REVO MODEL SUMMARY
The Toyota Pickup, popularly known as an "SR5," is a vehicle that has reached legendary status. It was never rare, nor fast, and when built it was an inexpensive and utilitarian tool. It is doubtful that magazines ogled over any stats on its release, and you can be certain no one stashed one away as a blue chip investment. Instead, its legend was built over time. Reliability, durability, ease of field repairs, and simple good looks slowly pulled the SR5 to the top of the automotive heap. Direct descendants of the SR5 are still made by Toyota today, known as the Tacoma. However, the modern trucks lack the mystique of these legendary tools.
The nomenclature of this model of truck is interesting, and perhaps a story in of itself. In most of the world the model was "HiLux," while in the U.S. it was officially and but not very creatively called, "Pickup." Over time, it has come to be known by the name of its popular high end options package, "SR5," despite the fact that SR5 pack vehicles were offered throughout the Toyota lineup. To our knowledge the example on these pages is actually a "DLX" pack Pickup. Right or wrong, these trucks are commonly known as SR5s.
The shear breadth of popularity of the Toyota Pickup is stunning. It is loved by such disparate groups as farmers, jihadists, outdoor sports lovers, and pure posers. And while they all may have unique uses for these trucks, the tie that binds seems to be dependable utility (and cheap may have applied at one time too, but no longer in 2021). Famously, the British show Top Gear once filmed a multitude of unbelievable stunts to try to break a Pickup (known in much of the world as a Hilux), and still failed. The video is worth a watch, and contributed to boosting the SR5 to mythical status. See the video here.
This beautiful example, originally delivered in Canada, features the coveted round headlights of the early Toyota Pickups. It was fully restored from 2017 to 2018.
There are 52,531 kilometers shown on the odometer, although the total mileage is unknown. It shows beautifully in Metallic Red paint. Although not an original Toyota color, it just plain works on this pickup. Fresh paint is highlighted by period correct decals. The lift is achieved through re-arched springs, instead of a body lift, the latter being a common short-cut to fit larger tires. Pro Comp shocks were fitted at the time of restoration.
The drive train is believed to be original to the car. It has an 8 valve, SOHC, 2.4L inline 4 cylinder motor, known as the Toyota 22R. This early 22R motor is carbureted, and received headers during restoration. The transmission is a 5 speed overdrive manual. The four wheel drive system is fully functioning with 8 inch solid axels, manual locking hubs, and Toyota 4 cylinder transfer case with manual shift lever. Tires are fresh Goodyear Wrangler Duratracs, size 33x12.50, R15, wrapped around 15 inch wheels. The tires carry a date code of "3415" translating to a build date of mid August 2015. Duratracs are an extremely popular tire for both on-road and off-road performance, with siping providing excellent snow and ice traction.
While this restoration appears to have been executed beautifully, it raises the question: to what end? We are always glad to see classic cars and trucks given a second lease on life. But a truck that was once coveted as a cheap, dependable, and easy to repair tool for a multitude of uses, may now be too precious to use. What do you think?
