The LX 450 carries forward the desirable underpinnings of the venerable 80-Series Land Cruiser but interjects fabled Lexus refinement. It’s a winning combination, demonstrating that rugged backcountry capability and plush interior luxury need not exist in a vacuum. The 80 Series is widely considered a pinnacle overland platform, a sentiment explored by automotive expert Matt Scott in Why The Land Cruiser 80 Series Is The Next Classic 4WD. He states, “The 80 Series is the first Land Cruiser to be coil sprung at all four corners, and it’s downright plush in comparison to older models. This coil-spring suspension is also fantastic off-road. So, despite the 80 Series being more luxury-orientated, it’s the most-capable Land Cruiser out of the box.” The benefits don’t end there, as it’s far quieter inside than previous iterations, keeps up with modern traffic, seats up to seven passengers, and offers considerable cargo space. The chassis and drivetrain are more akin to a commercial truck than an SUV and, in all respects, are over-engineered for longevity. The model was embraced by the aftermarket, which means today, owners can extensively modify this vehicle to meet their needs. It’s a favorite for both domestic and international overland travel, as highlighted by the adventures of Michael Clark, Destined for Wild, and the Lallys Long Way Home. Cue today’s 1996 Lexus LX 450 (380,000 miles), which showcases a wealth of tasteful upgrades and is sold with a custom expedition trailer. This is not a show pony but rather a turnkey overland setup that has extensively toured North America and been meticulously maintained and rebuilt where necessary (reference the original listing PDF for full details).
From the Seller:
“We have been touring North America since 1998 and using our 80 Series since 2013. Since our trip up to the Arctic Ocean two summers ago via the Dempster, our retirement outlook has changed dramatically, and we have decided to sell our house, give away most of our ‘stuff’ (i.e., George Carlin), and travel full time while we are still young enough to do so. The Land Cruiser must go, along with all the kit, as we are currently building out an F-350 with a 4WD Grandby. From the Ozarks to Big Bend, Mogollon Rim, Mohave, Grand Staircase, Arizona Strip, PNW, and on up to the Arctic, the Land Cruiser has had only one mechanical failure. After an ice storm, we packed up, and I turned on the windshield wipers too soon. A quick tightening up of the nut fixed it. The LX 450 has basically been rebuilt minus the bottom end, the transmission, and the differentials. The engine runs strong, and the transmission is very healthy. It’s a southern vehicle that has never seen a salt-covered road here in Pennsylvania and has been garage-kept.”
1996 Lexus LX450
The LX 450 is fitted with a 4.5-liter motor that produces 212 horsepower, 275 pound-feet of torque, and returns a combined 13 mpg (impressive range provided by a Long Range America 25-gallon auxiliary fuel tank). A long-lived engine and drivetrain are mated with legendary capability thanks to a body-on-frame design, 4WD, high and low range, manual locking front hubs, armor, a winch, all-terrain tires, and center, rear, and front locking differentials. Inside, these rugged credentials are balanced with a well-equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- Cruise control
- Power steering, windows, locks, and mirrors
- Cupholders
- Air-conditioning
- Leather seats
- Center console
- Weathertech floor liners
- Kenwood stereo, upgraded speakers, and a Sound Ordinance subwoofer
Distinguishing Features
- Custom expedition trailer
- ARB refrigerator
- Freshwater (36 gallons)
- Shower system
- Thule Tepui Autana 3 rooftop tent with annex
- Mr. Heater Buddy
- Slee 1st-generation Short Bus bumpers
- Tire swing-away
- Superwinch Tiger Shark winch with synthetic line
- KC Hilites fog beam
- Duracell 100-amp-hour AGM battery, Slee dual battery tray and relocation kit, 1,200-watt inverter, Renogy 30 amp controller, and Cynergy 100-watt solar panel (and additional briefcase portable panel)
- Front Runner Slimline II roof rack with awning and Overland Vehicle Systems shower stall
- Old Man Emu suspension
- Slee Rocker protection sliders
- Custom drawer/storage system
This 1996 Lexus LX 450 (Land Cruiser) with a custom expedition trailer is listed for $25,000 and is currently located in Pennsylvania. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Email: rubicondon@me.com
