1963 Land Cruiser - £16,675!

101sean

A 1963 Toyota Land Cruiser, previously owned by Rover for evaluation work, has sold at auction for £16,675.

It was purchased and registered by Rover in 1966 and is believed to have been used in development work for the Range Rover.

Unused since 1970, the Toyota had covered minimal mileage and had recently undergone a through rebuild with an owner in North Yorkshire.

Lively bidding at Bonham's Harrogate sale saw the Toyota sail past the estimate of £6,000 - £8,000, much to the surprise of many present - including Toyota GB, who were outbidded

http://www.landroveraddict.com/news/2011/11/24/former-rover-engineering-land-cruiser-sells-for-16675/

txpjl

So the brits copied the japs, nice.

Vegeta

Thought a vehicle like that would go for a lot more. Especially with the story behind it

101sean

When Land Rover were looking at developing the Range Rover they bought examples of most of the opposition which was mainly American,there's pics of an International Scout amongst others at Eastnor Castle, their main testing ground.

They of course ultimately proved they can do it better than anyone else with the Range Rover. Unfortunately they then dropped the ball and didn't find it again until the 90s :rolleyes:

Incidentally, the main reason BMW bought Rover in the 90s was to gain Land Rover's 4x4 expertise. Got what they wanted and sold it on when they developed the inferior X5.

Fishtits

101sean wrote: »

Incidentally, the main reason BMW bought Rover in the 90s was to gain Land Rover's 4x4 expertise.

Correct.

However, it would be incorrect to say the X5 wearing mud tyres (as per any self respecting LR) is not a capable 4x4.

Its friggin scary what electronics can do for traction... even with limited clearance. Think automatic finger brakes...

fishtits, ex Solihull trained appentice.

101sean

However, it would be incorrect to say the X5 wearing mud tyres (as per any self respecting LR) is not a capable 4x4.

Agreed, but I'm I'm biased!