1987 Toyota 60 Series Landcruiser

Engine - 4.L Turbo 12HT
Transmission - 5 Speed Manual
Suspension - Tough Dog 2" Lift 250kg C.L.
Tyres - Maxxis Razr A/T 285/75/R16
Equipped For - Work/Daily/Instagram

Eli, you use Turk the cruiser as a remote access vehicle for your company Hinterland Electrical. When you were searching for a vehicle, was the 60 series always the first choice?

I had wanted a 60 for a few years, and our trusty hiaces were often getting into trouble while out on some of our more rural jobs. So when Turk popped up for sale up the coast a bit, we pounced on it. The 12H-T has been extremely helpful in getting trailer-mount generators up steep bush tracks.

Although Turk looks fairly stock, have you done any work to her?

Mark and the boys at Spanner In The Works Byron Bay took over the mechanical side of things and have given Turk a fair few upgrades. Brand new radiator and hoses, heavy duty clutch, all new suspension and tyres etc. I also imported the stock front bar from Japan and cleaned up the interior and electrics, while Ethan from Rusty's Restos has been looking after the painting and rust repair. It's been a team effort for sure.

These are getting harder and harder to find (especially when Bartley Olsen keeps buying them). Do you have any tips for someone trying to buy a second hand 60 series?

Someone needs to stop that man! If you aren't sure what to look for, ask a mate and bring him along to inspect it. Take a small magnet and go over the roofline and pillars to look for bog. The engines are virtually bulletproof in these things, it's the bodywork that you need to pay attention to. Be prepared to spend a lot of time and effort on these old rigs, it's a labour of love.

Other than checking the surf and getting bogged at local farms in the Byron Bay area, do you have any plans for the old 60 series?

We are currently waiting on our 2022 Troopcarrier to arrive to supplement our work fleet. Turk will then be parked up for a back-to-metal rust and paint restoration courtesy of Rusty. I still haven't decided what colour to go for, but some nice vintage stripes are in order. Then it will be all surf checks, fishing trips, and camping out bush. I'll hang on to this beauty for life.

(Unless a celebrity wants to buy it for an outrageous price)

Photos by Riley Kruck & Eli Glenister