When it comes to compact pickup trucks, the models produced by Toyota are some of the most renowned, and also some of the best at holding their value. This 1981 Toyota Hilux 4×4 that’s available here on eBay is proof of that, but it’s also an unrestored survivor in breathtaking shape.
This Hilux is available in Acworth, Georgia with a clean title. The vehicle spent its life garage kept in Arizona and California, resulting in its well-preserved and rust-free condition.
The exterior is nearly perfect, with the original paint and stickers looking almost new. All of the glass and weatherstripping is intact, and a Vista camper shell is also included with the sale. Additionally, this truck represents the only year where the Hilux featured round front headlights, the larger 22R engine, and a center-located tailgate release.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find the only noteworthy flaw on the entire truck – a rip in the fabric on the driver’s section of the bench seat. All of the features on this Toyota work, including the factory radio.
There’s a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine under the hood, which pairs to a 5-speed manual transmission and a 4-wheel-drive system. The drivetrain only has 62,637 miles on it, which is a documented figure.
At the time of publication, bidding for this Hilux is at $38,000, with the seller mentioning that a restoration to this quality would cost even more than their asking price. What do you think of this all-original Toyota truck?
Remember that weird goo they advertised in the 80’s to fix ripped seats?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKi8jj9pjRg
Hey Chebby, thanks for the K-tel reminder! Now replaced by Flex Seal, LOL.
Only one private bidder @ 38k with one day remaining? Hmmmmm looks like a suspicious straw bid to me to get the bid moving forward. Nice survivor but no way is that truck worth 38k, maybe half that price at the most!
There’s an excellent chance that someone paid that much for a new Ford Ranger with a 2.3 liter turbo four and an automatic transmission today. The Ranger isn’t worth a tenth as much to me. Who is to say that this truck isn’t worth more to a couple of people?
All the people who haven’t bid, that’s who.
I could see a value of $12-15K but no more. They are very nice trucks and very reliable but they are pretty uncomfortable to drive on the road and a tight fit if you are tall or heavy. I like the look of these older trucks. I’d agree it is either a straw bidder or a Toyota Fanatic. This is a great color combo. I’m not a Japanese brand fan usually but some of these older vehicles are cool. The only Japanese cars I’ve owned are Mazda.
Add a roll bar, lights, and a “McFly” vanity plate.
Wrong year.
I agree, very nice vehicle, but definitely not worth the asking price…..maybe $12k – $14K. At 38K you would have to keep it in the garage, for fear of damaging it and not getting insured value.
I agree with Keith. No way is it worth 38 large. Sure smells fishy. As beautiful as it is, someone hacked a hole in the roof for a cheap sunroof, which Is sure to leak sooner or later. These trucks were tough as nails. Lot of ’em succumbed to rust, especially in the frames here in the rust belt. have seen many still on the job in the seattle area. Good luck to the new owner.
Cheers
GPC
This is the base truck not a SR-5, which means someone cut a hole in the roof to put that sunroof in California. No a/c ? ? ? rare for a California / Arizona truck to be without air. Miles are way too low to have to have the muffler replaced. I’ve owned about a dozen Toyota trucks and never have had to replace a muffler in California.These are nice to look at but ride like crap on concrete freeways.
Possibly be replaced due to a hole in the muffler from sitting long periods of time with condensation sitting in the muffler. I have seen that happen even here in Arizona. A former neighbor is a prime example. Elderly, took his Buick out roughly 3 or 4 times a month to the grocery store. The store was less than a mile away too and over the course of time trapped condensation in the muffler slowly ate a hole.
She a beauty especially with the steelies and caps! $20K would seem to be a generous bid though.
These are VERY small trucks interior-wise. I recently sold a 79 and was reminded of that every time I climbed into it. Perhaps that’s part of the charm. Cool trucks for sure, but view it through rose-colored glasses at your own risk.
$40k for that? No thanks. At the end of the day, it’s a small, noisy, underpowered base model truck. For a few more bucks i’d rather have a Ford Raptor.
Price is pure insanity … survivor or not.
I could see 16-17K but no more than that.
Wow! Ended:Oct 10, 2019 , 9:00PM
Winning bid:US $38,000.00
[ 1 bid ]
That price is jaw dropping. I never thought I would see the day a truck like this would bring that much.
I guess it is good news for people that have these trucks though.