Here’s another early Japanese SUV, or should we say a couple of them. These are the gen1 version, which was built from 1984 through 1989. Similar to the early Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger, this too had a removable fiberglass rear roof section, although that didn’t include the cab. Realistically, there wasn’t a whole lot that differentiated them from a short bed pickup, although the “bed” was integrated with the cab. I can’t tell if either of these has the much-desired solid front axle; after the first couple of year, it was replaced with an IFS setup. The solid axle ones were coveted for their off-road prowess.
Paul …. the one in back is a Gen1 also. In late ’83 I started shopping for my first 4wd pickup. At the time, as a “car” guy,I really wanted IFS, and ended up buying a used ’81 Datsun (I think the last year for Datsun-only branding in the US before starting to phase in the Nissan brand). Three years later, when I was ready to upgrade to a new truck, I was far more offroad savvy but by then Toyota had gone to IFS, and the ’86 Jeep Comanche, which had a solid front axle, still had the 2.8 GM V6 which was not pleasant. I ended up with a Ranger with IFS (Twin Traction Beam) and a port fuel-injected 2.9V6 which was a good truck.
Oops; I just took a quick glance and the body-colored roof of the rear one threw me. Should have taken a closer look. Fixed.
Another car that absolutely clutters the roads here, 4 Runners and JDM Surfs are very popular in NZ with good off-road ability and reasonable on road drivability they are very popular the 2.4 TD has a bed rep for overheating and cracking heads but as usual this problem is caused by poor maintenance of the cooling system rather than a designed in fault. I’m beginning to think our countries entire vehicle fleet should be featured on CC as old Jappas of all flavours abound here.
I’ve seen a lot of these in my life, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen one with the top removed.
I think this is a good candidate for a car that is truly modified to just be left completely open to the elements, with all concerns of security removed. Strip out every functional thing from the interior, paint everything with Rhino-liner, craftily hide a starter switch and relocate the hood release, lose the radio, and just let the functional truck become part of the landscape. Maybe a tree will grow in the bed, no big deal, those axles can handle it.
Same diffs as a Landcruiser these suckers were tough the default Ozzy outback car
I remember seeing an earlier version of the 4Runner, maybe 1980? The dealer in Jamestown NY had two. Basically a Toyota pickup with a fiberglass cap but clearly labeled 4Runner. Very nice package but aftermarket. Anyone else know of these? Almost seemed like a prototype that Toyota liked enough to co-op.
Rich, the truck you are refering too is the trailblazer. It was built in low(400 or so) numbers from 81 to 84. It was a joint effort between toyota and griffin motor homes.
I had something similar: an 85 Faux Runner.
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/IMG_0987.jpg
errr….
But a nicer integration that matched color and carried the lines of the cab back. I remember thinking it looked great but up close you could see it was a bolt on. I will say I never like the looks of the pickup/first gen (official) 4Runner with those awful fender blisters.
That looks like a standard Hilux ute with canopy best with a TDI.
Ah, googled Griffin, your right, that’s the truck.
It was a nice integration that matched color and carried the lines of the cab back. I remember thinking it looked great but up close you could see it was a bolt on. I will say I never like the looks of the pickup/first gen (official) 4Runner with those awful fender blisters.
Post a link, please! I can’t find jack squat about Griffin Toyotas.
I really liked it, but it was done on the cheap as they didn’t reinforce the chassis. So after years of use it cracked and leaked right behind the seats. It had custom seats in it that were just terrible, so I replaced them with seats from a Tercel. And scrapped the rear seat and used it for storage and camping.
Cool little rigs. All of these dissovled into a pile of rust around here years ago. I don’t remember the last time I’ve seen one