Photo: wheels24.co.za
Along with the introduction of the Land Cruiser 80 Series, Toyota hired a French coach builder to design a limited edition DS version for clients also concerned about looks along with off-road performance. And here it is - the Land Cruiser DS.
We’re just kidding. The car here is a unique project made by a crazy Dutchman going by the name of Rene van Velthoven, who suddenly decided that the Cruiser 80 Series needs more style.
Unlike the name we gave to this interesting abomination, Rene is calling it a Renardsport D-crosser and it’s combining the fine reputation the DS has for inventing the hydropneumatic suspension and futuristic styling for its time with the roughness of the old Land Cruiser.
And it couldn’t be a better fit than this - the DS’ body is long enough to seamlessly go over the Cruiser’s rolling chassis, which is also the roughest toughest you can find, while the coil-sprung live-axles makes it easier to be fine-tuned.
The body had to be modified a bit, especially at the back where it got wider to fit the big wheels, but the end result look pretty damn good. It somehow reminds of the Lamborghini LM002.
Power comes from Toyota’s 4.2-liter 1DH inline-six turbodiesel, but the man transplanted a VX100 series 4.2l engine’s larger turbo to produce around 240 hp.
Unlike the name we gave to this interesting abomination, Rene is calling it a Renardsport D-crosser and it’s combining the fine reputation the DS has for inventing the hydropneumatic suspension and futuristic styling for its time with the roughness of the old Land Cruiser.
The body had to be modified a bit, especially at the back where it got wider to fit the big wheels, but the end result look pretty damn good. It somehow reminds of the Lamborghini LM002.
Power comes from Toyota’s 4.2-liter 1DH inline-six turbodiesel, but the man transplanted a VX100 series 4.2l engine’s larger turbo to produce around 240 hp.
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