WHY BOTHER? WHY NOT...

WHILE THE 76 SERIES IS CERTAINLY FEELING ITS AGE, CAN THIS LIMITED EDITION 70TH ANNIVERSARY CRUISER BREATHE NEW LIFE IN TO THE LONGSTANDING PLATFORM?

- EVAN SPENCE

IT'S both refreshing and nerve-racking when you jump behind the wheel of a 76 Series Land Cruiser, especially this stunning Merlot Red limited edition 70th Anniversary model of which only 80 exist in Australia.

First impressions are key when testing vehicles, and my first thoughts revolved around how massive the steering wheel is, and despite requiring many (many) turns, it is very slow to respond. This is made even worse than to its rather average turning circle, something that you get used to in time - but it will catch you out initially.

This isn't my first foray in to the 76 Series platform; I've reviewed them when they were released many years back, and I was involved in the complete rebuild of an ex-mining 76 we were stupid enough to think would make for a good, cheap project... good and cheap should never be used in the same sentence. This is, however, my first shot at a 70th Anniversary model, which I was beyond excited to get to know over the space of a week.

Jumping in you do have to jump thanks to the high sill clearance featured in the 76 Series - and you are transported back in time. It doesn't beep at you for leaving your shirt untucked, it doesn’t try and steer you back in to your lane if you wander slightly, and it makes V8 noises that are so delightful you wonder why all four-wheel drives don’t sound this good. Then you drive it on the highway, and remember why… the 76 Series is loud inside, both from engine noise and wind noise. My inner teenager is squealing with delight, but the mid-30-year-old who houses said inner teenager isn’t so sure this is acceptable for a brand-new vehicle costing more than $80,000.