While we sometimes talk down on cosmetic dress-up trims and other so-called limited edition models, there’s occasionally the case of a rare specimen that’s so obscure it has to be cool. That’s the box I’m checking with this unusual Mojave edition 1983 Toyota long-bed pickup. The Mojave was simply a case of upgraded trim and features, but it actually seems like a pretty robust piece of kit – and I don’t recall seeing one previously. Check it out here on craigslist where the seller includes original brochure language indicating it’s one of just 3,500 made.
When I was in high school, I had a VW Jetta that was called a “Wolfsburg Edition.” It actually featured a pro driver on a closed course driving it with great zeal, but there were no performance enhancements under the hood. Still, it came with a lot of options including a moonroof, fog lamps, and sport seats, so it certainly felt special. The same can be said about this Toyota, which was an otherwise humble base model offering that got a shot in the arm thanks to a generous list of included features. Cosmetically, it was limited to two color schemes with a clear coat finish, chrome bumpers front and rear, and special alloy wheels which are thankfully still attached.
The interiors also got the so-called “glow up” with special upholstery, thick carpeting, Mojave-themed embroidery, a 2-speaker stereo with digital clock, and floor mats. The seller notes that any extra options were limited to a moonroof, A/C, cruise control, power steering and tilt wheel, and this truck has all of them. Basically, it was one of the best equipped 2WD Toyota trucks to leave the showroom that year. Surprisingly, it appears to retain most, if not all, of these features, which is surprising. However, the bodywork has suffered a bit and will need rust repair.
The seller notes that it was “extensively refurnished” in 2021, including a rebuild of the near-bulletproof 22R engine. A full list of repairs will be provided, and I suspect those improvements will help the truck drive well for another 20 years. The rust repairs seem limited to the bed area, and the good news is you can either find a full replacement bed or the sheet metal necessary to patch the holes in this one. The paint looks decent enough to try and save, so hopefully it will come out the other side looking as original as it does now. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Barney for the tip.
For 212,000 miles, its held up very well. I remember Toyotas gaining popularity in the mid to late 70’s and that trend just kept going in the early to mid 80’s and on. I never saw this trim before, but definitely looks like it was one of the nicest trimmed 2WD models you could get. Unfortunately that bed rust is all too familiar, I remember these rusting within a few years in Northern NJ years ago. Especially at those seams. I’m curious about what’s going on under that bedliner. Nice one Jeff. Thank you.
The rust in the bed should kill its chances of selling close to the asking price.
Steve R
Bought a brand new 1986 Toyota 4WD pickup, about as base as it got. Paid just under $10K. Put pinstripes, a slider back window, tint, American Racing wheels, and an upgraded stereo. It had the same round rear bumper this one has, this is only the second one loke that I’ve ever seen. Loved that truck. Would love to find another one.
These are really good trucks, and reliable. I had a yellow ’80 4×4 that I bought at wholesale when my wife was working for Toyota in Baltimore. I put BFGs on mine with white custom wheels and a white cap, plus a CB so I could chat with the truckers passing through town. It looked way cool. The only reason I sold it was the same problem this one has with bed rust. We were moving to AZ and I figured it best to leave it behind so I sold it to a guy who had a farm and it ended up pulling a small trailer with things he sold at horse shows.
You just did, Dave. Make ’em an offer.
The top regular series SR5 models from ’84 and up were considerably plusher than they had been up through 1983, this must’ve been a dry run for those.
The interior is in amazing condition for its age.
That model year wouldn’t have power steering. Don’t know when they added it, but my ’97 had it.
“the bodywork … will need rust repair” Or maybe not, if you live in a dry climate … like Mojave.
stiff price for this 43 yr old truck. i would say 5k tops.
Can’t wait to see what this one will bring. It hits all the highs (Toyota, well maintained, A/C, 5spd, etc) and a big low (rust).
Unfortunately, since it’s listed on Craigslist what it sells for, if it sells, will only be known by the buyer and seller.
Steve R
I had a base model ’85. It had a 5spd and that was it. Very reliable, but as this one shows those beds rusted as fast as a 1970’s Chevy pickup bed.
I owned one of these. I bought it used in 1985. Still my favourite truck even though I’ve owned way better trucks since then. Having the cruise, sunroof, bucket seats with a console oolala, such luxury! It sure beat my 1977 Toyota. This truck took me to Cabo from BC Canada one year. https://imgur.com/YUVPoKU