How Could You Not Want This 1981 Toyota Pickup?

When it comes to trucks from Toyota, they really don’t make them like they used to. Of course, this isn’t to say that its current pickups aren’t impressive, but no current Frontier, Tundra, or Hilux can match the cool factor and charm of this 1981 Pickup 4×4.

Currently available for sale in Nevada, it might be the perfect antidote to modern pickups that are loaded with technology and safety equipment.

Read: Toyota Shrinks Its Hilux Champ Into The Super Short Wheelbase

While few details have been provided about the vehicle’s ownership history, we do know that the current seller purchased it last year and had it finished in the current retro-inspired paint scheme of white, red, yellow, and orange. Importantly, the pickup’s transformation included far more than just a fresh paint job.

Restored From the Ground Up

The Toyota was stripped back to its bare shell and slowly rebuilt. In addition to the body panels being overhauled, the chassis and suspension components were sand-blasted and refinished. Inside, the single bench seat was upholstered in brown houndstooth cloth, complete with vinyl accents.

Updates were also made to the dashboard, a new air conditioning system was installed, and the original AM/FM radio has been retained.

Bring a Trailer

According to the Bring a Trailer listing, new Rancho shocks were also installed alongside rebuilt steering knuckles, a new steering stabilizer, leaf spring bushings, and tie rod ends. A set of 15-inch six-spoke wheels wrapped in 30×9.5-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires complete the transformations.

Reliable, Simple, and Built to Last

By modern standards, the 2.4-liter 22R inline-four cylinder engine, which produces roughly 90 hp, is extremely underpowered. However, this engine is known to be reliable, and unlike most current Toyota trucks these days, is mated to a manual transmission.

More: 1992 Acura NSX Unearthed After Hiding 30 Years In Storage

What’s more, it only has 49,000 miles (78,800 km) on the clock, so the engine should continue to run for decades to come.

For anyone craving some analog charm in a digital age, this old-school Toyota might be just the ticket. It’s tough, honest, and gloriously simple. If you’re ready to trade Bluetooth for brute force, check out the listing over here and see what real trucks used to feel like.

Bring a Trailer