Early Toyota Hiluxes are a rarity in the classic car scene. Most of them have been well-used, before being exported to low-income countries. With interest for these early pick up trucks picking up, it is hard to find a restorable base that hasn’t been abused.
This olive green Hilux was sold new in the US, as a Toyota SR5 pick up, with long bed (RN28L). The last owner purchased it in 1989 and left it unused for the last couple of years. It will now need to be restored, but offers plenty of potential to practical enthusiasts.
The body tub has rust damage and needs a fair amount of metalwork. The main cause of corrosion came from dried out rubbers causing moist to enter the interior. Hence, the car needs new floors, repair work around the windshield and rear window and some work around the battery tray. Other rust damage is found at the door bottoms, sills and cargo floor.
As this truck still shows its factory original paint, there were no signs of old repair work. The chassis frame is solid and only shows surface rust.
The car is powered by Toyota’s 20R 2.2L petrol engine, linked to a manual 5-speed gearbox. The starter motor doesn’t engage, so we were unable to check the engine. It still turns by hand and will probably run after some effort. The right rear brake drum was locked up, so we removed the brake shoes.
The interior will need to be renovated. 14.404 mls on the odometer, which assumingly indicates a total mileage of 114.404, an assumption mainly based on steering wheel and pedal rubber condition.
A rare classic Japanese pick up, that is worth the effort of a thorough restoration.
Price: € 4.900
This Toyota Hilux has a US title (Washington) and EU import document (duties paid). Door-to-door delivery possible throughout Europe, contact us for a shipping quote. Visits and inspections by appointment at Dandy Classics in the Netherlands.
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