Custom Truck Was Apparently Toyota Pickup at One Point
Apparently, when it was new, this Facebook Marketplace find was a Toyota Pickup. It’s never been more clear that Lambo Doors are the Icarus wings of the automotive industry.
In the Facebook Marketplace, this truck is listed as a 1989 Toyota Tacoma, and is said to have just 40,000 miles on the clock. Now, since the Tacoma didn’t debut until the 1995 model year, I’m going to guess this is a Toyota Pickup. But given everything that’s been done to this green machine, it might be more accurate to say it was a Toyota Pickup. Because as it sits now, even dedicated fans of the brand would likely be hard-pressed to tell what it began life as.
According to the listing, the headlights are from a Lexus GS, and there’s also a Celica hood scoop, and those appear to be the only Toyota-family exterior parts remaining.
As long as we’re on the exterior, I want to say that the grille surround is from a Jaguar S-Type, though the mesh bit at the center is likely custom. While there’s no question that a ton of work went into this baby, even given the lack of detail shots, it’s clear fit and finish leaves something to be desired. Just check out the gap between the inner passenger side headlight. Even Maserati quality control people are looking at that and shaking their heads.
In one of the pics, the truck seems to have been captured in mid detonation, as the front clip, doors, and even the bed are all pointed to the sky. Though there are no pics or a detailed description, the bed’s tilt action is said to be operated via hydraulics. But the hood is likely still manual, and given that there’s a wooden plank strategically placed next to the driver’s door, I’d bet the “Lambo” conversion didn’t go so well.
The green paint is said to have some dings, and since there’s some shiny Dynamat visible on the inside of the passenger door, the interior might not be all accounted for either. If you’re interested and don’t want to pay cash, the seller has indicated they’re not averse to a trade. So if you’re sitting on 1980s Suburban, a 1960’s station wagon, or a “lowrider Excursion,” you might be in luck.
When I see vehicles like this, I often wonder what’s fated to happen with them. Because honestly, one you start modifications of this nature? Your resale value goes into the toilet. If a ride like this is going to change hands — for anything more than scrap value, that is — I’d assume that happens at a meet up of similarly-minded enthusiasts.
Once you’re at the point of posting it for sale online? I’d say your options for recouping enough cash to for large pizza and a 12 pack have basically been exhausted.
Of course, components like the hydraulics, wheels, seats, or stereo, would likely have some value. And obviously, the engine and driveline components should still fetch good prices. As a package deal, however, I think the options are pretty bleak. So what would you do, if you suddenly found yourself in possession of a Mr. Toad-colored wild ride like this? I’d definitely use it to play some pranks, then part it out. But how about you? Shoot me a PM and let me know!
Photos: Facebook Marketplace