On a weekend getaway to central Kansas last summer, I found this derelict Toyota pickup sitting across the street from the Midland Railroad Hotel in the little town of Wilson (It’s the Czech capital of Kansas! No, really!)

As sad, worn and rusted as it looked, it still reminded how much I love that old body style, especially in raised 4×4 guise. The be-tubed front end and stock steel wheels are perfect. My slightly deficient truck-spotting skills only allow me to narrow it down to a ’78-’81 model. (Can anybody pinpoint the year based on the rest of the photos?)

It looked as though it hadn’t been driven in a while. Hit the jump to see the telltale clue why.

If you’re unfamiliar with Toyota trucks, that little rod is NOT supposed to be lying on the ground.

Other than some mildew and powdery paint, the sheetmetal on the cab is in fairly good shape.

The tin worm has been eagerly feasting on the bed and bumpers, however.

The interior wasn’t a very luxurious place even when new. Despite being dirty and worn, it has held up to a lot of use and assumed abuse admirably well.

I felt bad leaving the unloved little darlin’ there in the blistering sun as I climbed back into the air-conditioned F150 to launch the skis at the local reservoir.