Sunday Drive: Sooty

Sooty 

1986 Toyota Land Cruiser 60 Series

Owned by Joe

AS TOLD TO Liam Stretch

My passion for Land Cruisers comes from having an interest in cars since I was younger. My father was passionate about everything related to cars, which was then passed down to me. This sparked my interest in collecting cars, initially beginning with everything from small MK2 Golfs to speedy Mazda RX7s. 

Being around cars gave me so much enjoyment; I began to build my knowledge of all the different makes and models in the market through my own curiosity as well as working in asset finance. 

Eventually, I graduated from the RX7s to collecting older Land Cruisers. There’s something special about these vehicles; each Cruiser is unique with its own character. Meanwhile, my passion for vehicles continued to grow as I learned about larger trucks and trailers. I have since built a business in asset finance, working with some of the biggest transport operators in the country. 

I have continued to grow my collection of Cruisers, which has become more than just a hobby, seeking out rare finds and restoring them to become driveable. The restoration process is just as rewarding as the end result, giving new life to a vehicle with plenty of unrealised potential. 

This car has travelled all over the South Island, and it still puts a smile on my face every time I start it. It is definitely not the comfiest to drive and not the fastest, but its timeless, rugged design never fails to impress. 

I love their ruggedness and reliability; they are bulletproof and can be counted on to take you anywhere you need to go. 

1986 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER 60 SERIES OWNED BY JOE