Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all things Trade Classics, along with new cars.
Curated Auction

1982 Toyota Hiace Campervan

At a Glance

Solid and Smart Presentation | Rare and Eye-Catching | Well Maintained | Devon Conversion

  • Mileage67,799 on clock
  • Transmission4-speed manual
  • Engine1.6-litre
  • LocationTring

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more


Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Days
HRS
MIN
SEC
CURRENT BID£3,000
See Bidding

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£3,000

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Editor and Photographer

A rugged, ultra-reliable Toyota classic camper van offering charm, practical comfort and bulletproof dependability.

First launched in October 1967, the Toyota Hiace was originally designed as a compact light commercial vehicle to carry cargo and passengers efficiently through tight Japanese streets. Over six generations, it grew into a global icon famed for near-indestructible mechanical reliability and vast versatility, serving as delivery vans, commuter minibuses, ambulances, and campervan conversions worldwide.

Arriving in 1977, the second-generation Hiace quickly became a favourite base for UK and European coachbuilders like Devon Conversions to build compact pop-top campers. Built around a space-saving cab-over frame where the driver sits above the front axle, the van pairs a compact exterior with maximum interior cabin volume. Combined with a bulletproof drivetrain built with Land Cruiser-like durability, which frequently passes hundreds of thousands of miles on the original engine, it has earned a well-deserved iconic status in road-trip culture.

Devon Conversions took full advantage of this footprint, utilising the flat floor and straight sides to maximise every inch of usable room. By adding an elevated roof for extra standing height, they created a practical, versatile interior layout that packs a kitchen, dining area, smart storage, and cosy bedding into a small, easy-to-park van.

Coming to market after a year with our vendor, this UK-specification model was first registered in 1982 and is finished in a distinctive orange paintwork with a tan passenger cabin. Converted by Devon when new, it retains much of its originality, complete with a clean and spacious rear lounge section that includes a double bed, storage and interior fittings. Solid and smartly presented, this Toyota makes a fantastic classic campervan alternative to the usual VW options, boasting an equally strong reputation for durability, quality and reliability.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Mark the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

The Toyota encourages a more relaxed pace, allowing you to enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.

Purchased from a specialist campervan dealer, this Toyota has been used for weekend getaways and day trips.

Mark fell in love with the van's unique style and character, drawn to Toyota's renowned reputation for quality and reliability.

Unfortunately, due to a shoulder injury and recent lack of use, it’s time for this campervan to head off on its next adventure with a new owner.

Mark will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Mark and Susie
Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

Finished in striking orange, the exterior is solid, smartly presented and makes an outstanding impression.

Wheels and Tyres

The silver-painted wheels show minor signs of age, with evidence of under paint blemishes but remain presentable.

The car is fitted with Event tyres, sized 185/14 and dated 2019, all with good, even tread depth.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

image

Bodywork

The exterior presents well, with no panel damage. The panels sit flush to the body, and the shut lines are even throughout. The doors open and close with ease, with no issues noted around the door surrounds.

There are minor signs of age at the very bottom of the panel lips, while the A-pillars and the offside top of the rear hatch surround show indications of corrosion beneath the paintwork.

The underside is solid, with no issues noted on the floor pan or wheel wells. The engine bay is tidy with mild signs of age, and the suspension mounts are in good condition.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

image

Paint

The orange paintwork has a consistent finish and an acceptable sheen, with some minor orange peel on the A-pillars. The tailgate has a crack in the paint, but overall the van is free from significant road wear, scuffs or touch-ups.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

image

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition, although the windscreen rubber shows signs of age.

The lights and lenses are in good order.

The trim has aged well; the badges have faded slightly, and the offside middle side window outer trim has a small amount of corrosion, but the overall fittings remain sound. The fibreglass roof appears to be in good shape, with no significant damage.

image

Interior

Both the cabin and lounge have been well preserved, with subtle modern touches that enhance its everyday usability.

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in good condition and offer plenty of support.

