1983 Toyota Hilux

1983 Toyota Hilux

Engine - 18R 2.0L Petrol
Transmission - 4 Speed Manual
Suspension - Original
Tyres - Dunlop Road Gripper 225/95r16
Equipped For - Daily Drive/ Touring

Bryce, how did you come across this classic Hilux?

I first saw it in the front yard of someone’s property on Bruny Island in Tasmania. I decided to leave a letter in their mailbox asking to buy it. They didn’t reply to the first letter, so I left them another one a few months later and threw in a few chocolates for good measure and they eventually called me!  

Turns out the Hilux was purchased from Co-operative Toyota in Hobart back in 1983 and has spent its whole life in the area with only two owners and driven a total of 110,000km. 

Have you had to do much work to it since owning it?

I haven’t done much work on it since owning it. I have put new brake calipers and rotors on the front and given it a polish plus general service stuff. Other than that, I’ve just driven it and it hasn’t missed a beat! It does have some rust in the tub and tailgate that I plan on fixing in the future. (If someone has a tailgate available, I’d love to hear about it!)

What's your favourite thing about the Hilux? 

 I would have to say my favourite thing about the Hilux is either the interior or the style side tub. The interior is in such good condition and the style side tubs for these things are so damn hard to find!  

Do you have any advice for anyone else that might be looking for an old Hilux?  

I got pretty lucky in finding this one. The utes with style side tubs are rare but my advice would be to keep your eye out for any hidden away on someone’s property or set notifications online. They don’t come up too often but every now and again they tend to pop up. 

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Photos by Bryce Horne