As is to be expected of a true gentleman, Danie Pienaar of the Strand thought it a good idea to court a real Lady; one that’s not too fickle, and fetching enough to turn the boys’ heads as she goes by; a Lady who could show her mettle if it really became necessary – almost like Meryl Streep in Out of Africa.

Danie’s Lady “dropped into his lap” seemingly by chance after four years of intense searching – during which time he was driving a stand-in Mitsubishi Colt. 

When he eventually purchased his Lady, she was inclined to a few mood swings which he had to mend over time with much dedication and tender loving care.

Today she is his perfect partner and more than holds her own with all the younger floozies found on every street corner.

And just like any Lady who has been around for almost a quarter of a century, the time has come for some plastic surgery and makeup. But, says Danie, the cost associated with the surgery and pampering is nothing compared to the enjoyment of having this special Lady as company.

According to Danie, any vehicle which has done almost 400 000 km would have a scratch, a dent or some sort of blemish here and there, as the Lady indeed has. But rust? “Not a spot. It could be because of all the polishing over the years.”

Every time Danie comes across a brand-new Cruiser he experiences a deep desire to buy it. But the feeling never seems to last because as soon as he gets home and sees his Lady offering everything a man could desire, the urge simply disappears.

WHY BUY A SECOND-HAND VEHICLE?
Nothing looks quite as sexy as a 60 Series Land Cruiser with the letters “UN” painted on the side. I spotted her on the internet and just knew I had to have her. I have never regretted that decision.

WHAT TO YOU LIKE ABOUT HER?
How many pages do you have? There isn’t one other Cruiser with as much space inside. I can pack more equipment and gear into my Lady and onto her roof carrier than you would fit into any double-cab pickup, even one with a trailer.

Her brute force and stability are addictive. She was made for gravel and the veld. I love the confidence that wells up in me when I am confronted by a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. I also enjoy her air conditioning which functions as perfectly as a “cooling plant”.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE ABOUT HER?
The Lady could have had a tad more kick in the form of kilowatt. Some of the smaller kittens, like the Jeeps, pick up speed faster and tend to tackle steep hills with more ease. But on the other hand, those Jeeps then kick so many holes in the road that it poses an even tougher challenge to my Lady.

Also remember that if you have any broken parts on the Lady you have to surf the internet all the way to Japan or contact a specialised fitter and turner to have the parts made up. Everything doesn’t always keep going right – even at Toyota.

The leaf springs of the 60 Series Cruiser tend to become much too soft after a while, so take into account that they need to be adjusted fairly often.

DID YOU MAKE ANY MODIFICATIONS?
It wasn’t necessary to make any modifications. In any case, why would one want to change a winning formula? 

I did, however, fit a second battery and a larger alternator because she was fitted with an alternator which was only strong enough to swing the starter and switch on the headlights. I also fitted spotlights and installed a CD-player that can make a lot of noise.

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE?
Maybe it would have been nice to have a clock with the standard oil pressure metre, the rev counter and voltage metre. The Lady takes her time and a clock would have been handy during night-time driving.

WHAT HAVE YOU SPENT ON HER UP TO NOW?
I bought her for R50 000 and apart from that initial expense, I have spent very little. I changed her tyres and clutch at 79 000 km because I felt it was the right time to do that. 

And because I thought I should, and not because I needed to, I also replaced the water pump, brake drum, starter and window-wiper motor.

I think by now the Lady must have cost me a total of R9 000 in parts. Also, I am not stingy about changing the oil, which I do every 8 000 km, but that is because I love her and enjoy pampering her.

WHERE CAN YOU TAKE HER?
Show me the map, point your finger anywhere and I will take her there.

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?
Almost any place south of the Congo. The most enjoyable tour was one to Liuwa in Western Zambia. We went to Botswana a few times and travel through the Kgalagadi almost every year.

I have decided that the Lady no longer feels like driving private 4x4 routes and have left that to the youngsters who still need to test-drive their vehicles.

WHAT IS A COMFORTABLE CRUISING SPEED?
Any speed that will ensure we make it to the campsite by 4 pm. The Lady feels comfortable at 120 km/h at 3 000 rpm (fully loaded).

In deep sand, like in the Khaudum and Mabuasehube, she loves a gentle 1 000 rpm in second gear, low range. On gravel she tends to pick up speed very quickly and every now and again I have to apply the brakes to keep her within the speed limit.

FUEL EFFICIENCY?
No matter if it’s sand, mud, stones, gravel, tar, in the city or wherever, the Lady always gives me the same: between six and seven kilometres a litre. I have achieved more, but that was only when a healthy northwester chased me home, downhill from Keetmanshoop.

ANY SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS BEFORE A TRIP?
I always spend a whole Saturday morning under the Cruiser to inspect everything. After that the engine gets the same treatment. And before I turn the key, I pray that the Lady will bring us back home. Luckily she has never disappointed us.

WHAT WILL I HAVE TO PAY FOR ONE?
I have seen 1984 Land Cruisers advertised for R60 000, but then they look a bit battered. My Lady is up for sale for… No man! Don’t be stupid!

WHAT DO I HAVE TO LOOK OUT FOR BEFORE BUYING ONE? 
You need to know vehicles and spend time doing a thorough inspection before you buy. Let me warn you, spare parts will cost you an arm and a leg each time. 

Be on the lookout for rust. Not everybody applies polish every second month. And be on the lookout for those leaf springs which tend to become too soft. If you are thinking of buying a Cruiser, rather spend a few extra pounds to avoid obvious problems.

Land Cruisers can take a massive pounding. I know of a few dilapidated ones which have made it across Africa and back. But, beware, that’s no guarantee.

WHO SHOULD HAVE ONE?
Anybody who is serious about venturing into the veld for an adventure or two.

Certainly not those who do window shopping for roof tents to impress other people at the mall.