Toyota trucks are among the most popular pickups choices today—thanks to a hard-earned reputation for durability. Even used ones with well over 200,000 miles command premiums in the used car marketplace. Despite their strong presence, some variants are extremely rare, like this 1985 Toyota turbodiesel example recently for sale on eBay in Hollister, Calif.
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The Toyota Hilux is one of the most popular workhorses in the automotive kingdom. In the US, the Hilux was simply known as the Toyota Truck, an unassuming name for a rig with exceptional capabilities. Its toughness was well documented in an episode - opens in new window or tab. of BBC’s Top Gear in which the hosts tried to destroy one by crashing it, letting the ocean submerge it during high tide, and dropping it from atop an imploding high-rise. In the end, although the body was mangled, the engine still ran - opens in new window or tab..
Like the unkillable Hilux on Top Gear, the truck for sale is a fourth-generation example, sold in the US from 1984 to 1988. The model was so beloved that it continued to be built in other markets until 1997.
Unicorn Year
The truck in the listing is a 1985 model year. That’s significant because 1985 was also the last year Toyota offered a solid front axle - opens in new window or tab. on its trucks.
In subsequent years, Toyota changed the Truck’s design to an independent front suspension for more driving comfort. While solid axles make for a bumpier ride, they can take on heavier loads. The solid axle also makes the truck more capable off-road because the engine oil pan - opens in new window or tab. is protected from rocks and other obstacles.
While the turbodiesel option was widely available overseas, 1985 was the only year Toyota offered Americans the oil-burner on its fourth-generation truck. Although the power output may seem modest by today's standards, there was enough grunt on tap to get the job done.
The fourth-gen turbodiesel engine generates just 85 horsepower and 139 pound-feet, with the peak torque rating available very early at 2,200 rpm. Most of all, the turbodiesel engine was known for indestructibility. It was a popular option on continents with harsh environments.
Two-Owner Turbodiesel
According to the seller, the listed truck was sold new in 1985 to a Toyota dealership employee in Bend, Ore., who sold it to the current seller seven years ago. The seller states that only a few hundred examples of the fourth-gen were equipped with turbodiesels in the US.
This Toyota turbodiesel pickup appears to be in excellent shape for a nearly 40-year-old pickup. The paint is mostly shiny, though the seller states the clearcoat - opens in new window or tab. was reapplied under their watch. The interior is intact. Most importantly, the seller reports no rust when removing the bed to repaint the back half of the frame. Lastly, it comes with a manual transmission - opens in new window or tab..
1985 Toyota turbodiesel trucks are impossibly rare. Any surviving examples—much less ones this complete—impossibly rare. A truck like this, which is rarer than an imported Land Cruiser - opens in new window or tab., deserves a careful look from any Toyota enthusiast.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.