When it comes to toy trucks, Tonka is easily an iconic brand. With this in mind, Japanese car maker Toyota is waking the inner child of someone who had ever played a Tonka with a HiLux pickup truck inspired by the popular toy.
Toyota has converted one of its HiLux pickup trucks and turn it into a real-life version of the popular toy truck. Toyota said that the off-roader was created to celebrate Tonka's 70th anniversary.
The Toyota Tonka HiLux was unveiled in Sydney, Australia on Wednesday. The Tonka pickup is more than just a tribute truck. With its latest creation, Toyota highlights its planning and development division based in Australia. Australian product designer Nicolas Hogios was the man behind this quirky take of a popular childhood toy.
I met my favourite truck! Presenting #HiLuxTonka Well done @Toyota_Aus! It made me feel like I was 3 years old again #ChildhoodDream pic.twitter.com/Ay1CY8n2gX
— Harry Bates (@HarryBates5) March 29, 2017
In a statement, Hogios said, "Inspired by the Tonka trucks that kids play with in their backyards, the HiLux Tonka Concept goes way beyond the already hugely capable abilities of HiLux to traverse rocks and other rugged terrain."
The Toyota Tonka HiLux is adorned with yellow and black paint job with the Tonka logo on each sides. Underneath this façade is a Toyota HiLux SR5 that has been upgraded with a heavy-duty off-roader suspension, according to The Sun.
Despite it quirky design that combines a tinge of nostalgia, the Tonka HiLux will most probably be just a one-off project, according to Fox News. Toyota has yet to confirm whether the company will manufacture the custom pickup truck for mass production.
The Toyota HiLux pickup truck is Australia's top-selling four-door four-wheel-drive for more than 30 years. Recent statistics revealed that more than 920,000 HiLux pickups have been bought since 1968, including more than 40,000 units last year alone.
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