Image via Bring A Trailer
Every once in a while we see a Toyota Mega Cruiser go up for auction here in the United States, but it is a rarity. After all, not many were made for civilians, the rest being retained for the Japanese military. This one is especially interesting because of its high roof, a feature we’ve never seen before.
Maybe grab a Volvette instead?
According to the lot listing, it was a safari tour vehicle in Kenya before someone imported it into the US, so it makes sense why it’s configured that way. The roof has hatches and safari-style windows, allowing occupants to watch wildlife all around them.
There are three rows of seats, with four abreast on the second and third rows. With a theater seating configuration, the rearmost occupants can still see through the rather tall windshield.
Other modifications include the front bull bar and rear swing-away spare tire carrier, both coated in black bedliner for extra protection. It sits on 37-inch tires mounted to 17-inch black steel wheels. What you don’t see are the portal axles and inboard disc brakes.
Another big plus with this rare, odd rig is the 4.1-liter inline-four turbodiesel engine. It’s a stout unit with 153-horsepowera and 282 lb.-ft. of torque on tap and hopefully will prove reliable and capable for the new owner.
With a current top bid of $31,000 when this was written and three days left in the auction on Bring A Trailer, we wonder if this rig will ever drive on dirt again. After all, if there’s a big bidding war at the end, which sometimes happens, the new owner might decide this Toyota Mega Cruiser is too valuable to venture in the great outdoors again.
Check out the lot listing for yourself here.
Images via Bring A Trailer
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