It’s amazing how a once-utilitarian vehicle has suddenly become a collectible showpiece. This 1983 Toyota Hilux 4×4 pickup looks absolutely perfect sitting on color-matched steel wheels with the period-correct decals running down the sides. The old-school Toyota pickup has become one of those vehicles you should absolutely snap up if you spot for sale in the farmer’s field, as they seemingly all end up on eBay these days with high prices attached. This truck is listed here on eBay with bids to over $12,000 and the reserve unmet.
We often talk about how a C10 pickup looks its best with 2WD and a short bed; for a Toyota pickup of the same vintage, a short bed is still the preferred look, but the Toyota’s need four wheel drive to look their best. The 2WD trucks fall short visually, even if they make great little workhorses. With the lifted stance and the heavy-duty steel wheels, Toyota’s 4WD rigs look far brawnier in addition to offering a nice boost in the functionality department.
But the fact that this Toyota hasn’t spent much time off-road is what makes it so appealing, as the condition seems to suggest a lifetime of gentle use. The seller notes the interior has been modified with new seat upholstery and carpeting, but I seriously wonder if the truck even needed it given the outstanding cosmetics. I certainly hope it did, as the new upholstery doesn’t appear to be a perfect match in this photo – and slightly tatty-but-original fabric may have been a better choice.
With a trusty 22R under the hood, this Toyota is one of the most overbuilt trucks of our lifetime. It will handle far more than it should in terms of workload, and you can beat it like a stubborn mule if you’re so inclined. But it’s that high attrition rate of trucks that were abused for years before being junked that makes survivors like this one so desirable, as there simply are very few examples left that look like this – and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see bidding clear $20,000.
Perfect artifacts like this don’t drop from the sky every day. It is a little sad that it isn’t 4WD but as a one-of-a-kind runabout it would be more than sufficient. I could see using it once every two weeks or so.
Please pardon me for misunderstanding what is written in this article about the drivetrain. Thank you.
LOL… look at it this way, if this is the biggest mistake you made today, count yourself lucky. Everyday people read right over the information, so no biggie!! 😊
The description says 4×4
You’re right. I misread it. It went right over my head.
Why oh why cant they make a truck like this nowadays.? I’d buy one in a heartbeat
New 4x4s start around 35K and go up, waaaay up, from there. If a company could give us a small truck with a five speed and 4×4 for 20K, just think how well it would sell. I really believe there is money to be made in high volume sales, but like OPEC with raising the oil price via reducing output, they seem to have figured out a way to produce less and make just as much or even more. The real fools are the buying public who listen to Madison Avenue and go into deep debt to buy stuff they can not truly afford.
My son and I recently conversed regarding this and he shared some info about the government mpg formula. Can’t recall all details but basically the “footprint” determines the “efficiency” therefore a larger vehicle can outperform a smaller one. Explains why not only trucks but all US vehicles just grow and grow. My old Suburban can get 12 mpg and be more efficient than a Ford Ranger getting 16. Great news. Thanks gov.
I agree with you. But that said it costs just as much to build the cheap truck as the expensive one. When it’s all said and done this is what the public says.
I’d really miss the room inside.
My spouse won’t let me get one without x,y, and z on it.
I would never drive that brand.
And the kicker; I’m just not in the market right now.
I had this exact truck. Paid $5,000 in 1988. Front seal leaked oil.
I (sadly) think it has more to do with the fact
that it doesn’t cost that much more to build a full-
sized truck that they can make a LOT more profit on.
I was saddened to find the new Ranger was about
the same size as an old F150.
Back in 1985, I purchased a “plain jane” Nissan 4×4 pickup standard cab with a manual transmission. I got a great deal from the dealership during a “clearance sale”. It had 12 miles on the odometer and I got it for $5500. Those days are long gone unfortunately. Even today I’d probably have to pay at least double to get that same pickup.
Can’t beat this one. Everybody’s had one of these,and wishes they still had it. The 22R is no doubt the most dependable that Toyota has ever put in a vehicle Treated right, these were good for 3-400 k. They were susceptible to some rust. People surf fished with these a lot.But the price is right and it’s nice . Better grab it quick.
The 22R is a great engine. I had one. I have a 91 Toyota PU with the 22RE.
The fuel injection made this an even better, more powerful engine. Either way a great engine.
This truck would sell here on my island for 10k no doubt!
This truck would sell here on my island for 10k no doubt! This is a beautiful truck !
I’m not a fan of the color but GD, I’d love to have this thing in the garage. Maybe trade it for a gray or blue one later. Or in my dreams. Great truck. 20k would not surprise me.