Since its inception in 1946, the Tonka company (formerly Mound Metalcraft) has gained a reputation for manufacturing some of the most durable steel toys made.
TV Tropes claims in the 1970s and ‘80s Tonka advertised its toy truck to be “so tough, it could survive a nuclear war (almost). It may suffer for countless years at the hands of a destructive brat but will only suffer minor scuffs and breakages in the process.”
“Tonka tough” has become a term to describe any object so durable that almost nothing can destroy it.
In the automobile industry’s truck segment, a similar slogan has persisted for more than forty years. "Built Ford Tough" is a tag line that represents what the Ford brand stands for: innovation, toughness, and reliability. These features have helped the F-150 achieve its “best-selling vehicle in America” rating for over 40 years.
So, it seems appropriate that Ford would build a truck that reflects the durability characteristic of a Tonka toy truck.
The Tuscany Motor Company in Elkhart, Indiana produces the full-size version of the Tonka truck, under license from the Hasbro toy company. The yellow special edition pickup truck is based on an F-150 Lariat Crew Cab 4×4.
Here is why the Ford Tonka truck is so expensive.
The Exterior is Much More Imposing than the Toy Version
Even from a long distance, the yellow and black Tonka truck looks bigger than a standard-sized Ford F-150. This special edition is constructed with aluminum body panels, which is uncommon among trucks of similar size. The hood has also been redesigned with double air intakes boosting the air supply, and the wide front end is decorated with the familiar gridded chromatic grille hosting large front lights on each side.
The rear end is long and plump on the sides, and a redesigned tailgate is embellished with the “Tonka” logo. The unique coated step-bars contribute to the custom look and help the driver and passengers get into its monstrous interior.
Pro-Camp provides the 6-inch rear lift, black powder-coated nerf bars, a set of 20-inch alloy wheels, and thick bumpers, inspired by the famous toy, add to the massive appearance of the Tonka.
The higher ground clearance and mechanical modifications provide the pickup with improved general performance and enhanced off-road capabilities.
Even if the truck were painted a bland gray color instead of the screaming yellow, the Tonka would be a head-turner.
A Comfortable Interior with High-End Materials
The interior of the 2020 Tonka has not changed significantly from the previous year’s models. It features a 4.2-inch touch screen infotainment system located on the easily accessible and visible central cluster.
The Lariat trim adds high-end materials to make the ride comfortable. The package includes front bucket seats, a heated and power-adjustable steering wheel, LED headlights, navigation, and a luxury sound system with 11 speakers.
The F-150 Drivetrain May Be Disappointing to Some Enthusiasts
The latest Ford F-150 (2020 model) is not offered with a V8 engine but comes fitted with a 3.5-liter V6 engine. The second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine is designed to deliver 375 HP and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Ford pairs the engine with a remarkable 10-speed automatic transmission, and the combination provides a maximum towing capacity of 13,200 lbs.
While the fuel-efficient EcoBoost is impressive, die-hard enthusiasts insist on a V8. With the Tonka, Ford does not disappoint. A 700 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 powers the Tonka pickup truck.
Ford Makes Some of the Coolest Specialty Pickups
The Tonka pickup is not unique to Ford’s lineup of specialty trucks. The company has a history of producing versions with high-performance features and superior capabilities. The following are three examples.
Ford SVT Raptor
Built between 2010 and 2014, the Ford SVT Raptor offered F-150 buyers the most powerful off-road package to ever leave the factory floor.
The modified pickup featured a more aggressive bodywork, a broader grille, and a wider track. A greatly enhanced suspension, FOX shock absorbers, and all-terrain tires gave the Raptor unparallel off-road capabilities.
The standard 6.2L V-8 engine produced 411 horsepower and 434 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission and a four-wheel-drive system, the pickup was nearly unstoppable off the pavement.
Ford F-150 Harley-Davidson Edition
Debuting in 2000, the Harley-Davidson Edition featured four-door models with a dark grey or black paint scheme boasting large Harley-Davidson badges and a windshield decal.
The supercharged 5.4L V-8 engine generated 340 horsepower, and 425 lb-ft of torque, giving the pickup a distinct advantage coming off the stoplight line.
Ford SVT Lightning
When it was introduced in 1999, the SVT Lightning was the most formidable performance truck of its era.
The single-cab, short-box pickup delivered 360 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque from a supercharged 5.4L V8, but in 2001 the output grew to 380 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. The truck accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.2 seconds.
The Ford F-150 Tonka Tuscany Edition Fetches a High Price
For nostalgic enthusiasts who dream about owning a life-sized version of their favorite indestructible bright yellow steel toy truck, the Ford F-150 Tonka Tuscany Edition provides the opportunity.
The special edition is an F-150 Lariat Crew Cab edition modified by the Tuscany Motor Company. The base Lariat carries a starting MSRP of $42,500. The conversion to a Tonka requires at least an additional $76,000 of modifications bringing the total price up to a minimum of $118, 500.
The upgraded features and the satisfaction of owning a full-size version of the classic toy is well worth the high price.
Sources: cjponyparts.com, trucksuimport.com, topcarsmodels.com, trucksreviews2020.com