Yes, Toyota still builds a three-door version of the legendary Series 70 Land Cruiser — and it’s surprisingly affordable.
We’ve always been huge fans of Toyota’s Series 70 Land Cruiser here at the Gear Patrol motoring desk. Nearly every version and special edition of this iconic 4×4 manages to grab our attention and remind us why the Land Cruiser name carries so much weight.
But there’s one version we somehow overlooked: the short-wheelbase three-door Series 70.
We’re familiar with the traditional five-door model and the rugged pickup variant, but we had no idea Toyota still offered a compact three-door version — let alone a convertible model with a removable roof.
Until now.
And honestly, this might be the coolest little Land Cruiser we never knew existed.
The tiny Land Cruiser that flew under everyone’s radar
Just a few years ago, Toyota brought the Series 70 Land Cruiser back to select export markets, including regions across South Asia, Australia, Africa, and South America.
The return of the legendary off-roader included the familiar long-wheelbase five-door model, as well as the pickup version designed for serious work. However, Toyota remained surprisingly quiet about another member of the family: the short-wheelbase three-door model.
That’s what makes this discovery so exciting.
The compact Series 70 delivers the same rugged simplicity and old-school durability as its larger siblings, but in a smaller and more maneuverable package.
The affordable Toyota 4×4 America wishes it had
Toyota recently showcased the rare three-door Series 70 on its official Land Cruiser YouTube channel, with Toyota Racing driver Takamoto Miura and Land Cruiser Chief Engineer Masaya Uchiyama taking a closer look at the unusual model.
The base commercial version is about as straightforward as a vehicle can get.
It comes with manual crank windows, cloth seats, basic vinyl interior materials, and even a factory snorkel. It’s the kind of truck built for farms, remote areas, and harsh environments rather than luxury.
But then Toyota revealed the real gem.
The rarest Series 70 Land Cruiser: the convertible three-door
The convertible three-door Series 70 is arguably the most unique version of the lineup.
Featuring a removable roof, this open-top Land Cruiser offers something even more special: a windshield that folds forward. The design improves visibility and accessibility, making it especially useful for agricultural and utility work.
According to Chief Engineer Masaya Uchiyama, this configuration is among the rarest Series 70 variants Toyota produces.
It isn’t sold in Japan, and around 90 percent of these convertible models are shipped to the Middle East. The remaining examples are distributed to select markets in South Asia.
A simple, affordable off-roader with serious heritage
The best part? The short-wheelbase Series 70 Land Cruiser costs around $49,000 USD based on current conversion rates.
Under the hood, buyers can choose between an older-school 4.2-liter naturally aspirated diesel inline-six producing around 129 horsepower — an engine design that traces back to 1990 — or the newer 4.0-liter 1GR-FE gasoline V6, which delivers roughly 228 horsepower.
It’s not fast, luxurious, or packed with modern technology. And that’s exactly the point.
At a time when enthusiasts are demanding simpler, smaller, and more affordable trucks and SUVs, Toyota’s tiny Series 70 Land Cruiser feels like the vehicle many markets — especially the United States — never got.
With all the excitement surrounding affordable adventure vehicles, this little Land Cruiser only makes us wish Toyota would bring something this cool to our shores.
