Photo: Toyota
The Land Cruiser 79 is an old design, based on the J70 series from the 1980s. The double-cab pickup truck soldiers on without a care in the world in parts of the world such as South Africa, and for the 2020 model year, the Namib even comes with a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation as standard.
First things first, do you wonder what’s the retail price on this blast from the past with modern amenities? 893,600 rand is the equivalent to $61,130 or €55,525 at current exchange rates, and that’s a lot of money in comparison to modern workhorses such as the Ford Ranger.
But here’s the thing. The 79 Namib will outlast any mid-size pickup out there on sale today thanks to its tried-and-tested chassis, body-on-frame architecture, and world-class reliability of the J70 series. Taking into consideration the tilt-and-telescoping steering column, power windows, power socket, and anti-theft system, the 79 Namib is worth it.
Toyota sweetens the deal with a three-year/100,000-kilometer warranty, driver and passenger airbags, and anti-lock brakes on all four corners of the gentle giant with a 4.5-liter turbo diesel V8. Codenamed 1VD-FTV, this is the first V8 diesel from the Japanese manufacturer. 151 kW (205 PS; 202 horsepower) and 430 Nm (317 pound-feet) of torque from 1,200 to 3,200 rpm is how the cookie crumbles for this application of the VD engine.
Namib models are equipped with heavy-duty parts “manufactured by a respected local off-road suspension expert” and Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires (265/75 by 16 inches). Alloy wheels are also standard, along with LED interior lighting, a lined storage binnacle, two-way radio compartment, and a microphone cord hook. An additional cooling duct for the glovebox keeps items chill despite the scorching temperatures of the desert.
Grey canvas seat covers embroidered with the Namib logo are also featured, together with anti-scuff panels to prevent any sort of damage aesthetic during ingress. Last, but certainly not least, the Namib package is available in Sand Beige or Ivory White.
But here’s the thing. The 79 Namib will outlast any mid-size pickup out there on sale today thanks to its tried-and-tested chassis, body-on-frame architecture, and world-class reliability of the J70 series. Taking into consideration the tilt-and-telescoping steering column, power windows, power socket, and anti-theft system, the 79 Namib is worth it.
Toyota sweetens the deal with a three-year/100,000-kilometer warranty, driver and passenger airbags, and anti-lock brakes on all four corners of the gentle giant with a 4.5-liter turbo diesel V8. Codenamed 1VD-FTV, this is the first V8 diesel from the Japanese manufacturer. 151 kW (205 PS; 202 horsepower) and 430 Nm (317 pound-feet) of torque from 1,200 to 3,200 rpm is how the cookie crumbles for this application of the VD engine.
Namib models are equipped with heavy-duty parts “manufactured by a respected local off-road suspension expert” and Cooper Discoverer S/T Maxx tires (265/75 by 16 inches). Alloy wheels are also standard, along with LED interior lighting, a lined storage binnacle, two-way radio compartment, and a microphone cord hook. An additional cooling duct for the glovebox keeps items chill despite the scorching temperatures of the desert.
Grey canvas seat covers embroidered with the Namib logo are also featured, together with anti-scuff panels to prevent any sort of damage aesthetic during ingress. Last, but certainly not least, the Namib package is available in Sand Beige or Ivory White.
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