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True Blue Survivor: 1982 Toyota Pickup

Toyota Motor Corporation first introduced North America to their pickup trucks in 1964, with the stateside launch of the Toyota Stout. Featuring a 1.9L 3R engine, a ladder frame chassis with independent coil spring front suspension, and leaf spring rear suspension, the new compact truck was designed to handle and ride like a car.  Hoping to compete with the recently released small pickups from Datsun, Toyota sold only 4 units in the first model year. A slight redesign meant enlarging the cab for full-size Americans, but the Stout’s days were numbered and it was replaced by the Hilux in 1969. Fast forward to 1978  and the introduction of the 3rd generation Hilux, known in America simply as the Toyota pickup. One year later the automaker rolled out the first 4WD version of the model, featuring a dual transfer case and a solid front axle with leaf springs. In 1981, a larger 2.4L 22R engine was introduced, making 95 hp and 122 ft-lb of torque. These elements combined to create a formidable compact off-roader that could also provide economical transportation. Our feature vehicle, found here on eBay, proves that you don’t need a full-size rig to have fun in the mountains.

While not exactly a powerhouse, the legendary 22R engine is known for its dependability and economical gas mileage. The cast-iron block is topped with an aluminum cylinder head, featuring hemispherical combustion chambers. The engine bay of our feature vehicle appears to be clean and tidy, and the ad states that a significant amount of maintenance has been done in the last year including a new brake master cylinder, Weber carburetor, fuel pump, fresh fluids, and more. Hooked behind the engine is a 5-speed manual overdrive transmission, allowing the owner the pleasure of rowing their own gears. The RF1A gear-driven dual transfer case allows for a lower overall gear ratio, useful when exploring off the pavement.

The interior is as one would expect of a nearly forty-year-old vehicle, with acceptable wear and tear. The driver’s seat needs reupholstering and while the passenger side is in good shape, it would likely be redone to match. In the center console, you will find what appears to be a mini Igloo cooler, a rare option according to the ad. The dash is showing some cracks, easily remedied with a dash cover, and the steering wheel looks to be in great condition. There’s also a vintage Kenwood cassette stereo with aftermarket speakers in the doors.

At the back of the truck, you’ll find that the rear bumper is missing, but a replacement shouldn’t be difficult to find. The truck sits on American Racing Outlaw II rims, wrapped in 31″ BFG All-Terrain tires. With its perfect stance, colorful graphics, and playful demeanor, this truck is ready to take its new owner exploring, on or off the pavement.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bluetec320 Member

    Doesn’t look like the paint, body, or interior “survived” too well.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar Erik

    Remembering when these trucks were everywhere and having owned on myself, I would be willing to bet that based on the rust elsewhere on the truck that under that rubber trim running down the truck bed sides there is rust perforation from the inside of the bed to the outside of the bed as these only had single-walled truck beds and debris would accumulate inside the bed and the crevice where bed floor met bed wall and would then absorb water and rot from inside out.

    Are these trucks are getting harder to find…yes. Do I think they should be fetching prices they are going for…no. Will somebody pony up the money to have something “different”…yes. Do I think that is a fool’s pursuit…yes. Will they overpay today only to sell when times get tough…yes. Will guys like me be waiting until the market crashes and be ready to buy then….yes.

    Like 7
    • Avatar MrBZ

      100%, Erik.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Doug

    I bought a new 1983 that was essentially the same truck. The ride was stiff enough to re-arrange your internal organs. The truck would get 18 mpg, city or hwy. The thing was amazing off road, far better than it should have been for some reason. Build quality had some issues, especially with the bed and exhaust system. Would I buy the same truck again if it were available new today? In a heartbeat!!

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Howie Mueler

    The bid is up to $9k for this beater!!! ???

    Like 3
  5. Avatar Elroythekid

    Had an 81 SR5 black on black. Lived it, short box, fun truck for a 19 yr old. It was 10k brand new. They will get more than 10k for this one.lolol

    Like 0
  6. Avatar t-bone BOB

    Located in:
    Clayton, North Carolina,

    Like 1
  7. Avatar chrlsful

    “In the center console, you will find what appears to be a mini Igloo cooler, a rare option according to the ad.” there’s one in my ’70 bronk, funny.
    I think it’s just about right, replace w/ auto transmis, extended bed & cab if 4WD removed so this is OK. Smaller is better (for me) in a off roader.

    Like 0

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