If you don't know already, there is an odd hybrid of Toyota Truck out there called the Trekker. There are only a few left in existence, and even fewer that are still in original condition. The following information was provide by Rick Dunn, of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, who purchased his brand new Trekker SR5 off of the showroom floor for $13,900.
The Trekker, was an early collaboration between Toyota and Winnebago to create what can only be described as the precursor to the 4Runner. At the time of it's conception (approximately 1980), Toyota was no longer shipping the Land Cruiser to the US due to fuel mileage ratings.
Jack Safro (who now owns Jack Safro Toyota in Brookfield, Wisconsin) came up with the idea of the Trekker. He approached Winnebago, and they in collaboration with Toyota, approved of the concept, and started on the design options. Several vehicles were produced for crash testing. Once approved, production began.
The Trekker was produced in 1981 and 1982, and a limited amount were also produced in 1983. The Trekkers were produced in both 4x4 and 4x2 models. The total production of the Trekker was around 1200. Most were shipped out west, with Colorado being the biggest receiver. Limited amounts were sent east. Roughly 20 of these Trekkers were also sold to Saudi Arabia.
That is where the info stops. Rick was able to tell me that everything in the Trekker is pure Toyota. It is basically a Toyota short bed with the exception of the fiberglass shell. Ricks Trekker had every option available in 1981, including: A/C, AM-FM, power steering, power brakes, tilt steering, tinded glass, and sliding side windows (the SR5 package). There was also a "Black" package, which included a chrome grille and chrome bumpers. Every Trekker came with a 5 speed.
As a side note, in the August 1973 issue of Penthouse Magazine on page 116 (Thanks to Andy MacAllister for the reference) they featured info about the "Toyota RV-2 - The Getaway Car". The article stated that "It's the perfect recreation vehicle - a fast, comfortable car and a handy little camper." It was shown at the October 1972 Tokyo Auto Show as an "idea car". Perhaps this was the precursor to the Trekker?
If anyone else has more information, please, drop me a line.
Rick also tells me that in trying to find parts for his Trekker, Winnebago informed him that they no longer had any parts. The remaining parts were purchased by a company called Select Vehicles where John Safro (son of the concept designer) works.
Below are some photos of Ricks Trekker.
