When the “first generation” trucks were introduced to America in 1979, Toyota had just a base truck to sell; the RN37 shortbox and RN47 long wheelbase truck. While the basic rugged good looks, reliability, and economy of the base truck appealed to the American public, demand for more features quickly grew. Toyota responded by expanding its truck line with a “Sport” model in 1980. For these first two years Toyota also created a few “special edition” trucks. These trucks were produced in limited numbers and had a plaque attached to the dash to indicate its number of the series.

It was in 1981 when the mini truck explosion took place and Toyota led the pack with a a new SR5 model pickup. Sporty features such as full instrumentation, carpeted floors, and cloth bucket seats were welcomed additions. It was on the outside that the SR5 trucks were immediately distinguishable from the modest Deluxe base model. Sporty stripes and a SR5 decal on the tailgate proudly proclaimed that this truck wasn’t just for hauling wood, but had the good looks to cruise the boulevard on Saturday night. It was also in 1981 that Toyota began producing factory two-tone pickups both in 2wd & 4wd as well as short and long wheelbase models. The two-tone paint option was only available on SR5 models. For the first year there were only two paint color combinations available: Blue/White and Red/White. The Blue/White 4wd was featured in the center of the 1981 Trucks by Toyota sales brochure and was basically a white cab with a blue box. The back of the cab and bottom of the doors were painted over with blue and the special yellow/orange stripes were applied to the fender and door to separate the colors. The Red/White color option followed the same scheme, except red replaced the blue color. The 2wd SR5 trucks had the sameBlue/White & Red/White colors, but did not have the yellow/orange stripes to separate them. Instead a dual stripe of white curved around the back of the door and up the pillar of the cab. The Red/White two-tone SR5 trucks are quite rare as 1981 was the only year this color combination was made available.

In 1982 the Toyota pickup was cosmetically updated somewhat with a new grill and square headlights. The exterior color choices also changed. For this model year the Blue/White two-tone SR5 was still available, but a new Beige/Gloss black replaced the former Red/White option. This new color combination on the 4wd models did not have the traditional yellow/orange stripe, but instead a silver/gold stripe with a dot matrix background. The 2wd models retained their traditional look with only the two base colors in the stripe pattern.

In 1983 the last year of the “first generation” pickup, there were no cosmetic updates to the exterior. However the color options did again change. The beige/Gloss Black color combination was gone after only one year of production although Blue/White did make it back on the list along with the new colors: Creme/Light Yellow andCreme/Terra Cotta. However a major change had taken place as the two-tone paint scheme was reduced to a simple top/bottom design with the color change just above the lower bodyline. Gone forever were the two color stripes that separated the two-tone colors. These SR5 trucks were painted the base color with only the secondary color shown across the bottom of the fenders, doors and box.

Because each two-tone paint option was only available for one model year (except for Blue/White which did span 1981 & 1982), they have to be considered rare and unique. I like the look and have wanted to own one for a long time. After posting the wanted ad on the SR5 website for several years, I’ve only come across just a few of these two-tone SR5 trucks. I have since decided instead to build a replica, and I will be posting the progress of that project soon.

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 about Toyotas? I 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 Special Edition Toyota trucks. Special and limited production Toyota trucks such as the Mirage and Mojave, as well as any model made before 1979 such as the Stout will be featured here.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy the site.

SR5