniversary pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs