Toyota Hilux Invincible 50 celebrates the legendary 4x4’s half century at Frankfurt

The tough-as-nails Toyota Hilux will have been on sale for 50 years next year, and the Japanese firm is celebrating the model’s remarkable longevity with this aptly named Hilux Invincible 50 show car.

The Invincible 50 has been launched at the Frankfurt International Motor Show as a special edition model based on the existing Invincible trim level. Although it’s not yet been officially confirmed for production, we’ve been told to expect the Invincible 50 to arrive in UK showrooms next year – half a century after the original Toyota Hilux went on sale in 1968 in Japan. The 4x4 was introduced to European buyers in 1969, and the company has now sold more than 18 million examples to customers in 180 countries and regions around the world.

As well as promoting the model’s anniversary, the Invincible 50’s specification is targeted at the growing numbers of dual-use buyers. The sector is particularly interesting to self-employed and business users who can benefit from significant tax breaks if they run a one-tonne pick-up as a company vehicle. The new special edition’s features are designed to maximise that appeal with a range of accessories that Toyota says demonstrates how the Hilux ‘can be equipped for work and play’.

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First and fore-most that means a double-cab format that’s ideal for family leisure use at weekends. As well as its striking Invincible 50 graphics, the show model boasts matt black rollover and side bars, and black front under-run protection and wheel arch mouldings. It rolls on special 18-inch matt black alloys with chunky BF Goodrich All Terrain tyres.

The pick-up bed has a rugged plastic liner and a tool box, and other bespoke features include Invincible 50 logos on the scuff plates, floor mats and leather handbrake trim.

There’s no word on pricing yet, but the standard Hilux Invincible costs from £25,556 and already features automatic air-conditioning, keyless entry and push-button start, cruise control and a multimedia system with Bluetooth.

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