Longbed Half-Ton Pickup

Toyota's first advance into the American pickup market was the Toyota Scout introudced in 1964. Five years later a new version carrying the Japanese name, Hi-Lux, was brought out and just a year later gained a new, smaller more powerful 1.8-liter engine which was used for two years before being replaced by a larger 2-liter version.

In 1973 the Hi-Lux gained a long bed version. The engine was expanded again to 2.2-liter with 108 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission became available, replacing the four-speed. Through the early 1980's, the Hi-Lux used a solid-axle front and rear suspension with rear leaf springs. The Hi-Lux Longbed Pickup was a very successful venture for Toyota.

- Second generation, third production year.

- The new Long Bed model appeared in 1973 and featured a 7.5-foot bed that could haul many items that only a full-size truck could handle before. It was so successful that Toyota did virtually nothing to update the truck for 1974.

- Pickup, Van and 4-wheel Drive magazine's 'Pickup of the Year.'

- Established World-Record for off-road pavement travel by Pickup, Van and 4-Wheel Drive magazine.