Toyota first introduced the 4Runner as a Bronco/Blazer-like version of the Hilux pick up back in the heady days of the early ‘80s. This meant welding cab and bed together and replacing the mount for the gun rack/samurai sword with a gaping hole. That also allowed for a seat where there would nominally be empty beer cans rolling around, but unlike the contemporary Subaru Brat, the lucky dogs perched there could stay out of the weather due to the semi-integrated, but removable fiberglass cap. That original 4Runner caught the attention of safety advocates for its tendency to turn turtle and kill its occupants - in spite of its featuring a robust roll bar. Because of the meddling nanny state the next generation eschewed the removable cap for a full metal jacket and less of an appetite for destruction. That refresh also introduced what would become the most ubiquitous of 4Runners - the 4-door - a version that continues solo in production to this very day, oh so many generations later.

This solid gold 4Runner is the much more rare two-door wagon, aka shooting-up brake. As such it features a 3-light profile reminiscent of a very butch Merkur XR4Ti. These were originally available with Toyota's stout 22RE f4-cylinder, or beefy 3VZ 6, either of which  would provide adequate power for the street or rock hopping. However, if it's getting into and out of trouble off-road and on that you're looking for, then this 4Runner's Ford 302 crate motor may be just your ticket to ride.

Claimed by the owner to have been purchased out of the Ford Racing catalog, this small block should make a big difference in spinning the 4Runner's big ol' BFGs. Those tires are said to be 33x12.5s and wrap around phone dial Alcoa rims. The seller says in his ad that the transmission is also a FoMoCo cast-off, and that it's an AOD strengthened like a burgeoning cage fighter ready to do battle with the 302's unwieldy power. If his description is to be believed then  the ridiculously tall manual shift lever bumping uglies with a knee-level double din stereo is probably for show only- something to impress the ladies. Actually, in the topline he does say it's a stick, so maybe he just doesn't know what AOD means, or maybe he has ADD?