1986 Toyota Blizzard SX5 LD21

‘Rare’ is a word that is too often thrown around in the used car world for seldom-chosen trim levels or minor equipment packages and because of that I’m loath to use the word. I do like ‘uncommon’ though and I’d like to see someone come up with a more uncommon Toyota than this 1986 Toyota Blizzard SX5. If you wanted to slither through trails, you’d be hard pressed to do better. Not only is it a mid-80s Toyota in style and design, it’s also a turbo diesel, solid axle body-on-frame, 5 speed manual transmission 4x4 SUV with killer style.

Silver and maroon two-tone paint scheme sets off a retro style, while the decal package pushes it even further. You get ‘Blizzard 4WD’ on each rear quarter panel, with ‘turbo WAGON’ on each door, and two fat ‘BLIZZARD SX5’ badges on each front fender. Up front you get the factory original PTO winch that dominates, with classic block ‘TOYOTA’ in the center of the round headlight-equipped grill with bonus yellow fogs underneath. Included are all 5 original aluminum wheels with ‘TOYOTA’ center caps for the rears. There is also a chassis-mounted rear trailer hitch on the back. The chassis is quite clean and even the exhaust isn’t too bad. There are cosmetic flaws on the exterior, most notably spots of rust and damaged paint on the lower right and left sides of the truck, though it isn’t too serious. The roof has been poorly repainted in a silver that doesn’t quite match and isn’t nearly as good looking as the factory paint. Plastic corner bumpers are faded, there is a dent in the rear bumper, and there are various paint scuffs and scratches all over. The aluminum wheels have aluminum surface corrosion and could really use a grind and polish to be 100%. Tires are older and have agre cracks along the tread, but they do hold air and are balanced.

The interior is done up in a dark blue scheme, with a checkerboard layout on the doors and inner seat fabric. Driver’s seat is a suspension setup, allowing a bit more comfort when the terrain gets really bumpy. There is a decent tear on the driver’s seat, and the tops of the inner door panels show sun damage. Steering wheel is an aftermarket wooden one, and the headunit too has been replaced with an aftermarket model. In back is an open cargo area, with quite a bit of space considering the overall wheelbase. All gauges function perfectly with the exception of the inclinometer which is currently stuck and no longer moves. While this Toyota does have air conditioning equipped it is currently not operational. Everything is there but there is no refrigerant in the lines. It is the original R12 system and has never been converted.

This handsome rig starts up every time, doesn’t leak nor burn oil, and is such a killer combination of peak Toyota that you’d be hard pressed to come up with something even more desirable.