Electric Toyota LandCruiser 60 Series to debut in Tokyo this week

More than 30 years after the last Toyota LandCruiser 60 Series rolled off the production line, a pair of Japanese restoration firms have restored an unloved example of the famed 4x4 – and given it a silent electric motor.

Built by Japanese firms Tonox and Flex – the latter of which makes modern Toyotas look like classic models – this LandCruiser 60 Series was rescued from its life as a rusty old 4x4 to become a showroom-quality restoration.

However, the LandCruiser is now powered by an electric motor, which takes the place of the 60 Series’ original 3.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine under the bonnet.

Despite losing its diesel engine, the classic Toyota retains its selectable 4x4 system – allowing the electric motor to send power either to its rear or all four wheels through a transfer case.

No technical details have been released as yet, though it’s expected the electric motor will be able to provide stronger outputs than the ‘3B’ diesel engine’s 67kW/217Nm peak figures when it was new.

While electric power is the biggest upgrade to this retro LandCruiser, Tonox and Flex also dedicated hours to restoring the big 4x4 to as-new quality inside and out, giving it new bodywork and a refreshed chassis.

In addition to changes under the skin, the LandCruiser has been given a facelift with a chrome grille, bumper and headlight surrounds – while LED headlights replace the outdated halogen beams. 

A new set of wheels from Flex’s ‘Renoca’ range have also been added, setting its revamped LandCruiser apart from unmodified examples.  

More information is expected to be released when it is displayed at this week’s Tokyo motor show – now officially known as the Japan Mobility show.

Meantime, Flex has uploaded a number of videos to YouTube which detail the restoration and conversion of the Toyota LandCruiser, which can be viewed here.

This likely won’t be the only electric Toyota LandCruiser to go on sale in the near future, after the Japanese car giant teased two electrified off-roaders in August – both of which are believed to one day wear the iconic LandCruiser badge.

While one of these concepts is rumoured to be a so-called 'LandCruiser Mini' – offered with the option of hybrid or electric power, and rivalling the five-door Suzuki Jimny in size – the second vehicle is more akin to the size of a Kluger.

In Australia, multiple commercial vehicle manufacturers – such as SEA Electric and Zero Automotive – are converting LandCruiser 70 Series utes to electric power for use on mine sites.