It wasn't the first, but there's certainly an argument to be made that the Toyota Land Cruiser was among the best 4x4s ever built. Legendary off-road abilities, lots of interior space, but kind of slow, right? Well, this 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser neatly remedies that particular problem with a 6.0 liter Chevy V8, transforming this into one heck of an off-roader.This Land Cruiser has been extensively renovated from top to bottom, including a fresh paint job about six months ago. As a result, it looks incredible and there are no nasty surprises waiting underneath thanks to expensive work; just imagine how much it must have cost to smooth and prep all that sheetmetal! The bright white bodywork has a utilitarian look that Toyota put to work as their top-of-the-line model, much the way Range Rover did, creating the luxury SUV market we enjoy today. This one isn't soft, however, and its off-roading credentials are rock-solid. A few custom mods give it a unique look, from the fog lamps neatly faired into the front bumper and HID headlights, to the discreet 6.0L badges and blacked-out window surrounds. Overall, this is one great-looking Land Bruiser that successfully bridges the gap to the 21st century.You can see the early stages of the Land Cruiser's gentrification inside, where you have handsome leather bucket seats and all the creature comforts. The seats, carpets, and door panels are fresh and custom designed for this truck, giving it a modern look with custom embroidery on the front seat backs. The dash is typical '80s Japan, Inc., with lots of gray plastic and angular shapes, but we dig the big, round gauges and matching air vents. There's an AM/FM/CD/iPod/Bluetooth stereo in the dash, power windows and locks, and a tilt steering column with custom steering wheel. There's a locking center console with two cup holders between the front seats and heavy-duty floor mats protect the carpets. Second-row space is impressive and the cargo bay is fully finished, including a rubber mat for hauling just about anything you can fit inside. Toyota engineers were nothing if not thoughtful.Toyota's DOHC 4.2 liter inline-six was adequate, but there's nothing like the power of a V8. In this case, it's a 6.0 liter Chevrolet Vortec V8 pulled from a Chevy truck, and it completely transforms the Land Cruiser. It looks like it was born in that engine bay and even uses the original Land Cruiser air cleaner assembly; a nice touch! The installation is quite professional and very neatly done, with the only notable modification being a set of MSD coils. It lights off instantly, idles smoothly, and pulls with considerably more vigor than the original six. On the other hand, off-road capabilities are uncompromised and when you're pulling around this much weight, a little extra horsepower never hurts. A GM 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission was installed at the same time, and it links to a 2-speed transfer case and the original Land Cruiser axles at both ends, with the front axle being fitted with Aisin hubs. The exhaust was custom fabricated and even includes a pair of mini catalytic converters to help with emissions. It's extremely clean underneath and the actual off-roading parts of the Toyota needed no help, so they were retained front to back. Ride height is stock, but those giant 17-inch wheels and 265/65/17 Michelin radials fill the fenders in a big way.This is one awesome Land Cruiser, and for many of us, it offers exactly the right balance between performance, luxury, and capability. Call now!