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It’s impossible to compare the latest Toyota Land Cruiser with the original J20s and J30s of the 1950s. While it started as a stripped-down, military vehicle, the Land Cruiser slowly evolved over the decades into the over-the-top luxury SUV we know it as today in America. Granted, it was a slow metamorphosis into the modern era — but the switch in from dedicated off-roader to a creature-comfort-crammed family hauler can be traced back to a specific model: the J60. And one such example of that generation is currently up for auction today on Bring a Trailer.
In the mid-’80s, Toyota was looking to capitalize on the growing SUV craze. The Land Cruiser needed modern touches to make it more desirable, so the J60 was the first Land Cruiser to get air conditioning, a rear heater, and a more plush interior as standard. Once Toyota added the new appointments and the Land Cruiser became more practical for everyday living, it opened up a whole new market; more people were able to experience the model’s famous bulletproof engineering along with the legendary off-road capabilities it had on tap.
To that point about reliability: This particular J60 is still ticking with more than 200,000 miles on the clock. A six-digit odometer figure like that will tend to keep the price down, but the legendary reliability means there’s likely plenty of life left here. Plus, with upgrades like the TrollHole carburetor conversion, Yakima roof rack and three-inch suspension lift to fit the aftermarket wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO tires, this affordable off-roader won’t mind a few more hard miles before its watch has ended.
As of this writing, the highest bid sits at $9,250 — but even if that were to double by the end of the day when the auction ends, it would still be cheaper than a brand-new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and only a fraction of the price of a new Land Cruiser. Consider this J60 your one-way ticket to an affordable vintage luxury experience.
