Squeaky Clean: 1974 Toyota Chinook Camper for Sale
This Toyota Chinook camper is nearly half a century old, but the pictures make it look factory fresh.
In Sin City right now, SEMA is in full swing, and Toyota is showing off all kinds of great new kit for the Tacoma and Tundra. But as cool as its current builds are? I personally think it’s tough to top TacoZilla, the retro-themed camper which debuted last year — that baby was just bonkers cool. Of course, that Tacoma-based rig took inspiration from the venerable Chinook camper of the 1970s, and if you’ve ever been interested in owning one, this find from Craigslist Los Angeles is right up your alley.
The listing says it “very well could be the cleanest, most original Toyota Chinook left on earth,” and looking at the pictures, that’s tough to dispute. Everything from the cabin, to the engine bay, to sleeping quarters looks squeaky clean, and belies the fact that it was built almost half a century ago. The current owner, who describes themselves as a “clean freak,” has owned the rig for a decade, and says they’ve been meticulous about maintenance. Prior to their stewardship, it was apparently owned by a hunter in Wyoming, who stored it in a barn when it wasn’t in use.
Even if you aren’t interested in buying this Chinook, the listing makes for an interesting, if quite long read. Over the course of 1,000 words, the current owner provides an exhaustive history, which includes a trip from Lake Tahoe in California to Revelstoke, Canada. Over the course of that journey, the little Toyota reported delivered 27 miles per gallon.
A relatively small portion of the listing opus is devoted to things which are wrong with truck, so I’ve decided to post it here in its entirety:
There is a small imperfection in the fiberglass, I’m guessing the owner lightly hit it on something. Its not ultra noticeable and is about the size of a silver dollar. There is a small dent on the back door from bike handlebar. We don’t really use the pump feature on the sink, but I believe last time I did use it there was a small leak due to an old O ring. Should be an easy fix or a replacement hand-pump sink is around $25. There is minor scratches here and there but not many and for being an older vehicle, but this whole rig is in spectacular condition.
The big but here, as you might imagine, is the price. The cost of entry for this veritable time capsule is $25,000, which is no small chunk of change, even for a vintage Toyota. That said? If I was looking for a classic rig with character that was reliable, maneuverable, and easy to fix? I have to say I’d be tempted. You don’t see many of these babies on the road anymore, and while I’m as old as this truck, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an example in this condition. But what do you think? Is it worth the money? Hit me up and let me know!
Photos: Craigslist Los Angeles