Small trucks are pretty much a thing of the past. In the automotive industry, the segment’s death has been much-lamented, at least in the auto-journo realm. If you want a miniature pickup truck that will deliver good gas mileage and great utility, you’ll have to look to the past. This Hilux, for sale in Salt Lake City, fits the bill perfectly.
The seller claims implies that the truck has 64k original miles. That could be true, or not true, but it doesn’t really matter. What does matter is that the sheet metal is in mostly solid condition and the engine is said to run strong.
Perhaps more important than the number of miles on the clock is the fact that this particular truck is all original. It even has its original radio. So many older mini-trucks have suffered unfortunate modifications, so it is refreshing to see one in as-delivered condition, even down to the vinyl floor covering.
If you are a fan of patina, this truck has it. The red/sunburn/rust combination really works. It’s lumpy, but it looks great. Is it worth the asking price of $3,600? See the ad here at ksl.com to decide for yourself. The seller has done a great job of documenting the truck with over 50 photos.
Hot Rod Magazine recently published a feature asserting that classic mini-trucks are the next big retro trend. Here’s your chance to get in on the ground floor.
William Byrd 
Jeff Glucker
I learned how to drive a stick in a mid-70s Toyota pickup truck!
$4150 is the price I see in the ad.
Mini-trucks will probably go up in value, this one seems like a good horse to back in that race. A bit dinged up, though. Maybe a $3K truck, if it passes emissions here in CA.
Toyota 4WDs (a.k.a. HiLux) and 4-Runners were very dear, last time I was in the market. Both of my mom's 4-Runners (one 22R engined pop-top and one solid body) went to South America, and they were New England rust buckets. That trend lowered the pool of available trucks here in the States.
"if it passes emissions here in CA" wait-it's a '74 and exempt!
I think you're right. I always think it's '73.
NADA low retail is $1,750. Average retail is $4,075. A paint job and new seat would probably double the value of this vehicle. It's nowhere worth $3,600 now.
These trucks are legendary to any Top Gear fan…
They are literally indestructible. Literally.
If you have not seen the video of their test of one, you must see it.
http://jalopnik.com/5819342/the-ten-best-top-gear…
That's the video that introduced me to TopGear, several years ago.
Is it time yet where this little truck with a clean-up and a coat of paint would be considered pretty unique and cool….I think I do.
The KSL ad says it's $4,150.
Looks like the rocker panels are the only issue of concern. The driver's side floor pan has just been replaced. Vinyl or rubber floor coverings can be a bad thing, since they can trap moisture against the metal.
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/BPMAAOSwYGFUsuqx/$_57.JPG" width="500/">
There was a 1975 Toyota Chinook RV for sale the other day on eBay, ended with no bids, starting price of $7,500.
For the Original Listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-Toyota-Chinook-motor…
<img src="http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/ucoAAOSw1vlUsxNa/$_57.JPG" width=500>
I love this truck. However, I would immediately paint and detail this thing (all me anti-patina).