Few vehicles have earned a reputation like the Toyota Land Cruiser. Built to work in the hardest places on earth and engineered to keep going for decades, it is the 4x4 people choose when they want something that simply will not let them down. At That's Classic, Land Cruisers are our speciality, and the 70 Series in particular. We find them in Japan, check them, import them and register them in the UK. This guide covers every classic generation, the engines each one was offered with, how to read the model codes, what to look for and how to buy one with confidence.
Land Cruiser generations at a glance
| Series | Built | Best-known versions | Why people buy one |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Series | 1960–1984 | FJ40, BJ40 | The icon. Simple, tough and hugely collectable. |
| 50 Series | 1967–1980 | FJ55 | The first purpose-built Land Cruiser station wagon. Rare, quirky and full of 1970s character. |
| 60 Series | 1980–1990 | HJ60, HJ61 | The classic station wagon: roomy, comfortable and very durable. |
| 70 Series | 1984 onwards | HZJ73, HZJ75, HZJ77, PZJ77 | Utility toughness, huge choice of bodies and the legendary 1HZ diesel. |
| 80 Series | 1990–1997 | HZJ81, VX Limited | Comfortable long-distance tourer with serious off-road ability. |
The Land Cruiser 70 Series
If there is one Land Cruiser we are asked about more than any other, it is the 70 Series. Launched in 1984 and still built for some markets today, it is the workhorse of the family: body-on-frame, solid axles, simple mechanicals and an almost endless list of wheelbases and body styles. In Japan many were bought as everyday vehicles, carefully maintained and kept for years, which is why so many good examples are found there.
For everything you need to know about this model in one place, read our Land Cruiser 70 Series buyer's guide.
HZJ73: the one most people go looking for
The HZJ73 pairs the mid-length wheelbase with the 4.2-litre 1HZ straight-six diesel. It is compact enough for UK roads and car parks, roomy enough for real use, and powered by one of the most respected diesel engines Toyota ever built. Many have the FRP (fibreglass) removable hard top, which is one of the most sought-after configurations. ZX is the higher trim grade, with extra equipment and often chrome bumpers and alloy wheels.
We currently have two HZJ73s on their way from Japan: a 1991 HZJ73V ZX with a 5-speed manual and a remarkably original 1995 HZJ73 ZX FRP Top. You can also see a 1995 HZJ73 FRP Top we have sold.
PZJ77: the rare five-cylinder
The PZJ77 uses the long wheelbase and the 3.5-litre 1PZ five-cylinder diesel. It was a less common choice even when new, and finding one with a manual gearbox is harder still. Our 1992 Land Cruiser 70 PZJ77V LX is a good example of this unusual specification.
HJ75, HZJ75 and the Troopy
The long-wheelbase 75 was built as a pickup and as the Troop Carrier, or "Troopy", a favourite base for overland campers thanks to its huge load space. Earlier versions use the 4.0-litre 2H diesel, later ones the 1HZ. We sold a 1988 HJ75 converted into an off-road camper, and we are always happy to look for another.
Which 70 Series is right for you?
- Daily use and weekends away: an HZJ73 or HZJ77 with the 1HZ diesel is the safe, versatile choice.
- Something rarer: a PZJ77 with the 1PZ five-cylinder, ideally with a manual gearbox.
- Overlanding and camping: a 75 Series Troopy or pickup, with space to build your own setup.
- Open-air fun: an FRP top model, where the hard top can come off.
How to read Land Cruiser model codes
Toyota's model codes look cryptic, but they tell you most of what you need to know. The letters before the J describe the engine, the J stands for Land Cruiser, and the numbers give the series and body length.
| Code starts with | Engine | Example |
|---|---|---|
| FJ | F-series petrol six-cylinder | FJ40, FJ55 |
| BJ | B-series four-cylinder diesel | BJ40 |
| HJ | 2H 4.0 six-cylinder diesel | HJ60, HJ75 |
| HZJ | 1HZ 4.2 six-cylinder diesel | HZJ73, HZJ81 |
| PZJ | 1PZ 3.5 five-cylinder diesel | PZJ77 |
| HDJ | 1HD 4.2 turbo diesel | HDJ81 (non-turbo equivalent: HZJ81) |
On the 70 Series, the second digit gives you the length: 70 and 71 are short wheelbase, 73 and 74 are the mid-length, and 75, 77, 78 and 79 are long. A V on the end usually means the vehicle was registered as a van in Japan, and grades such as LX, ZX or VX describe the trim.
