The 1966 Toyota Land Cruiser belongs to the J40 Series, one of the most famous and durable off-road cars from Toyota. Beginning production in the early 1960s and produced through the 1980s, the 1966 model is one of the cornerstones of its evolutionary path. Renowned for hardy constructions, dependability, and versatility, this automobile became the untamed ambassador of Toyota’s off-road might, not only in Japan, but to the world.
Engine Options and Specifications
3.9L Inline-6 Engine
Engine Option
3.9L Inline-6 Engine
Displacement
3,895 cc (3.9L)
Engine Type
Inline 6, naturally aspirated
Max Power
125 hp (93 kW) @ 3,600 rpm
Max Torque
220 Nm (162 lb-ft) @ 2,000 rpm
Compression Ratio
7.0:1
Fuel System
Carbureted
Transmission
4-speed manual
Top Speed
~105 km/h (65 mph)
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
~20 seconds
2.0L Inline-4 Engine
Engine Option
2.0L Inline-4 Engine
Displacement
1,969 cc (2.0L)
Engine Type
Inline 4, naturally aspirated
Max Power
85 hp (63 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
Max Torque
140 Nm (103 lb-ft) @ 2,500 rpm
Compression Ratio
7.0:1
Fuel System
Carbureted
Transmission
3-speed manual
Top Speed
~90 km/h (56 mph)
0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
~30 seconds
Chassis and Suspension
Component
Specification
Chassis Type
Ladder frame
Front Suspension
Live axle, leaf spring
Rear Suspension
Live axle, leaf spring
Steering Type
Recirculating ball, manual
Brakes
Drum brakes (front and rear)
Wheelbase
2,285 mm (90 inches)
Turning Radius
~5.5 meters (18 feet)
1966 Toyota Land Cruiser Dimensions
Dimension
Specification
Length
3,675 mm (144.7 inches)
Width
1,730 mm (68.2 inches)
Height
1,930 mm (76.0 inches)
Wheelbase
2,285 mm (90.0 inches)
Front Track
1,475 mm (58.1 inches)
Rear Track
1,465 mm (57.7 inches)
Curb Weight
1,700–1,800 kg (3,750–3,970 lbs)
1966 Toyota Land Cruiser Safety Features
Safety Feature
Specification
Seat belts
None or optional in some models
Airbags
None
Crash Protection
Basic, no crumple zones or reinforced safety cell
Brakes
Drum brakes, no ABS or EBD
Reinforced Body
Strong, steel ladder-frame design, minimal crumple zones
Other Features
No modern active safety tech (e.g., traction control, lane assist)
1966 Toyota Land Cruiser Interior Features
Feature
Specification
Upholstery
Vinyl or basic fabric
Seating Capacity
2 passengers (J40), or 4-6 passengers (J45, J50)
Dashboard Design
Simple, rugged with analog dials
Instrument Cluster
Speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure
Note: Prices can vary significantly depending on location, the extent of restoration, originality, and specific model variant (e.g., 2-door, 4-door, military vs civilian, etc.). Restored and well-maintained Land Cruisers tend to fetch higher prices, while project vehicles can be found at lower prices.
The 1966 model marked the peak of the J40 and J45 series, which later evolved into the more refined J70 series. The vehicle’s simplicity, combined with its off-road capabilities, has made it a collector’s item, especially for enthusiasts of vintage off-road vehicles.
