1973 Toyota Hilux Pickup RN20 For Sale

The Appeal

The RN20 was Toyota’s second generation of Hilux and introduced in the year of our example, 1973. The original hit the streets in 1968 and proved so successful that it was produced in a total of eight generations right up until 2015. The RN20 version had revised, sleeker styling and a more luxurious cabin specification when compared to its predecessor.

Our example is a real head turner in its bright yellow paintwork and rolling on more contemporary, diamond cut alloy wheels. This pickup was imported by the enthusiast owner in 2021 from the arid climate of South Africa. This heritage not only benefits the bodily condition of this pickup but also offers a right-hand drive configuration.

The History and Paperwork

This Hilux was assembled in South Africa by Motor Assemblies Limited

This example left the Durban factory in January 1973

The pickup spent its life in the arid climate of South Africa until 2021

In 2021 the current owner imported the pickup to the UK

The Nova document is dated August 2021

The pickup was first registered in the UK in March 2022

The paperwork includes the V5 in the name of the owner

The pickup is registered as a Historic Vehicle

As such it is MoT and VED exempt in the UK

Other paperwork includes HMRC paperwork relating to the import

The Interior

Our example features a nicely trimmed and finished interior

The cab is fitted with a full width bench seat

This is upholstered in hard wearing grey vinyl and arranged into vertical box pleats

The bench is in excellent condition with no rips or tears

The cabin if fully trimmed in black carpet throughout

The dashboard is a combination of black vinyl and bright, body-coloured paintwork

The dashboard consists of a hooded instrument binnacle

A speedometer is present and calibrated in kilometres per hour

The second gauge is a combination of warning lights and a fuel gauge

The original three spoke steering wheel is fitted

This is missing its Toyota centre cap

Behind the wheel is a column mounted gear lever for the manual gearbox

The centre radio aperture is currently empty

The heater controls appear to be blanked off currently

A retro-fitted electric fan is present under the dashboard

Door cards are finished in black vinyl which presents very well

The headlining is finished in a light vinyl, tightly fitted and in good condition

The generous load bay is protected by a fitted vinyl, slide-cover

The load bay is finished in hard wearing, textured paintwork in matt black

Currently the original four steel wheels are stored here

These are included in the sale also, and are fitted with a mixed set of tyres

The load bay condition appears very sound with no issues noted

The Exterior

The pick up looks extremely eye-catching in its bright yellow livery

The condition of the bright paintwork looks very good indeed

It exudes a deep shine and is seemingly very well applied

Equally the bodywork appears very sound and without any significant dents or dings

The pickup sits on a set of contemporary 18-inch alloy wheels

These are finished in a bright, diamond cut finish with black accents

These are fitted with a mixed set of tyres in a 225/40 configuration

The tread depth of these has been pictured for your review

As previously noted, the original steel wheel set is also included in the sale

Both cabin glass and light lenses appear to be in a fine and original condition

The tail gate bears the bold Toyota script picked out in black

This pickup presents very well and is bound to get you noticed

The Mechanics

The RN20 Hilux came in two mechanical flavours – a 1,600 and a two litre

This example is fitted with the 1,587cc, 12R, inline four-cylinder petrol engine

This came in two states of tune, originally

The domestic Japanese market got an 83PS version

Export versions were rated at 67PS which, we assume, powers this example

The gearbox is a four-speed manual with a column mounted gear selector

Our example is understood to feature its original engine and gearbox

The pickup is fitted with a new battery and has had an antifreeze service

The current owner attests that the pickup drives very well with no known issues

As a model range the Hilux is renowned for its reliability and robustness

Summary

Japanese classic pickups and commercial vehicles have an increasingly enthusiastic following in the UK. They remain relatively rare on our roads making well preserved example much sought after. South African built and native Japanese pickups are even rarer and more sought after for their less rust prone histories. Toyota’s Hilux range has almost attained a “sub-brand” status over its 30+ year production history. That should make this pristine and eye-catching South African native Hilux a really sought-after ownership proposition for those in the know.

This example is in great order throughout. Its paintwork is as well presented as it is head-turning and twinned with the big alloy wheels, it looks stunning. It has got a nicely presented interior and the big load bay is both highly practical and well presented. Seemingly a real gem which should excite pickup aficionados and JDM fans alike.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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1973 Toyota Hilux Pickup RN20

Highlights