LAS VEGAS (Oct. 31, 2023) – The Toyota Land Cruiser has a long history of over seven decades. It is a legendary SUV that has gained an international following and a large fan base around the world. The Land Cruiser is known for its ability to go anywhere and do anything.

To celebrate the Land Cruiser’s return to North America in 2024, Toyota is showcasing a famous custom Land Cruiser at SEMA: the Rod Millen Group’s 1967 FJ45 Land Cruiser Wagon, known as The Retro Cruiser.

The Retro Cruiser, which will be on display at Toyota’s booth at SEMA from Oct. 31–Nov. 3, is not just a show car concept. It was inspired by a conversation in 1999 between senior managers at Toyota Motor Sales and racing legend Rod Millen. The idea was to showcase the latest Land Cruiser technology while paying tribute to its rich heritage.

Marty Schwerter, Toyota Motorsports garage team manager, who led the team responsible for getting the Retro Cruiser ready for SEMA, said, “Not only is it a cool truck, but it’s also extremely well-built. They made this concept to be used in the dirt, with all the rugged looks of the old ’67 FJ style but with the luxury of the 100 Series, which was the ultimate Toyota comfort car in the early 2000s.”

The Retro Cruiser started as a $5,000 vehicle that needed some work. The team stretched the frame by 10 inches and made several modifications to the body to give it a more muscular appearance and enhance its performance. One of the most notable features of the Retro Cruiser is its suspension system.

The team wanted to incorporate as many production Land Cruiser components as possible, but they decided to improve the ride comfort by custom-building an independent rear suspension with coil-over spring/shock assemblies. They also widened the front track by 4 inches, resulting in a 30% increase in wheel travel. The team narrowed the stock differential, kept the original brakes and hubs, and created custom uprights, which allowed for an impressive 12 inches of rear-wheel travel. The Retro Cruiser rides on bespoke, 17-inch billet wheels with rugged, 35-inch General Tire Grabbers. Custom skid plates were added underneath for extra protection.

The Retro Cruiser received a power boost from a 100 Series Land Cruiser’s robust 230-horsepower, 4.7L, 32-valve DOHC V-8 engine, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, transfer case, and locking differentials. It also features a custom-designed Borla stainless steel exhaust for a more aggressive sound.

Despite its rugged exterior, the Retro Cruiser has a luxurious interior with contemporary Land Cruiser components and upgraded surfaces, including Connolly leather. In addition to the standard power accessories, it comes equipped with a satellite phone, navigation system, and a 15-gallon onboard water supply, highlighting its versatility and readiness for extended adventures. The vehicle also has a complete interior roll cage to increase its structural rigidity.

In preparation for this year’s SEMA Show, the Toyota team went through the FJ45 and replaced worn-out parts and aged components. They fixed leaking shocks, replaced rotted hoses, revived the fuel system, and addressed old fitment issues. The vehicle was then taken to Complete Customs, where the exterior was refreshed. It was stripped down to bare metal and repainted in the original color, restoring it to its 1999 appearance.

Mike Tripp, group vice president of Toyota Marketing, said, “For 2024, Land Cruiser will honor its heritage of being able to go anywhere on the planet but will get back to its roots, offering accessibility to an even broader spectrum of customers eager to explore the backcountry. Vehicles like the Retro Cruiser are a testament to Land Cruiser’s iconic status as our longest-running nameplate. By showing it at SEMA, we hope to inspire an entirely new generation of Land Cruiser lovers.”

The Retro Cruiser, created by Rod Millen, is one of 19 accessorized vehicles, builds, and concepts featured by Toyota at SEMA this year. Toyota’s product display theme is “Track or Trail, Your Thrill Awaits,” showcasing some of the most exciting on- and off-road performance vehicles ever built. This is Toyota’s largest presence at SEMA to date.

Note: This vehicle is a special project prototype with modified parts and/or accessories not available from Toyota. These modifications may void the vehicle’s warranty, negatively impact performance and safety, and may not be street legal.