If we were to anthropomorphise the Land Cruiser, as many of us have done by giving our machines names, then we ask ourselves, what is it about the Cruiser that we love? Philosophically, if John or Jenny, were to undergo a heart, kidney and liver transplant, are they still John or Jenny? What gives a person or object it's particular intrinsic nature, is it's mind, or the "mind" that the observer imparts to it. That is, not just a piece or two, or 10 or 20, but the whole organism or object.
In my mind, over the years, I have come to appreciate the Land Cruiser as one of man's successes. Another example of man's struggle and attempt at an aspect of unattainable perfection, for it's own sake. Simplicity, form and function is a theme constantly repeated in nature which man has often described as beauty. I have felt the same about certain musical pieces, artistic works, other machines... even the game of baseball. What then develops is a sense of brotherhood among those of like mind... In the case of the Cruiser, the engineers and designers who struggled to create something of lasting, and enthusiasts like ourselves, who might share this sense at different levels.
In how many different ways has "My Favorite Things" been interpreted on jazz platform (not one of my favorites, btw). It's still "My Favorite Things". My point, modifications don't destroy the intrinsic nature of things, in the case of the Land Cruiser, they expand on the theme.
...I know alot of you are scratching your heads with this one, lol.