With powerful engine options & a strong towing capacity, the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is an outstanding truck model.

The iconic Toyota Land Cruiser is undeniably a truly legendary off-road vehicle. Launched in 1951, the model has gone on to be a sales success, and sold the world over. Owners value the Land Cruiser's go anywhere ability, supporting them in the lives they lead. From inhospitable deserts, to rocky tracks and snow covered passes, the Land Cruiser can conquer them all.

What started off as a single vehicle back in the 1950s, has now developed into a comprehensive line-up. There truly is a Land Cruiser for every user. The 70 Series was released in 1984, and has since become known for being a hardcore and dependable vehicle. The Land Cruiser has never been a particularly big seller in the United States, and the 70 Series was never even sold domestically. After 60 years, the Land Cruiser has now been discontinued entirely in this market, with 2021 being the last model year. Here are 10 things you didn't know about the Land Cruiser 70 Series.

Related: Why It Doesn’t Make Sense For Toyota To Launch The 2023 Land Cruiser LC300 In America

The iconic Land Cruiser 40 Series enjoyed an impressive 24-year production run. This third generation model sported a thorough redesign, and was almost unrecognizable from earlier generation cars. One of the most identifiable features of the 40 Series, was a new lozenge shaped bezel surrounding the front grille and the headlights. Other changes included chunkier wheel arches and wing mounted indicators.

Following the end of production, there was a 5-year wait before Toyota unveiled its successor, the 70 Series. This all-new model was unveiled in 1984, and available in a number of wheelbase variants.

With the introduction of the 70 Series, Toyota hoped to open the Land Cruiser up to a wider market. The Land Cruiser had earned an enviable reputation for being one of the best utility workhorses money could buy. While, the new model remained true to this utility focussed past, Toyota decided to offer the 70 Series in two different forms.

A "Heavy Duty" version, continued to offer the strong and robust characteristics associated with the model. This version utilized a traditional leaf sprung suspension system, known to perform off-road. Additionally, a consumer focussed "Light Duty" version was launched. The vehicle utilized an alternative coil spring suspension setup, helping to soak up the bumps,

Related: Why Now Is A Great Time To Buy The Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser

Early examples of the Land Crusier 70 Series now considered desirable collectors cars. Consequently, if you wish to get your hands on one, you will have to part with serious cash. Despite never being sold domestically in the United States, it still remains possible to get hold of a classic.

According to "Classic.com", the market benchmark value of the model is $26,666. This average value covers all versions of the 70 Series, stretching from 1984-2021. Early examples command the highest price tag. This 1985 model with 28,000 miles on the clock sold for $26,500 in 2022. A slightly newer 1987 model configured as a troop carrier, fetched an impressive $66,000 when the hammer fell in 2021.

The original Land cruiser shares many things in common with the Willys Jeep. Both vehicles were developed to serve a military function. The Imperial Japanese Army had approached Toyota to build a vehicle very similar to the Willys MB Jeep. The vehicle created was known as the AK10, and was kitted out with a 2.3 liter, four-cylinder engine.

During the Korean War, the American military desired a light utility vehicle. To fulfill the need, an initial order of 100 units was placed with Toyota. A prototype known as the Jeep BJ was created. Following an impressive test, the Japanese National Police Agency also placed an order, and subsequently made the Jeep BJ their official patrol car. The "Land Cruiser" name was not formally given until 1954, when a competitor stopped using the name.

Related: Here's Why The 2023 Nissan Armada Is The Best Alternative To The Toyota Land Cruiser

While the majority of Land Cruisers have been sold with a solid roof, other options do exist. Early short and mid-wheelbase versions known as the FJ/BJ70 and FJ/BJ 73 were available with a removable fiberglass roof section. This was in addition to the regular two door wagon.

Known as the "FRP", users had the ability to open their car up to the elements, adding increased practicality. Longer wheelbase versions were available as a pickup truck, and this option remained even in recent model years.

Over the years, many engines have been fitted to variants of the 70 Series. Both gas and diesel options have been available, giving buyers a good degree of choice.

The "Light Duty" version was available exclusively with a four-cylinder unit under the hood. "Heavy Duty" models, as the name suggests, required a good level of power for utility purposes. To this end, an inline 5-cylinder diesel, a V6 gas, and even a turbocharged V8 diesel have all been available to select.

The 70 Series is now rapidly approaching its 40th birthday. In many regards, the vehicle has remained true to its original form. However, safety is one area that has seen development over the years. In 2009, the all-important driver and front passenger airbags were made available. Meanwhile, 2012 saw the introduction of anti-lock brakes,

In order to comply with legislation and remain on sale in Australia, the 70 Series is now classified as a "Medium Goods Vehicle". The change enables the model to avoid the more stringent legislation applied to passenger vehicle.

Prior to the launch of the 70 Series, Toyota identified a market was opening up for "lifestyle" 4x4s. The Land Rover Range Rover had proven the market, and if Toyota wished to compete, a more road friendly variant would be required. In order to cater to the demand, a "Light Duty" variant was created.

The model was far more comfortable and consumer focused. A coil-sprung suspension system afforded passengers a far more comfortable ride, and improved driving characteristics. The car was more like a modern SUV, than a utility vehicle. Toyota tuned the vehicle primarily for users in the European market.

The rugged 70 Series is surely one of the toughest and most hardcore off-roaders you can buy. It not really a vehicle you baby, the opposite of a garage queen. Consequently, we generally associate it with the popular shades of white and sandy brown it is often purchased in.

You may not even realize, there are actually a number of other colors on offer. Should you desire it, Merlot Red, Graphite and even Midnight Blue are also on offer. Select any of these, and unsightly scuffs and scratches may be more visible than on one of the more popular light colors.

Australia has always been a big buyer of the Toyota Land Cruiser. With the vast outback at its heart, drivers need a capable and dependable vehicle. Consequently, it is of little surprise the Land Cruiser has been a top choice.

The arid Outback is home to many remote farms, as well as numerous mines. Workers need to move between the various sites of these operations, and literally put their lives in their vehicles hands. 10.6% of all Land Cruisers ever built, have been bought by Australians.

Benjamin has always had an interest in all things automotive. He is a keen follower of Formula One, and is particularly enjoying watching the rise of George Russell and Lando Norris. He is most knowledgeable about modern cars, but is learning more and more about classics. Currently based just North of London.