It’s no secret that overlanding continues to increase in popularity.
Not sure what overlanding is? Read this: Overlanding 101: What It Is and How to Get Started
So perhaps we’re not surprised that Toyota decided to build an overlanding-themed project Tacoma for this year’s SEMA show.
What is surprising though, is how well Toyota mimicked the style of those vintage truck camper rigs that were so popular throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
And by “surprising” we mean, of course, “awesome.”
From its manual transmission to the brown on slightly-different-brown stripe package, this heavily customized Toyota Tacoma takes the retro knob and cranks it to 11.
If you’re into Tacomas or overlanding, you’ll probably dig this article too: Meet Matt & the Awesome Toyota Tacoma Off-Road Rig He Built—Twice
Dubbed “Tacozilla” by its creators at the Toyota Motorsports Garage, this one-off Tacoma boasts a totally unique camper shell plunked directly onto the truck’s frame. Inside, there’s a fridge, commode, sink, and sleeping for…well, however many you’re comfortable with, we guess.
There’s even a clear pass-though to get to the front seats.
All told, Toyota says that there’s still enough room for a six foot tall person to be comfy inside.
But Tacozilla is more than just a party-in-the-back camper. Nope, it’s got some serious off-road upgrades as well. Starting with a winch that’s been seamlessly integrated into the bumper, the Taco also sports a LED light bar, snorkel for water fording, and an off-road tuned suspension—courtesy of Toyota Racing Development.
Speaking of TRD, it supplied the wheels too. Oh, and they’re wrapped in General Grabber X3 tires.
While we’re highly doubtful much of this custom build will ever see mass production, we’re impressed by how authentic this faux-vintage camper looks.
…No word on whether Toyota was able to faithfully recreate the scent of mildew and degassing vinyl that’s such a hallmark of the originals though.
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