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Meet The Rarest Toyota Hilux On The Planet, Equipped With A Hydraulic Crane Mounted Directly On The Factory Chassis. A True Masterpiece Of Automotive Engineering!
The Toyota Hilux is one of the most iconic models from the Japanese automaker, known for its robustness and reliability. However, some versions of this vehicle go beyond the expected.
A curious example is the Toyota Hilux SSR-X 1995, a rare version of the pickup that came factory-equipped with an electronic crane mounted in the bed. But what motivated this decision from the manufacturer?
What Makes The Toyota Hilux SSR-X 1995 Special?
The Toyota Hilux SSR-X 1995 is a specific version of the Hilux Surf, also known as the Toyota 4Runner in some markets.
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Around R$ 24,000: 4 used Ford SUVs with up to 253 hp, V6 engine, all-wheel drive, 7 airbags, panoramic sunroof, and a complete package that surprises with its price and performance in Brazil.
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A brand new car starts at around R$ 75,000 in Brazil, but what stands out the most is seeing streets filled with SUVs and expensive sedans in a country where millions remain in debt.
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For R$ 32,000, a brand new Hyundai car is a rival to the Kwid with a 1.2 engine producing 82 hp, 6 airbags as standard, multimedia with wireless Android Auto, up to 391 liters in the trunk, and a refreshed look for 2026 in India.
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He bought a new car in 1983, locked it in the barn in 1988, and no one opened the door for 38 years until the family discovered what was stored inside and realized it looked like something out of a movie.
Produced for the Japanese market, this version had unique features, such as a more sophisticated interior finish and a more comprehensive equipment package. But the standout feature was the crane mounted at the rear, something uncommon for a non-commercial vehicle.
Powertrain And Performance
The Toyota Hilux SSR-X 1995 was equipped with different engine options depending on the market and demand:
- 2.4L 2L-TE Turbo Diesel (4 Cylinders): Most common in Japan.
- 3.0L 1KZ-TE Turbo Diesel (4 Cylinders): One of the most desired options due to its high torque.
- 3.0L V6 3VZ-E Gasoline: Available in some markets.
The transmission varied between a 5-speed manual gearbox and a 4-speed automatic, providing versatility for different driver types. The 4×4 version with electronic activation and limited-slip rear differential ensured that the pickup could tackle rough terrain with ease.
Comfort And Equipment
Despite its robust design, the SSR-X 1995 offered a surprising level of comfort for its time. Some of the key features included:
- Electric windows and mirrors;
- Electric seat adjustments (in some versions);
- Air conditioning;
- Sunroof (optional);
- Independent front suspension and rigid axle rear suspension with coil springs.
The Mysterious Factory Crane In The Toyota Hilux
The question that intrigues many enthusiasts is: why did Toyota offer an electronic crane option in a non-commercial pickup?
According to a press release from Toyota, the crane was designed to lift sports equipment, such as off-road motorcycles. This makes sense, considering the Japanese market, where many consumers use off-road vehicles for leisure.
The accessory was factory-mounted and featured an electric system to facilitate the lifting of loads effortlessly.
Availability In Brazil And The World
The Toyota Hilux Surf, including the SSR-X version, was not officially imported to Brazil in the 1990s.
However, some units were brought in through independent importation, especially the versions equipped with the 1KZ-TE 3.0 Turbo Diesel engine.
In the United States, this version is also rare, and only three units with a crane have been identified in the country, making them true collector’s items.
Due to its exclusivity, the Toyota Hilux SSR-X 1995 with a factory crane has become a coveted rarity for collectors and off-road enthusiasts. Vehicles with this specification, in good condition, are sold for high prices, especially in the Japanese import market.
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