For most boys who grew in the 1980s, playing with their Tonka trucks was arguably one of, if not the coolest childhood memory they will ever have. Plowing the little Tonka, with its big wheels, through the sandbox, for instance, was totally mind-blowing. This was especially awesome since the thing was practically unbreakable.
Toyota Australia can’t seem to get over its childhood fascination as it teams up with no less than toy maker Tonka to build a life-sized Hilux inspired by the same tough lines of the iconic toy truck. The Toyota Hilux Tonka Concept takes its cue from the pickup’s top-spec Australian SR5 variant and adds a whole host of Tonka accessories to toughen up its look.
The extensive makeover begins with a safety-compliant front bar with bright LED lighting, a carbon-fiber hood with air scoops and power bulge, and a bash plate made from 6mm-thick alloy that all give the Hilux Tonka Concept a mean-looking fascia. The body and chassis are likewise protected by side tubular railing that help keep debris and rocks from scratching the paintwork when traversing the beaten path.
Out back, a carbon-fiber tailgate incorporating air vents and a spoiler are designed to optimize airflow at speed. Another cool feature is a release strap that takes the place of the handle on the gate. The pickup bed, meanwhile, has likewise been given the Tonka treatment via a removable tubular frame that’s useful for organizing and keeping things in place. Toyota and Tonka put in gear such as diesel fuel cans, a shovel, axe, high-lift jack, and fire extinguisher to equip this number for extreme off-road duty.
Speaking of off-road readiness, the Toyota Hilux Tonka Concept sits some 150mm higher off the ground than its already capable “everyday” use sibling. This is complemented by high-rding suspension, axles, and 35-inch off-road tires. The whole thing is finished off in black and yellow Tonka livery.
One thing the Hilux Tonka Concept has in common with its regular brethren is the capable 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel motor. This is more than enough to haul the truck through mud, rocks, and other tough terrain.
The Toyota Hilux Tonka Concept was designed, engineered, and built by Toyota Australia together with Tonka to showcase the tough, seemingly indestructible nature of the two nameplates. It was inspired by the Tonka that little boys like us used to play in our backyards and sandboxes as kids.
Unfortunately, Toyota has no plans of producing the Hilux Tonka Concept. So we’ll just have to content ourselves with staring at it and wondering how it would be like to drive one of these things in the sand and other extreme surfaces.
