Back in the day, it wasn’t just Mitsubishi building off-road capable 4WD vans.
This is Toyota’s Hiace Super Custom van from 1995, it’s four-wheel drive, it benefits from recent suspension upgrades, and it’s powered by a bullet-proof 3.0-litre 1KZ-TE turbodiesel engine.
Retro vans like this have been enjoying skyrocketing popularity in recent years, and this one has the added bonus of genuine off-road ability. There are a handful of 4WD Hiaces in New Zealand.
The 1995 Toyota Hiace Super Custom is a four-wheel drive van powered by a famously durable 3.0-litre 1KZ-TE turbodiesel engine.
Introduced in 1967, the Hiace quickly earned a reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency. The fourth generation, which includes this model, was produced from 1989 to 2004, maintaining the original cab-over-engine layout before switching to a front-engine design in the sixth generation.
Four-wheel drive Hiaces were relatively rare, only making up a small fraction of total production. However, with the rise of the “Van Life” trend, these models, particularly the 4WD versions, are prized for their versatility and retro appeal.
This American-based is a bit of a retromod. It has a fresh black and white paint job with retro decals, a roof-access ladder, upgraded suspension, and off-road tires. Inside, there are fabric-upholstered seats, electric windows, rear sunroofs, and climate control, offering both comfort and off-road capability.
The ‘Gen 4’ version could be ordered in a vast array of different specifications, from simple cargo vans to deluxe people-mover minivans and of course small numbers of 4WD versions with either the 2.8-litre or 3.0-litre diesel engine.
Boomers will flinch at the thought, but vehicles from the mid-1990s are now being assigned vintage status as they’re rapidly approaching 30 years of age.
The original four-wheel drive system remains in place, with a live axle in the rear and an independent suspension system up front.
The van has front disc brakes and rear drums, and it uses a four-speed automatic transmission to send power to all four wheels. Inside there are fabric upholstered seats, electric windows (gasp), automatic climate control (also gasp), rear cabin heating and cooling, power-operated sunshades, and a Sony stereo head unit. The rear has two rows of folding bench-style seating with seat belts, surround windows, and dual rear sun roofs.