Here’s a classic Eugene street scene a couple of blocks from my house. The old Toyota pickup with a beautifully-built wood camper is perfectly complemented by a Prius and a Jeep. Eugene is eclectic, and revels in its embrace of…diversity. Until diversity becomes the commonplace,. that is.
Enough trying to explain Eugene; let’s take a closer look at this little Toyota woody.
The Toyota pickup is the official truck of Eugene, and this one is from the fifth generation (1988-1997), of which there are very many represented here, in all states of condition, from pristine to beater. This one swings to the latter side of the spectrum. But who even notices it, given that nicely varnished camper?
Given that this is a short bed truck, there’s not a whole lot of room inside. But maybe it’s just for hauling things and showing off more than actual living in it.
I particularly like the roof, and it rear overhang. Reminds me of the old wooden street cars in Innsbruck, and their open vestibules or porches on the ends. That’s what this needs.
Plenty of memories of the truck. Drove it’s Nissan/Datsun counterparts for years. I would probably be inclined to put the camper on a small trailer. YMMV
Needs some paint; I think a nice non-metallic green or burgundy would complement the wood well. One does think it would be longer if sleeping space were required, but it’s pretty cool either way.
That looks like a lot of weight to put on those small rear tires. The uhaul cab version of this truck might have been a better basis.
The wood work is superb, well finished and styled with a lot of flare. Such an efficient second home for a weekend getaway.
The cab really stands out, in violent contrast. It’s like wearing a tie & blazer with cargo shorts.
If the owners use vehicles as a way of showing their religious/philosophical commitments (such as Green Anarchy), they’re sending a mixed message with a fat-tired Jeep & a Prius.
The Jeep/Prius/Toyocamper trio would perhaps fall under the umbrella of ”embracing diversity.” Assuming they’re associated, of course.
Where do you sleep in that thing?
I CAN be done. My best friend Doug, who is 6’4″ and 340lbs and myself, I’m 6′, 200lbs went camping on the Oregon Coast. In tents. Started raining so hard we both crawled in the back of Dougs Chevy Luv 4X4 with a camper shell. It’s a good thing we are best friends
As someone who grew up in the automotive wonderland of 1960’s Berkeley, where at any moment you might see a new Chevy, Volvo, VW or Peugeot, or an older Borgward or Ford Model A), and now lives in Santa Cruz , where my neighborhood has many older Toyota trucks, two Peugeots and two Citroens, I’d say that Eugene has us out-Californicated. And I mean that in a good way. Nice lineup. By the way, I see the three vehicles as very compatible.
Cute, but smaller than the 74 Toyota Chinook I used to have.
Really nice workmanship with the wooden cab!
Love it! Popular Mechanics magazine used to be full of diy projects like this. It’s nice to see people make things like this. I hope the owner has a child in his life that he can teach his talents to.
I wonder how much that thing weighs?
This generation Hi Lux ran from MY 1989-1994. 1995 was year 1 for the Tacoma.
The truck is a recent migrant from WA (note plates). Jeep is owned by another resident of this address. Not sure about the Prius.
Beautiful wood work. Hope a paint job is in it’s future. Eugene is the pollen king of the world. Maybe some of the types of plants that are cultivated there could explain some of the diverse and creative transportation units. The answer may be blowing in the wind.
Nice woodworking. I would have made it a foot longer. Adding length between the cab and the rear wheels. Depending on the thickness of the wood, it might not be as heavy as it looks.
Saw this today, also a Gizmo electric a block further down the street.