We noted a small amount of settled water in the driver's and passenger footwells, beneath the rubber mats.

image

Dashboard

The dashboard is generally in good condition for its age, with fractures noted around the top of the centre padding and mild age-related wear on the fascia. The switches, dials and controls are in good order and all function as they should, although the odometer has not worked since Mark bought the vehicle.

The door cards, passenger headlining and trim are better than expected for a van of this age.

image

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel presents well, with minor signs of age on the column gear lever.

image

Mechanics

Bulletproof Toyota 12R engine delivering a smooth, easy-going mechanical drive.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without hesitation, free of sputters or unwanted noise. The dashboard warning lights remained off, showing no significant exhaust smoke. The engine settled into a steady idle and felt reassuringly sound.

Tucked beneath the passenger cabin is the legendary 12R 1.6-litre engine. It has been well maintained, and we did not observe any fluid leaks on the day. The exhaust is in good condition, and the van is fitted with an electric fuel pump.

The 4-speed gearbox operates without any reported faults. Typically easy to use with a light clutch, the column gear change requires deliberately forceful shifts, with no reported issues with the linkage system.

image

Suspension and Brakes

It rides evenly, with no notable knocks or thuds from the wheels, and the suspension absorbs the road without any adverse feedback.

The brakes work well, with no squeals or judders, stopping the van smoothly.

image

The Drive

Toyota engines have a legendary reputation for durability, economy and reliability, and the 12R helped build that legacy. The unit first saw the light of day in 1969 in Toyota passenger cars and remained in production for almost 20 years. Also fitted in the Hilux, the engine was never built for speed, but it is easy to work on, with good availability of service parts.

The van is a leisurely performer, but it offers more pull than the equivalent VW camper van. It performed well around the country lanes, with a 40 mph burst suggesting it is capable of cruising at dual-carriageway speeds. As a relatively low-revving unit, it delivers usable power right in the mid-range but is best suited to non-motorway trips.

On the straights, the ride was even and predictable, with no notable issues reported with the steering. Best described as a purely mechanical, 1970s commercial workhorse, the cab-over driving experience is surprisingly engaging. The engine cruised smoothly; although the noise was slightly amplified as we were sitting directly above the unit, there was no popping or backfiring, and the engine ran seamlessly with no issues on a hot start.

Mark has not had any issues with reliability, as the vehicle has been regularly serviced. He is satisfied with its engine temperature and oil pressure.

image

Electrics and Other

The rear lounge section is in good condition, with no lingering dampness or tatty fittings. The seat and bed frame were replaced with a new unit shortly after Mark bought the van, which folds out into a bed. The wooden fittings are clean.

The main power supply is disconnected, although the lighting is functional; a Bluetti power station will be supplied as a working power source. The pop-top section, flooring, seat upholstery, curtains and trim are tidy, with no significant damage.

The pop-top roof is easy to operate, though it requires support props to stay open. Included with the sale is a side awning tent for extra living space, plus a custom tow bar and platform fitting previously converted to carry a light motorcycle. To top it off, Susie and Mark are generously including a camping table and deck chairs free of charge.

Up front in the cabin there is a Bluetooth Car Handsfree Kit and Kenwood CD/USB receiver.

image

History and Paperwork

Well maintained over the years, it boasts a consistent record of regular servicing and MOT tests.

First registered in May 1982, it is likely that it was converted by a specialist campervan converter Devon when new, which would have included the tilting pop-top, interior fittings and storage space. While some of the original features and fittings have been removed, the Toyota still retains its usability and will accomodate two adults for an overnighter.

It comes with a folder full of maintenance invoices, including a chassis Waxoyl treatment and an electric fuel pump in 2019, as well as a full set of gaskets in 2016. It has also been regularly serviced over the past 15 years, backed by four invoices from an independent garage. Its MOT expired in August; however, while it is exempt from both MOT and road tax, its recent history of clean passes with no advisories suggests it should pass another test with minimal effort, the odometer seems to have stopped working as all the MOT's are at the same mileage.

