The largely unpopular Toyota Camry Solara Convertible was intended to replace the drop-top Celica in North America, but the owner of the car shows in the picture drew inspiration from the Tacoma, creating a distinctive, albeit somewhat irrational, combination of various vehicle segments.
Although the front of the vehicle appears similar to a typical second-generation Solara Convertible, a closer inspection of the rear exposes its peculiar pickup conversion, making it even less visually appealing than the original model. The back of the car, including the fenders, taillights, tailgate, and bumper, has been sourced from a first-generation Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Some alterations have been made to seamlessly blend these components with the Solara’s bodywork.
Read: This Toyota Camry Solara Identifies As A BMW E60 M5 Convertible
Due to the presence of the still-functional reclining soft top, the rear bed is a lot shorter than it was in the original Ford pickup, leaving enough room only for a few groceries. However, the extended rear overhang likely provides additional cubic feet of storage compared to a non-pickup Solara. When the convertible’s roof is down, the exposed luggage compartment matches the cabin’s capacity.
Under the bonnet lies a 3.3-liter V6 which produced 225 hp (168 kW / 228 PS) and 240 lb-ft (325 Nm) of torque back in the day. Power is transmitted to the front axle via a 5-speed automatic gearbox. According to the listing on Facebook Marketplace, the car is in good mechanical condition with the owner suggesting that “everything works” despite the 153,000 miles (246,229) on the odometer.
The second-gen Camry Solara was introduced in 2003 as a sportier two-door coupe version of the popular four-door sedan. The cabriolet body style followed in 2004 before Toyota discontinued the nameplate once and for all in 2008. This particular example comes from the 2006 model year, although no one will really care after checking out the unique styling at the back.
What is probably the only Toyota Solara truck in the world is listed for $4,700, ready to take on the needs of anyone who enjoys four-seater cabriolets with an exposed luggage compartment.
