---
title: "This Japanese Shop Is Face-Swapping Land Cruisers and Hiace Vans for a Sweet Retro Look"
description: "Modern bodies with retro front ends, what's not to love?"
date: "2021-08-23"
modified: "2021-08-23"
authors:
  - name: "Lewin Day"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/lewin-day"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/42118/this-japanese-shop-is-face-swapping-land-cruisers-and-hiace-vans-for-a-sweet-retro-look"
categories:
  - "Builds"
  - "Culture"
  - "News"
---

# This Japanese Shop Is Face-Swapping Land Cruisers and Hiace Vans for a Sweet Retro Look

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2021/08/img0.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

It's hard to go wrong when buying a Toyota. With an unimpeachable reputation for reliability, and build quality beyond reproach, you know what you're getting when you put down your hard-earned cash. However, despite all the good qualities of Toyota's modern vehicles, like the Land Cruiser and Hiace, you might find their design to be a little too modern and anonymous for your particular tastes. Never fear, however, for Japanese outfit Renoca can build you something a little more retro instead.

Renoca, a subunit of a larger company by the name of Flex Inc, specializes in building customized Toyotas, often with a throwback flair. The [Renoca 106](<https://www.flexnet.co.jp/renoca/lineup/106>) is a great example. Based on the 100 Series Landcruiser built up until 2007, it sports a complete restyling intended to evoke the earlier 60 Series Land Cruiser design. The original lights, grille, and bumper are all removed, and replaced with an old-school slab-front design. Fitted with big round headlights and a flat Toyota grille with a wordmark badge, it's a handsome look that completely transforms the car.

![message-editor%2F1629764851931-ren23.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1629764851931-ren23.jpg>)
**Instagram/@renocabyflex**

The work is no mean feat, requiring a custom hood and other panel work, along with a new bumper and plenty of other smaller touches. A set of wheels that could best be described as "nostalgic" are paired with chunky offroad tires to complete the look. Inside, seat covers transform the seats to be a little more 1980s, along with a few other trim pieces to tie everything together. [The configurator](<https://www.flexnet.co.jp/renoca/simulator/detail/?car=6>) lets you explore all the options, including the alternative square headlight front grille which looks rather cool in its own right.

![message-editor%2F1629764929789-renred.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/content-b/message-editor/1629764929789-renred.jpg>)
*Neat., *Renoca**

It's surprising just how well the old-school look works on the 90s design of the 100 Series Land Cruiser. However, Renoca doesn't just limit itself to four-wheel drives. It also works magic on the Toyota Hiace van. Going by the name of [Coast Lines](<https://www.flexnet.co.jp/renoca/simulator/detail/?car=7>), it features a similar conversion with old-school round or square headlights paired with a classic grille. Similarly, there's also the [Euro Box,](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/38510/the-renoca-euro-box-is-the-bare-bones-throwback-for-practical-people-like-you>) a conversion of the Toyota Probox van to create a charming little wagon.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHB4ELMDHVm

Seemingly based on used vehicles sourced from parent company Flex, a retro Renoca will set you back somewhere in the realm of 3 to 4 million yen, though it's unclear if this includes the purchase cost of the donor vehicle. That's somewhere between $27,000 and $37,000 US dollars. However, even if a Renoca build is the apple of your eye, you'll still be hamstrung by the usual 25-year US import policy, preventing you from bringing one into the country any time soon.

While it may not be easy to land yourself such a throwback here in the States, Renoca's output nonetheless shows the value of the design trends of yesteryear. We'd love to see more well-executed swaps like these; bonus points if someone puts original 1969 headlights on [a new Nissan Z](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/42014/2023-nissan-z-the-icon-returns-with-400-hp-rwd-and-a-manual>). If you build it, let us know!

*Got a tip? Let the author know: lewin@thedrive.com*

## Author
Lewin Day is a contributing writer tackling everything from breaking news after the offices empty out to sharing feature articles on wrenching, robotics, and the trials and tribulations of being a down-to-earth car enthusiast. He lives in Adelaide, Australia.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://au.linkedin.com/in/lewin-day-64897944>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/rainbowdefault>)