THE SANDY 60

MICHAEL ELLEM FROM OFFROAD IMAGES MIGHT OWN THIS STUNNINGLY RESTORED 60 SERIES LANDCRUISER, BUT HE ASSURES US IT’S NOT JUST HIS 4X4 – IT BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE

- EVAN SPENCE

SIMPLY put, you’d have to be living under a rock if you haven’t seen this awesome Sandy 60 online or on various social media accounts. This build is the brainchild of Offroad Images founder Michael Ellem, who also owns the Mighty 79, a highly modified 79 Series LandCruiser on portal axles.

When Michael found this particular 60 Series in a car park out in Kalgoorlie, it was a far cry from what it looks like today. The owners were having trouble even getting it started, rust had well and truly crept in to the body, and the interior looked more like a dog’s breakfast than a place to sit comfortably. They agreed to sell it to Michael and the rest, as they say, is history, but only under the condition he would restore the 60 and they’d get to drive it one last time when it was finished. It was a done deal, and Michael set to work assembling a team of expert tradespeople and companies in the off-road game.

Starting with this well-used 1985 60 Series LandCruiser, Michael has set out to enlist expertise from the best of the best in the automotive trade to transform the old girl. When we say transform, we really mean it too… from rust repairs to engine swaps, there isn’t a single nut or bolt that has been left untouched.

So, what are the plans for the Sandy 60? Well, you’ll have to stay tuned for that, as 4X4 Australia is running a complete series on this wonderful vehicle. Mick wants the Sandy 60 to travel this country, telling the story of not only the fantastic locations we are lucky enough to have, but also the stories of some amazing people behind the four-wheel drive community.