Toyota LandCruiser 79 series 70th Anniversary First Drive
Toyota has a rich history of making serious and unbreakable vehicles, one of these machines is the famous 70 series. The latest special edition is the 70th-Anniversary model and we were able to drive this piece of history on a tough offroad course during its local media introduction.
Toughest of the tough
When one talks about rugged, tough, reliability, the first image that comes to mind is an old box-shaped Toyota vehicle. The LandCruiser series first made its appearance way back in the 50's making this one of Toyota's longest-running nameplates now into its 71st year. Beginning life as the BJ and FJ series, the 70 series really took off in the 80's and has remained relatively unchanged since then, a testament to the hardiness of the design and its mechanical engineering.
Related: Everything that you need to know about the Toyota Land Cruiser 79
Last year saw the introduction of the 70th-anniversary edition, a special hoorah to this everlasting gobstopper of a machine. Toyota SA brought a handful of these "kosblikkies" to the Magalies Valley so that we could rigorously put them to the test and as a surprise accompaniment, we got to sample the GX-R variant of the latest 300 series luxo-barge LandCruiser at the same time.
Anniversary Lunchbox
The 70 series gets its nickname of "kosblikkie" or lunchbox from being just as square, hard-edged, and utilitarian as grade-schoolers snack carrier. The no-nonsense approach to this machine means you get no frills and no hassles from a vehicle that is as tough as the people who own them. This particular special edition only gets a few garnishes to ensure they stick to the "nothing extra" mantra.
On the exterior, you get heritage-inspired logos on the mesh radiator grille and door sides, you find a few tastefully placed 70th-anniversary badges and a set of vehicle-specific tubular front and rear bumpers with step-sills in the rear and a winch preparation upfront. Outside of the rubberised bed liner, the exterior is devoid of anything else, and you can have it in any colour you want as long as it's Ivory White or Sand Beige!
The interior has also received a minuscule makeover with 70th anniversary branded floormats and some hardwearing branded seat covers in grey. The only piece of tech you'll find is a touchscreen audio system with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.
Keeping to the trend of minimalism, the Land Cruiser keeps luxuries and comfort nominal but it's not unbearable. the aircon blasts ice-cold air, the seats are firm but not uncomfortable and everything you could need falls right to hand.
The minimalism continues as there is one powertrain option available, a 4.5l V8 diesel mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox. This gives you 151kW and 430Nm that is transferred to the rear wheels, and when the going gets really tough you can engage the diff locks from inside the cab or choose to switch into 2 wheel high, 4 wheel high or simply go 4 low.
Truth be told there are no driver aids and no electronics here, just pure mechanical grunt and driver skill to navigate your way through offroad obstacles.
Models and Pricing
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 S/C 4.5D-4D LX V8 70th Anniversary R889,700
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 D/C 4.5D-4D LX V8 70th Anniversary R943,100
A 3 year / 100 000 km warranty is included and customers can purchase various service plan packages from their nearest Toyota dealer (220 outlets nationwide). Service intervals are every 12 months/ 10 000 km.
Usable luxury
Late last year Toyota introduced their new 300 series luxury models in the ZX and GR-S derivatives. We drove those on launch and had one on a test to boot. Unfortunately, the model that seems to appeal to most, hadn't arrived yet. The newly arrived GX-R model is the entry specification for this gargantuan offroader and features a few cost-saving fitments
The GX-R model forgoes a full leather interior and instead has plush velour seat coverings in your choice of black or beige. The big 20" wheels are replaced by a more sensible set of smaller wheels with more rubber. Much of the electronic wizardry has been removed along with the luxury fitment options but that does not dampen the GX-Rs enthusiasm offroad and it is still able to conquer a tricky offroad course.
Removal of many of the tech features greatly reduces the cost of the machine and makes getting into one a heck of a lot easier.
Model and Price
Land Cruiser 300 GX-R 3.3D R 1 283 200
Verdict
Toyota is proud of its heritage, even if that heritage is still the current norm for hardcore working machinery. The GX-R is sure to become the derivative of choice in the 300 series, being a more cost-effective version of the luxury offroader while the 70th anniversary 79 is only going to be available in limited quantities. If you want to get a piece of Toyotas history, a trip to your local dealership may be in order..... just don't forget your vellies!
