1997 Land Cruiser 80 Time Capsule Bids Top $130,000 (25 Photos)

Monterey Car Week wrapped up in the US last weekend, featuring Mecum Auctions' flagship sale. Nestled among dozens of iconic sports cars, supercars, restomods, and purebred race cars was an unusually modest offering: a bone-stock 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser 80. What makes this particular example stand out is its mileage—after all these years, the odometer shows a mere 4,688 miles (approx. 7,544 km).





The SUV is reported to be in completely original condition inside and out. Power comes from a 4.5-liter 1FZ-FE inline-six producing 215 hp and 373 Nm of torque, mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system featuring a locking center differential and a 2-speed transfer case.

While the auction listing offered little history, this Land Cruiser is no stranger to the auction block. Records show the LC 80 was purchased new from a California dealership and spent most of its life parked under a car cover in an elderly resident's garage. After the original owner passed away, his family traded the vehicle in.

The Toyota found a new owner in 2021 and has surfaced at auction several times since—with another appearance likely on the horizon. The SUV failed to sell at Monterey, as bidding stalled at $130,000, failing to meet the seller's reserve price. While the exact reserve wasn't disclosed, it's worth noting that this same 80 Series last changed hands for $170,000 in 2024.