There is no non-turbo version of the 1HD. The naturally aspirated 4.2-litre diesel is the 1HZ, so the non-turbo equivalent of an HDJ80 or HDJ81 is the HZJ80 or HZJ81.
Land Cruiser engine options by series
The engine makes a huge difference to how a Land Cruiser drives, what it costs to run and how much it is worth. Not every engine was sold in every market, and Japanese-market cars often had different options to European ones, but these are the main engines you will come across for each generation.
| Series | Engine | Type | Model code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Series | F 3.9 | Petrol six-cylinder | FJ40, FJ43, FJ45 |
| 2F 4.2 (from 1975) | Petrol six-cylinder | FJ40, FJ43, FJ45 | |
| B 3.0 | Diesel four-cylinder | BJ40, BJ43 | |
| 3B 3.4 | Diesel four-cylinder | BJ45, BJ46 | |
| H 3.6 / 2H 4.0 | Diesel six-cylinder | HJ45, HJ47 | |
| 50 Series | F 3.9 | Petrol six-cylinder | FJ55 |
| 2F 4.2 (from 1975) | Petrol six-cylinder | FJ55 | |
| 60 Series | 2F 4.2 | Petrol six-cylinder | FJ60 |
| 3F-E 4.0 (from 1988) | Fuel-injected petrol six-cylinder | FJ62 | |
| 3B 3.4 | Diesel four-cylinder | BJ60 | |
| 2H 4.0 | Diesel six-cylinder | HJ60, HJ61 | |
| 12H-T 4.0 | Turbo diesel six-cylinder | HJ61 | |
| 70 Series | 3B 3.4 / 13B-T 3.4 | Diesel four-cylinder (turbo on 13B-T) | BJ70, BJ73, BJ74, BJ75 |
| 2H 4.0 | Diesel six-cylinder | HJ75 | |
| 1HZ 4.2 (from 1990) | Diesel six-cylinder | HZJ73, HZJ75, HZJ77, HZJ79 | |
| 1PZ 3.5 (1990–1999) | Diesel five-cylinder | PZJ70, PZJ73, PZJ77 | |
| 1HD-T / 1HD-FTE 4.2 | Turbo diesel six-cylinder | HDJ78, HDJ79 | |
| 1VD-FTV 4.5 (from 2007) | Turbo diesel V8 | VDJ76, VDJ78, VDJ79 | |
| 80 Series | 3F-E 4.0 | Fuel-injected petrol six-cylinder | FJ80 |
| 1FZ-FE 4.5 (from 1992) | Petrol six-cylinder | FZJ80 | |
| 1HZ 4.2 | Diesel six-cylinder | HZJ80, HZJ81 | |
| 1HD-T 4.2 | Turbo diesel six-cylinder | HDJ80, HDJ81 | |
| 1HD-FT 4.2 (from 1995) | 24-valve turbo diesel six-cylinder | HDJ80, HDJ81 |
Which engine should you choose?
- 1HZ 4.2 diesel: the benchmark for reliability. Naturally aspirated, simple and capable of very high mileages. Not fast, but it will keep going almost anywhere.
- 2H 4.0 diesel: the 1HZ's predecessor and similarly tough. Smooth, torquey and well suited to relaxed driving.
- 1PZ 3.5 diesel: a five-cylinder sibling of the 1HZ, slightly lighter and rarer. A good choice if you want something a little different.
- 1HD turbo diesels: noticeably quicker and better for motorway driving and towing, with a little more complexity.
- F, 2F and 3F petrol sixes: lots of character and a great sound, but thirsty. Best for classics that will be enjoyed rather than used every day.
- 1FZ-FE 4.5 petrol: strong, smooth and powerful in the 80 Series, though fuel costs are high in the UK.
Land Cruiser 60 Series
The 60 Series is the classic Land Cruiser station wagon: squared-off, comfortable and built to last. The HJ60 uses the 4.0-litre 2H diesel, a naturally aspirated six-cylinder known for being smooth and almost unbreakable, and many Japanese examples came with an automatic gearbox. Our 1986 HJ60 4.0 diesel automatic is a rust-free example with low miles.
Land Cruiser 80 Series
The 80 Series brought coil springs all round and a much more comfortable ride, without giving up the Land Cruiser's off-road ability. Well-specified Japanese cars can have front, centre and rear differential locks. It is a superb long-distance tourer and a practical family 4x4. Take a look at our 1991 80 Series VX Limited with triple differential locks.
