For sale: 1981 Toyota Pickup 1 Owner 73k Orig. No Rust Lk New

I always find it interesting to see older trucks like this one listed on Ebay. This one is interesting for sure and looks to be a fine example of someone that took very good care of their truck. Is it worth $3981 though? Hard to say. The ad says “one owner”, but it doesn’t sound like the owner is selling it. The original purchase price was not much more than $5000. Beyond the good condition there really isn’t much collectible value to the truck as it is a “regular” base truck with no options. Still it would be an excellent starting point for a project truck or a “restoration”. There is no apparent rust on the truck anywhere. Its been a long time since I’ve seen a box with no rust at the seams.

One thing I did notice about the truck that caught my eye is the box. It has the older two handle style latch system. As such the inner panel is one piece and is riveted onto the tailgate. This is not a 1981 box style. However looking at the auction listing I can see that this is a very early example of a 1981 truck as it was built in Sept of 1980. So I can believe the box is original to the truck. I also noticed that this truck has a fairly low VIN number - 5749 making it one of the first 6000 trucks to have been manufactured in 1981. Overall it seems to be a fine example of an original 1981 Toyota Longbox Truck. If someone decides to buy the truck please let me know. 

Truth is- Toyota has had some very successful ad campaigns and some very memorable slogans. Do you remember your favorite?

“Oh what a feeling, Toyota” has to be mine, maybe because it’s the first one I remember. Seems this slogan has gone to the birds. Updated link

The best built cars in the world. Yes! But what about trucks?

“What will you do with all the money you save?” Toyota. Buy a set of custom rims

“Hey Toyota, you’re terrific!” - Toyota.  

Bugger  didn’t make the official list

Everything keeps going right Great for trips around the block.

Think you’re tough enough to drive a Tacoma? Ummm no.

Loch Ness Monster even prefers a Toyota.

This has to be my favorite. Did you know that Hiluxs are unbreakable? Crikey!

I love what you do for me - Toyota! Awww group hug!

I’m sure that I missed a few. Leave a comment with yours.

I have noticed quite a few trucks for sale on Ebay lately that are advertised as “original”/ SR5/ rare/ collectible trucks. But looking at the VIN, its easy to tell that they are not “original” SR5 trucks. I wish there were a way to report the false advertising, but it seems that you can say just about anything in your Ebay listings. So best to be informed about what you are actually buying before clicking the bid button, or laying out the cash from a roadside sale.

Since alot of parts are available, it’s not too difficult to update your truck to an “SR5″. Depending on the year and model most of the SR5 upgrades are “bolt ons”. Finding a donor truck at a junkyard could net a set of gauges, bucket seats, carpet, and interior panels. Finding stripes & decals that most SR5 models sported is nearly impossible these days, so that could be a first clue when approaching a truck for sale.

In the end, the only way to know for sure is to check the VIN code. This is really a good idea anyway to make sure you are buying the right truck. For example, first generation Toyota trucks had 3 models: regular, deluxe, and SR5. Well thats not quite true as 1981 was the first year for SR5 pickups. Previously they were known as Sport models. In any case, for each model there is a letter in the VIN code that corresponds with the model. ‘R’ = regular, ‘D’ = Deluxe, and ‘S” indicates that the truck is indeed an SR5 model.

This is not to say that a Deluxe Toyota truck isnt worth anything. But when the seller tries to extract a few exta Ben Franklins from you by claiming its a rare original SR5, you will at least have the knowledge to say, “I dont think so”.

Welcome to SR5, and for some, welcome back. I’ve been away for a while, but the site is back up with a new look. Hopefully better than before.

SR5 celebrates 10 years on the web this year. It sure doesnt seem like its been that long, but I first started the site in 1998. There’s this cool thing on the web called the wayback machine. For a look at the way things were click here. Cue the Barbra Streisand music

Speaking of music, have you ever wondered if there are any songs made about Toyotas? I’ve only ever found one - “My Toyota” by the Bent Scepters; a catchy little tune from their Hellavator Music cd. Built in the land of the rising sun, she wasnt built for speed, she was built for miles, if you wanna stick around, I’ll pick you up in style, in my Toyota baby! Hey hey!

This site is specifically designed for owners and/or enthusiasts of Toyota Trucks with the exception of Land Cruisers (there are many other sites dedicated to these fine vehicles). This site exists to provide its intended users access to information about other owners, technical matters, and parts availability.

This section of the SR5 website is reserved for two wheel drive Toyota trucks. Low riders, pre-runners, & street trucks will be featured here.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the site.

SR5