This Land Cruiser May Be the Best-Looking SUV Ever

The Toyota Land Cruiser, with more than 50 years of history, remains one of the best-looking SUVs on the road.

Maybe that statement doesn’t include the most modern versions, but the classic Land Cruisers, up to model year 2007, were commanding and exotic. Bulky but grand. Stately and grandiose.

The early ones, as in the 1960 through 1984 models, are fully fledged collector’s items and resemble the classic Jeep Wrangler. Properly restored, those older models can demand a pretty penny on the collector’s market.

As far as modern Cruisers go, the 100 Series is, to my eye, the best-looking SUV on the road that doesn’t wear an Audi badge. There’s something special about that retro boxiness.

Even if you’re not a fan of Cruisers, it’s worth checking out this updated 1981 FJ40 Series and ogling the modern awesomeness it has become.

Check out part of AutoWeek’s write-up of this one-of-a-kind vehicle:

The FJ Company has just taken the wraps off their most modernized FJ40 yet, a 1981 FJ43 that’s been tastefully updated for the 21st century without losing the charm of the 1960s original. This model is now equipped with a modern 4.0-liter V6 Toyota 1GR-FE engine like that used in current SUVs, along with 2017 Toyota 4Runner disc brakes, and a custom suspension system complete with Old Man Emu leaf springs and Fox shocks.

Also included are LED fog lights, Recaro seats, a new audio system controlled by a center-mounted iPad, and more.

I love classic cars restored to their original beauty, but there’s a part of me with a soft spot for classics tastefully updated with modern technology. We don’t see it done very often, or at least not very well. This Cruiser is an example of a vintage beast, once capable of navigating the world’s most remote corners, but unable to keep up with modern traffic.

This updated version can handle both and do it in impeccable style. There are plans to build 24 of these eye-catchers, but they’ll sell for about $200,000 each.

What classic car would you like to see updated with modern technology?

-tgriffith

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