80 Series diesel model codes
- HZJ80 / HZJ81: the non-turbo 4.2-litre 1HZ six-cylinder diesel. Simple, naturally aspirated and hugely durable. HZJ81, often written HZJ81V, is the Japanese-market code, so it is the one you will usually see on imports. HZJ80 is generally the export-market code.
- HDJ80 / HDJ81: the 4.2-litre 1HD turbo diesel, upgraded to the 24-valve 1HD-FT from 1995. Quicker and more relaxed at motorway speeds. Again, HDJ81 is the Japanese-market code and HDJ80 the export one.
Land Cruiser 40 Series
The FJ40 and BJ40 are where the legend began. Simple, rugged and full of character, good 40 Series Land Cruisers have become genuine collector's items. We have sold several, including an early 1966 FJ40 and a BJ40 diesel.
Land Cruiser 50 Series
Launched in 1967, the 50 Series was the first Land Cruiser designed from the outset as a station wagon rather than a utility vehicle. Toyota had the North American market firmly in mind: the FJ55 offered four doors, more interior space and a more comfortable ride than the 40 Series, while keeping the same tough ladder chassis, leaf springs and part-time four-wheel drive.
Its long, slab-sided styling earned it the affectionate nickname "Iron Pig" among owners, and today that distinctive look is a big part of the appeal. Every 50 Series was petrol-powered, using the 3.9-litre F six-cylinder until 1975 and the larger 4.2-litre 2F from then on, usually paired with a column or floor-shift manual gearbox. Later cars gained front disc brakes and other updates before the 60 Series replaced it in 1980.
Buying a 50 Series today
- Rarity. Far fewer survive than 40 or 60 Series models, and good ones are seldom seen in the UK.
- Rust. 50 Series bodies are notoriously prone to corrosion. Check the floors, sills, rear quarters, tailgate and around the windscreen very carefully.
- Parts. Mechanical parts are shared with other F-engined Land Cruisers and are generally easy to find. Body panels and trim are much harder.
- Running costs. The petrol sixes are thirsty, so a 50 Series is best enjoyed as a characterful classic rather than a daily driver.
If you are looking for something genuinely unusual from the Land Cruiser family, a well-preserved FJ55 is hard to beat. Tell us what you are after and we can search for one for you.
Why buy a Land Cruiser from Japan?
- Right-hand drive, so it feels at home on UK roads.
- Condition. Many areas of Japan see little road salt, and regular Shaken inspections encourage careful maintenance.
- Choice. Specifications that were never sold new in the UK, such as the HZJ73 with the 1HZ, are far easier to find there.
- History. Auction and dealer paperwork often records grades, mileage and maintenance.
Our guide to importing a Japanese car to the UK explains the process, costs and registration step by step.
What to check before you buy a Land Cruiser
- Chassis and underbody. Look closely at the chassis rails, crossmembers, spring hangers and body mounts. Fresh paint underneath deserves a closer look.
- Body rust. Check the sills, floor, wheel arches, the bottoms of the doors and around the windscreen.
- Engine. The 1HZ, 2H and 1PZ are famously durable, but look for easy starting, no excessive smoke and evidence of regular oil changes.
- Drivetrain. Check the four-wheel drive engages properly, and that any differential locks work.
- Modifications. Lifts, bigger tyres and engine swaps are common. Some are well done, and all of them affect value, insurance and registration.
- Paperwork. For an import, check the export certificate and auction sheet. For a UK car, check the V5C and history.
How much does a Land Cruiser cost?
Prices depend on the generation, engine, gearbox, condition and mileage, and on whether a car is already registered in the UK. A sought-after HZJ73 with the 1HZ and a manual gearbox will command more than a high-mileage automatic, and an exceptionally original car carries a premium. When we source a car, we always work to your total UK budget, including shipping, import costs and registration, so there are no surprises.
More Land Cruiser guides
- Land Cruiser 70 Series buyer's guide: HZJ73, HZJ77, PZJ77 and more
- How to import a Japanese car to the UK
Find your Land Cruiser with That's Classic
Browse our cars for sale to see the Land Cruisers available now and arriving soon. If you have a particular generation, engine or specification in mind, our Japanese car sourcing service starts with your brief and your total UK budget. We are based in Bournemouth and happy to talk it through, even at the very early stages. Start your Land Cruiser search.