A classic boxy SUV that gets the job done …
I love classic SUVs. The first one I drove was a SJ Cherokee Chief for the first TV station I worked for in 1977. That thing was a tank and could go just about anywhere plus, it could carry a ton of stuff. On the road, not so much, its AMC 360 V8 got terrible mileage and it had all kinds of road noise. But I still loved it.
RELATED Spot: See another legendary SUV, the International Scout.
Unlike today’s SUVs, there was a time when off-road capability was valued more than comfort; that’s why it was called a Sport Utility Vehicle. These early SUVs were boxier, utilitarian, and without the need, or desire for an automatic transmission. This week’s spot, a 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 is a perfect example.
Like the Jeep, it was first developed for military use but with the Japanese Army in the mid-30s. The first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951 and has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon, and cab chassis body styles. It’s the Land Cruiser’s reliability that has led to its huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle.
With beefy straight axles and leaf springs all around, the FJ60’s ride isn’t exactly smooth, but that’s ok compared to its speed, or lack thereof. Weighing in at 4246 pounds, the FJ60 relies on a 4.2-liter 2F OHV engine, rated at 135 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque. That’s great on two tracks and wilderness terrain, but definitely a source of frustration in everyday driving. MotorWeek reported a 0–60 time of 14.2 seconds, five more seconds were required to complete a quarter mile while it averaged only 11–12 mpg.
So what are they worth now? Depending on its condition a 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 can currently be valued anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 with the highest values reserved for pristine, low-mileage examples in excellent condition; with a “good” condition FJ60 typically falling in the $20,000 – $30,000 range according to recent market trends and data from Hagerty and values have been rising mostly because they have caught the eye of youthful buyers maybe because their parents had an FJ60 at some point. There’s also the appeal of capable boxy off-roaders that seems to resonate with younger buyers.
Thanks for stopping by and reading about my find this week. Stop back next Friday for another one that I’ve discovered along with some of its history and have a great weekend.
Savage On Wheels 