Maxed-out Gladiator to enter sales arena
Kiwi light truck fans will soon be battling it out to snare a muscled-up Toyota Hilux Gladiator that is one of a kind.
The 2017 Hilux Gladiator SR5 4WD double cab automatic including at least $65,000 of one-off modifications and accessories is set to go on sale on Trade Me this month with a reserve price of $1.
The rare vehicle has had one careful owner – Toyota New Zealand – and has little more than run-in miles on the clock.
Toyota New Zealand built this Gladiator in New Zealand as a concept truck to demonstrate its range of customised options at Fieldays and for special occasions such as the Emirates Team New Zealand homecoming parade.
After sitting in Toyota’s garage at its Thames refurbishment plant, the company has decided the vehicle needs a new owner.
“This Hilux takes the concept of fully loaded to the maximum,” says Steve Prangnell, Toyota New Zealand’s general manager of used vehicles. “We packed so much into this vehicle that the accessories are too long to list in a media release.”
Among the vehicle’s modifications and add-ons are a suspension lift kit, 20-inch alloy wheels, front and rear bull-bars and winch, snorkel, bolt-on flares, sports bar with custom mounts for the spare tyre, custom Gladiator Grille, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) skid plate, TRD side-steps and full custom-decal vehicle wrap.
Inside, the Gladiator has a custom-made full Pantera red leather interior, featuring tombstone front seats. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob, and custom floor mats with Gladiator branding complete the interior.
The auction for the Hilux Gladiator starts at 7pm on November 18 and will close at 7pm on November 27. Interested buyers can check out the concept truck in person at Manukau Toyota during the auction period.
