1984 60 Series

Engine - 2H diesel
Transmission -  5 Speed Manual
Suspension - Stock
Tyres -   Kumho Road Venture
Equipped For - Daily/Weekender

Working in the mines of North-western Australia in 2022 I was able to save for my dream car. After many hours researching I became set on the iconic Landcruiser Sixty Series. With these cars becoming rarer each year, I knew it would take time. It’s certainly not the same as buying a brand-new car from a dealership. Six months later I stumbled across my lovely beige bus with only 270,000 clicks. After learning how to change location on Marketplace I found myself searching inland Victoria. There were exponentially more 60 Series for sale on the East compared to the West.

As I was still working in the Western Australian mines, I had to do all the communications with the seller via Facetime. The seller seemed genuine; you could tell he loved the car. He was a young immigrant from Kuwait in the Middle East and spoke of the sixty being his dream car since he was a child. He described how much time had been put into the car, but due to his lifestyle changes it was starting to be left sitting in the driveway more than being driven.

This Sixty has an interesting story…or two(!) of how it came to be. Initially, the previous owner had purchased a white, rusty 60 with a mint 2H engine that had low kilometers. He then found a low rust, clean beige 60 Series from a farmer in regional Victoria. Transplanting the engine and body from the two cars he essentially created a ‘brand new’ 60 with low rust and low kilometers. Taking the seats and various bits and pieces from each car a unique Sixty Series model was created. 

I wired the owner a deposit, hoped he wouldn’t sell it on me, and booked flights to fly over to Melbourne. It all happened so quickly, partly because we only had one week off to drive from Melbourne to Perth before flying back up to work, and partly because I knew it was a car couldn’t take my time to decide on purchasing.

What a way to test a new (old) car. 4000kms later we arrived in WA with no issues. We gave it a good service before heading back to work for 2 weeks. I looked at photos of my lovely new lady every day whilst at work. Over the next few months between work swings, we chipped away at minor modifications - new BCI rims and tyres, side mirrors, roof racks, touchscreen radio system, air-conditioning, a removable camping fit out, curtains and new keys that allowed me to actually lock the car. My partner even chopped the original bulbar to turn it into a chrome bumper to give it my own touch.

Despite the noisy cab, bouncy suspension, no cruise control, and faulty fuel gauge I really do enjoy my Sixty and all its quirks. Without these quirks it wouldn’t be a car with character. I always appreciate passing other Sixty Series drivers, exchanging a hearty wave knowing that the other person behind the wheel is probably enjoying their ride as much as I am. I’ve lost track of the number of conversations started with strangers reminiscing on memories with their own Sixty. It really is a testament to the enduring charm of the Toyota 60 Series and I hope to own mine for many years to come.

Photos by Joel Seeto

Words by Salina