A Proper Classic Hilux

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The Toyota Hilux is an international phenomenon, used by everyone from farmers and tradies to accountants and despot dictators. But since the Barry Crump and ‘bugger’ ads from the 80s and 90s NZ has felt a special bond with Toyota’s bomb-proof workhorse. Now the earlier survivors are taking on cult classic status. Like this one. Read on...

 The original Hilux dates back to 1968 but its coming of age in NZ came in 1982 with the first Crumpy and Scotty ad where a city slicker car dealer takes the new Hilux to show off to grizzled farmer, Barry Crump. Crumpy takes them on a test drive on his farm and the legend was born. Another ad followed in 1983 further cementing the Hilux as the toughest vehicle in NZ. Scotty later got his revenge taking Crumpy for a hair raising drive in the city but this ad only aired briefly due to complaints.  In 1999 the ‘bugger’ ad hit our TV screens and it was a huge success and wasn’t even banned.

By the 2000’s residual values on the trusty Hilux were incredible. Even if it had a life being driven by a Crump devotee and sporting more hits than a Taylor Swift album, they still changed hands for crazy money.

So when a straight (by Hilux standards) 31 year old one turns up you know interest will be high. This truck has travelled an easy 170,500kms and, despite what drivers were encouraged to do with their indestructible Hilux, it’s in very good shape. It has vinyl floor coverings, no AC and no gadgets besides a winch. It is also 4WD and is a double cab so you can transport the family in literally no comfort. Proper Hilux spec.

The auction for this 1992 Hilux is taking place at Turners Christchurch on the 27^th of November with an estimate of $17,000 - $19,000. More details here.