A Hilux pickup featuring one of the world’s rarest factory options—a bed-mounted electric crane that folds into a roll bar—has just surfaced for sale on Facebook
If you’re into trucks, you’re probably familiar with the Toyota Hilux—or maybe you’ve seen the legendary Top Gear crew fail spectacularly at destroying one. Beyond its reputation for indestructibility, Toyota knew its audience well—perhaps a little too well. Case in point: they offered a factory-installed bed-mounted crane. Yes, a crane. And now, a well-kept example can be yours for just $22,000.
This particular gem is a 1995 Toyota Hilux SSR-X, now listed on Facebook Marketplace after being previously sold on Bring A Trailer. It’s located in Closter, New Jersey, and features low mileage for its age. The four-door, right-hand-drive JDM pickup is powered by a 2.4-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The odometer reads roughly 130,000 miles, and it comes with a clean New Jersey title.
Recent maintenance includes an oil change, work on the shocks, timing belt, water pump, auxiliary belts, and batteries. The frame and undercarriage have also been treated with Fluid Film to prevent rust. Oh, and did we mention the factory bed-mounted crane? It might just make this truck perfect.
But why did Toyota even offer an electronic crane option for a non-commercial pickup? The answer lies in the Hilux’s unique appeal. According to a Toyota press release, the “Active Base” trim (circa 1997) included the crane “for lifting sports gear such as off-road motorbikes.” Of course, there are plenty of other creative uses for a crane-equipped truck—feel free to use your imagination. With a lift capacity of up to 450 kilograms (992 pounds), you can hoist just about anything, provided you use the included stabilizer bar under the left rear fender to prevent tipping.
When not in use, the crane cleverly folds into the roll bar-like rear supports, making it almost unnoticeable unless you’re specifically looking for it. Otherwise, it’s just a rugged-looking Toyota truck ready for adventure.
The seller claims the truck is rust-free, though it’s worth noting that the previous BaT listing showed rust around the crane joints, rear bar, and where the bed meets the cab. Photos in the current Facebook Marketplace listing provide close-ups of these areas, so you can judge for yourself.
This crane-equipped Hilux sold for $20,500 on BaT a year ago, but the total cost reportedly reached $24,000 after auction fees, titling, and maintenance. The current asking price is $22,000, though a previous Marketplace listing from 38 weeks ago showed it briefly dropped to $20,000. It seems the truck didn’t sell back then, and now it’s making another appearance. Whether it’s buyer’s remorse or simply a tough sell, the price may still be negotiable—so feel free to make an offer.
