REMEMBER when you were a child and you wished you could shrink yourself down small enough to drive around in a toy car? Well, you clearly aren’t alone.

Back in the 1980’s Tamiya produced the Hilux Bruiser, a hugely popular radio controlled scale model of the Toyota pickup. Somebody at Toyota GB obviously shared your childhood wish because now there is a full size version of the Hilux Bruiser.

The bad news is that this is strictly a one-off but don’t let that spoil your reminiscing.

The Toyota Hilux Bruiser is based on the new Hilux Extra Cab model and to scale-up the original model’s big-wheeled look, Arctic Trucks installed its AT35 conversion, fitting wheels with massive 35-inch tyres. This conversion also required significant engineering changes with up-rated suspension, new gear ratios in the differential and flared wheel arches.

The wheels have been given the same chromed finish as the model, and the bodywork has been wrapped in a high-metallic Diamond Blue vinyl. The Bruiser’s famous “Hog Heaven” livery and all its other decals have been digitally reproduced by hand, along with a reproduction of the distinctive tri-colour stripes that run the length of the body and frame the bonnet.

Expert model-maker and fabricator Robert Selway was responsible for recreating some of the details in 1:1 scale, including a replica on/off switch in the load bed, R-shape body clips and tubular bumpers and rock sliders. The bonnet clips are magnetic and for show only, while the bumpers and rock sliders have been fabricated from stainless steel exhaust tubing and wrapped in white vinyl to make them look like the model’s plastic parts.

 

James Clark, Toyota GB Press Relations Manager, said:

“While Hilux is all about capability, owners and all fans of pick-ups and big trucks know a big part of the experience is also about having fun. In that spirit, we wanted to do something truly original to celebrate the latest Hilux and carry forward the great relationship we have with Tamiya. The Hilux Bruiser combines all the colour and character of the wonderful model while also being a seriously engineered machine that can cut it in the roughest conditions.”

While the Toyota Hilux Bruiser is street legal it won’t be going on sale any time soon. Instead it will be joining Toyota’s fleet for use by media and appearances at events around the country.

Keep your eyes peeled for any Toyota events in your area if you fancy getting a close up look at the Hilux Bruiser. In the meantime you can see the promotional video on Toyota’s YouTube channel  and marvel at the images Toyota have created.

Toyota Hilux Bruiser

Toyota Hilux Bruiser

Toyota Hilux Bruiser

Toyota Hilux Bruiser

Toyota Hilux Bruiser

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