1986 Toyota LandCruiser BJ73

Engine - 3B Turbo
Transmission -  5 Speed Manual
Suspension - Stock
Tyres - BFGoodrich KO2
Equipped For - Daily

For as long as I can remember, I've always had an obsession with 4WDs—specifically, short-wheelbase or mid-wheelbase two-door models. Even before I had my driver’s license, I was constantly occupied with thoughts of rugged vehicles like the two-door G-Wagon, the ‘90s Jeep Cherokee XJ, Range Rover Classics, Defenders, and, of course, the 70 Series Land Cruisers. My search history has been filled with these off-road machines for years, hinting at a future spent exploring the unknown.

But it wasn’t until a couple of years ago that my dream started to take shape in a real way. A friend of mine, Jack, who happens to own a Toyota BJ73—a gem of a vehicle —pointed me in the right direction. It was Jack’s experience with his 4WD that truly got me thinking that I could really own one. Before I knew it, I was scanning Facebook Marketplace daily, until I found one that ticked all the boxes: a BJ73 with low kilometres, tucked away in the Western suburbs of Sydney Australia.

And just like that, I found my dream cruiser.

The BJ73 is exactly what you'd expect from an old-school 4WD. It’s rugged, capable, and designed with simplicity in mind. Its tall, boxy frame gives it a classic 80s-90s look that I absolutely love, while its manual transmission ensures a grounded, immersive driving experience—something you don’t get with modern cars.

It’s a great canvas to build off too. I envision myself taking it on more camping trips, hitting light 4WD trails, and venturing into those remote places that can only be accessed with a capable 4x4. Yet, despite the endless possibilities for customization, I plan to keep it as close to stock as possible. There’s something timeless about maintaining the original look and feel of a vehicle from this era — a certain charm that I don’t want to lose.

For me, the 80s and 90s were the golden age of 4WDs, and this BJ73 is a perfect representation of why those decades still hold such appeal. Thanks to a lucky find on Facebook Marketplace and a nudge from a friend, I now have my own piece of off-road history.

Photos by Joel Seeto

Words by Josh