The aspirational car of Robert Zemeckis’ 1985 hit Back to the Future was not, in fact, a DeLorean - opens in new window or tab.. That was merely the time machine. What Michael J. Fox’s Marty McFly desired in his heart of hearts was a black Toyota SR5 XtraCab 4×4 pickup. A truck similar to that one was recently listed on eBay in Boise, Idaho.
Outtatime
The DeLorean DMC-12 was an ironic choice for the movie time machine. It was a tepid performer in its day when not powered by a Flux Capacitor - opens in new window or tab.. Its futuristic gullwing doors and stainless-steel body had style. Yet its 130-horsepower Peugeot-Renault-Volvo V-6 fell far short of expectations. The car was plagued with quality issues.
Marty sees the beloved Toyota pickup twice in the original film. He spots the new truck on its way to a dealership at the beginning of the movie. He calls it “hot” and tells his girlfriend (played by Claudia Wells), “Someday, Jennifer, someday.”
Marty’s trip to the 1950s has lasting effects. He returns to the 1980s to see the exact truck parked in his garage, proof that he’s made his parents cool and successful.
’80s Add-Ons
The proper name of the rig in 1985 was simply the Toyota Truck. It was called Hilux in the rest of the world. Toyota didn’t use the Tacoma name until 1995.
Marty’s SR5 XtraCab 4x4 had period add-ons, including:
- KC Daylighter - opens in new window or tab. auxiliary lights
It also likely had the legendarily durable, fuel-injected, 105-horsepower, 2.4-liter 22RE four-cylinder engine - opens in new window or tab..
The truck reappeared in 1990’s Back to the Future Part III. Marty and his truck are challenged to a drag race by a local bully (played by the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea). There, we learn that it has a five-speed manual transmission. This was reportedly a completely new truck built by the filmmakers. They didn’t keep the original because they didn’t know there’d be a sequel.
Faithful Reproduction
A number of movie-tribute trucks were built over the years. This truck for sale on eBay is a faithful reproduction. The seller reports that the truck was originally sold in California in 1987 and lived there until 2023.
It comes with the 22RE engine mated to a five-speed manual. There are only 87,837 miles on the odometer. For a 22RE-equipped truck, that’s barely broken in. The internet is littered with 250,000-mile examples for sale, still commanding not-insignificant prices when most cars would be nearing end-of-life status.
Supremely Capable
High-quality Toyota Trucks from this generation have sold in the $30,000 to $50,000 range. Well-done Back to the Future tributes slot right in the middle.
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Trucks in good condition are uncommon to begin with. Most were purchased as affordable workhorses and used as such. The $35,000 Buy-It-Now price for this one is a fair ask, especially considering the many miles of life left on its 22RE.
Let’s also not forget that underneath all the Hollywood glitz, the Toyota is a supremely capable off-roader. It’s the same generation that Top Gear famously called the most indestructible car in the world - opens in new window or tab. after subjecting it to a series of outlandish tortures. It’s an equally great truck to have in your collection, whether you’re a Back to the Future fan or going somewhere where you don’t need roads - opens in new window or tab..
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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.