The 80 Series Land Cruiser is a 4WD icon and a coveted platform for travel with inspiring international trips documented by Dirt Sunrise, Michael Clark, and Destined for Wild. It’s a pinnacle overland vehicle and from the factory is well appointed for around the world exploration. It’s for these reasons and more that automotive expert, Overland Journal podcast host, and Expedition Portal contributor Matt Scott believes 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-sprung suspension is also fantastic off-road. So despite the 80 Series being more luxury-oriented, it’s the most-capable Land Cruiser out of the box,” continuing, “They’re quiet inside thanks to modern design, with plenty of room to store gear, and can also carry up to seven people.” Further still, it boasts a range of powerful fuel-injected motors, excellent aftermarket support, optional triple lockers, and was intentionally overbuilt to ensure longevity and reliability. In summary the 80 Series boasts all the classic charisma without the vintage car inconveniences and provides capability that’s on par with the latest hardcore 4WDs. Cue today’s RHD 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ81 (153,000 miles), which boasts the desirable turbo diesel motor and extensive modifications. This is without doubt one of the most dialled 80 Series we’ve showcased and has been meticulously upgraded from the ground up. The seller has painstakingly addressed almost every factory issue and built redundancy into all essential systems for complete peace of mind. I recommend referring to the original listing, where the seller itemizes approximately $50,000 spent on upgrades.
From the Seller:
“A 1991 Land Cruiser HDJ81, which was imported from Japan and is registered/titled in California. I bought this 80 Series stock 8 years ago from a Japanese vehicle import company and have been upgrading and driving it ever since. Selling because I own three Toyota Land Cruisers and don’t have enough time for them all. The modifications make this truck a ton of fun to drive. In my previous gas-powered Toyota Land Cruisers, there was always a feeling that the truck was under-powered. By comparison, this truck, even when fully lifted and loaded, has more than enough power at all times. I am asking $37,500 for the truck. I would estimate that including the cost of the truck ($20,000) I have over $70,000 invested in this vehicle, not including most of the labor.”
1991 Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ81
The Land Cruiser is fitted with a 4.2-liter turbo-diesel that in stock form produces 168 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque (today’s motor has over $10,000 invested in upgrades). An exceptionally long lived engine is mated with legendary capability thanks to a body on frame architecture, 4WD, high and low range, front, center, and rear locking differentials, armor, and snorkel. Inside these rugged backcountry attributes are balanced with a well equipped interior with driver comforts that include:
- Air conditioning
- Keyless entry
- Powered, heated, and cooled Recaro orthopaedic seats
- Upgraded head unit and speakers
- Keyless entry
- Cruise control upgraded to GPS unit
- Land Cruiser Grills for 6 inch Hella headlights and upgraded LED brake lights
- Center console with cooler
- Auxilarly switches for lighting
- Altimeter and compass
- Dakota Digital GPS speed sensor and dash display
Distinguishing Features
The build specifications are extensive please see the original listing for full details. Below is a selection of notable highlights:
- Slee 4 inch lift kit with billet aluminium front control arms and Old Man Emu springs and shocks
- Custom black steel wheels with Toyo Open Country tires (regeared for 35 inch tires)
- Slee front bumper with Warn wireless winch with synthetic line and rear bumper with dual swing aways, 15 gallons of water, spare tire, Maxtrax, and Hi-Lift jack
- Moonlight Fabrications custom snorkel
- Slee Tow Hitch
- Rhino roof rack with auxiliary lighting
- LED driving, ditch, camp, and interior lights
- Long Ranger fuel tank, 38 gallons
- Tinted windows
- Upgraded US Spec Land Cruiser brakes
- ARB differential breather extension kit
- Radd Cruisers high output alternator
- Madman EMS 1 engine monitoring system
- Rebuilt transmission (full details here)
This 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser HDJ81 is listed for $37,500 and is currently located in Santa Barbara, California. Check the full vehicle specifications via the original Expedition Portal forum post here.
Contact Information:
Email: mreisme333@gmail.com
