1993 Toyota FZJ80 Landcruiser GXL Station Wagon

Description

An iconic name in the history of off-road vehicles, Toyota's Land Cruiser evolved from a vehicle designed to fulfil an order by the US military during the Korean War in 1951.  The first civilian version, the 20 series, gave way to the classic 40 in 1960, with numerous improvements designed to give the Land Cruiser broader appeal and more versatility.  Sold with unbreakable four-cylinder diesel or six-cylinder petrol engines, the Landcruiser proved hugely popular in the United States and many other export markets, including Australia where the model was first seen being used in the Snowy Mountains Scheme.  Variants included the short-wheelbase J40, mid-size J43 and long-wheelbase J45 and by the 1970s the Land Cruiser was considered a serious contender to the likes of Land Rover in the off-road stakes.  Toyota had introduced the 60 series in 1980, retaining the rugged off-road characteristics of previous Land Cruisers but was better equipped to compete in the emerging SUV market.  A four-door wagon capable of seating five to eight people, the 60 series featured creature comforts like air conditioning, a rear heater and an upgraded interior.  The long-running 80 series unveiled at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show saw further advances, including anti-lock brakes, a new range of 4.2-litre diesel engines and – from 1993 onwards – a powerful new 24-valve 4.5-litre petrol motor dubbed the 1FZ-FE.  Mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, the motor was rated at 212 horsepower and 275 lb/ft of torque, affording the Landcruiser with plenty of performance, both on tarmac and off road.  The 80 series Landcruiser has earned a reputation as one of the best 4WD vehicles ever made and excellent examples like the example offered here are always in demand.