It includes a box of spare parts, featuring spare door mirrors, a head gasket kit, an ignition coil, and the original distributor and fuel pump.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
21-08-2025 MOT 67,799
03-07-2024 MOT 67,799
15-06-2022 MOT 67,799
24-02-2021 MOT 67,799
07-05-2019 MOT 67,799
15-04-2019 Independent Service
15-05-2018 Independent Service
26-04-2018 MOT 67,799
25-04-2017 MOT 67,799
25-02-2017 Independent Service
26-04-2016 MOT 67,799
15-04-2015 MOT 67,799
23-04-2014 MOT 67,799
05-04-2013 MOT 67,799
06-03-2012 MOT 67,799
11-06-2010 MOT 67,799
03-06-2009 MOT 67,799
15-01-2009 Independent Service
14-05-2008 MOT 67,799
22-10-2007 MOT 67,799
15-01-2007 MOT 67,799
09-01-2006 MOT 67,799
Key Details
  • Model Hiace Devon Campervan
  • Transmission 4-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date 25-05-1982
  • CC 1587
  • Mileage 67,799 on the clock
  • History Since 2009
  • Colour Orange
  • Interior Colour Tan
  • Interior Trim Vinyl
  • Chassis # JT1VRH20V00123872
  • Engine # 12R2573344
  • Last Service 15-04-2019
  • MOT 20-08-2026
  • MOT Exempt Yes
  • Road Tax Exempt Yes
  • HPi Clear Yes - all clear
  • Former Keepers 14
  • Tyre Brand Event
  • Tyre Age 2019
  • LHD or RHD RHD
  • Visited Yes
  • Sale Type Private
  • Owned ~1 year
  • Key Feature Original Features
  • Vehicle Registration RUJ 565X
  • Driver’s Side Right
  • Fuel Type Petrol
  • Body Type Camper Van
  • Auction ID 4035


    Auction Bidding

    Live Bidding
    Current Bid £3,000
    £
    1982 Toyota Hiace Campervan
    AUCTION STATUS RESERVE NOT MET
    RESERVE NOT MET RESERVE MET
    Countdown Timer
    0 Days
    0 HRS
    0 MIN
    0 SEC
    Auction Ends Thu 15th Oct at 7.50pm
    Bidding History
    Previous Bids  1
    £3,000 bid by MPC8808.10.26 @ 10:54:26
    SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS
    1529
    Ask Owner
    Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
    0 Comments
    MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

    Insurance Quote


    Average annual insurance premium for a HiAce like this is £TBC via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
    GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

    *Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Autumn.

    Delivery Calculator


    Vehicle Location

    Tring

    Key Bidding Facts

    What is your reserve policy?

    A reserve is the minimum price a seller is willing to accept for their vehicle. We work closely with sellers to set realistic reserves that reflect current market values — we don’t take on vehicles with inflated or unrealistic expectations.

    If the reserve isn’t met when the auction ends, we’ll work with the highest bidder to try and agree a deal with the seller.

    Whether the reserve has been met may / may not be disclosed during the auction — just like a traditional auction house. Bidders usually find out if they’ve won only when the auction ends.

    As a guide:
    – If you’re able to place a second bid, the reserve hasn’t been met.
    – If you attempt to outbid yourself and the system blocks it, then the reserve has been met.

    Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

    Auto-Extending Bidding – we’ve developed auto-extending auctions that mimic traditional auction house bidding; it’s a key feature to make sure classic vehicles achieve their true worth. Bids placed in the last one minute automatically extend the auction by two further minutes. So there is no need to leave bidding to the last second.

    Security – we operate higher levels of security, so you may need to enter further authorisations against your stored card after you select ‘Place Bid’. All this takes time and may mean you miss the end of the auction by the time the authorisation passes. To guarantee your bid, we recommend at least five minutes are active on the auction when you place your bid.

    Network Connection – your device may lose connection and you’re not able to bid, or see the latest bidding history.