1981 Toyota Truck 4x4 JDM "Best in Show" award winner, original survivor...

Price: - Item location: Rehoboth, Massachusetts, United States
Description:

1981 Toyota Hilux Deluxe

Up for sale to the highest bidder with no reserve, 1981 Toyota "Deluxe" 4x4 Truck,unrestored original survivor, highly optioned with just 62k documented original miles, its in amazing shape for 37 yrs old. Probably one of the nicest examples left of these 1st generation 4x4 Pickups. It really belongs in a Collection or in a Toyota Showroom on display.
It was bought new in 1981 from Shelby Imports Toyota/Mazda ( have original invoice) out of Illinois, but quickly left the state and spent the majority of its life with the first owner garaged in dry Palm Spring CA. I purchased this truck several years ago and had it shipped from CA to Mass. Its never been in winter weather or even rain during my ownership, always garaged.
As mentioned this is a highly optioned DLX "Deluxe" model from the dealer, these options include, factory 5 speed L52 transmission, removable panel moon roof, sliding rear window, western style outside mirrors, white spoked wheels, working original AM/FM stereo and speakers, sport steering wheel, rear oval tube bumper, and hard to find front and back Toyota mudflaps in excellent condition. Truck still has the original never used H-78x15 bias ply mud and snow spare tire (see pics) along with jack and Toyota tool pouch behind seat. These trucks were shipped from Japan without the bed to avoid paying tariffs, the beds were installed on the trucks at the Port of Long Beach CA, amazingly the bed ID sticker is still intact on the bed between the cab (see Pics)This truck had a bed cap put on it from new, which explains the condition of the bed, I removed the cap when I got it because it looks better without it on. I have never hauled anything in the bed.
1981 was the first year for the legendary 22R motor and also the last year for the round headlights, 81 is the only year to have both, which makes that year my favorite of the 1st gen 4x4 Pickups.The motor and drivetrain are original to the truck and it runs amazing, no fluid leaks, cruises on the highway fine, with no squeaks or shimmys, drives straight and true. Gets constant "thumbs up" wherever I drive it...
Under my ownership it has won several awards at area Car Shows, including top honor of "Best Vehicle/Museum Choice" at the 2016 Japanese Car Day held outside Boston. With well over 100+ vehicles in attendance this Truck was chosen over vintage Nissan Skylines, Datsun 240Z's, Acura NSX's and others as the best vehicle as judged by the Museums curators and staff.
People love to see this truck and seems everyone has a story of the one they had back in the day....Most of these truck were worked hard and put away wet...many were modified back in the 80's and 90's and modified into mall crawlers and mud trail trucks, which is why finding a stock clean example like this one is almost impossible today.
As mentioned this truck is 37 years old, original factory paint still shines, its in remarkable stock shape considering but its not 100% perfect, very close but its been around and driven lightly for 37 year, its only original once and the value in this truck is in its originality and low miles.......
Look at what comparable original stock 80's Toyota Land Cruisers are selling at auctions...$45-75K and more! These early 1st gen 4x4 Toyota trucks are now getting noticed by Collectors and are only increasing in desirability and value.
I know I will regret selling this truck, I've had a few of these 1st gens over the years and this is by far the nicest stock original one I've ever seen or owned. I've enjoyed owning it and taking care of it all these years but its time for someone else to enjoy it.
Please only serious bidders, don't bid if you don't have the funds, no dreamers....check first with your wife, girlfriend, mistress or boyfriend before bidding. No bidders with zero feedback without checking with me first or your bid will be removed....its real simple.I reserve the right to end auction early if sells locally... Thanks... and someone is going to own a wicked cool truck!