MEDIUM RARE
The Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series is one of the hottest tickets in town right now, which is understandable given that its predecessor, the 200 Series, developed a formidable reputation as a durable and highly capable offroading tow tug during its 14-year model life.
With media attention focusing on the imminent launch of the 300 Series for the last years of the 200s life, there was a collective cheer when the new model was unveiled in Japan last June, only to be quickly followed by a groan when the scheduled Australian launch was delayed — production in Japan was halted for part of August and most of September due to COVID-19 related supply chain problems, including shortages of vital semiconductor computer chips.
The news came as a blow for the tens of thousands of Aussies who had been hanging out to replace their old rigs and rely on the rugged 4x4 wagon for their livelihoods and lifestyle.
Although the frowns turned to smiles again when the 300 Series launched a month later than scheduled in October, the relief was short-lived with Toyota Australia confirming the initial batch of 500 would be dealer demonstrators only, and that customer deliveries would be further delayed by ongoing supply chain shortages.
Since then, the news hasn’t gotten much better, with the factory that produces the burly 4x4 unable to produce any
