Tough economic conditions have proven tough for many areas of America's heartland, and being a Kansas native, Bowyer wanted to do something that would benefit rural agricultural communities hard-hit by the economic downturn. Although a late-model vehicle, the Tundra features styling details to make it reminiscent of the many 1950s and '60s-era vintage trucks still serving faithfully in the rural Midwest.
To provide that retro look, the Tundra was first given a hand-sanded paintjob by Red House Custom Paints. The paint is accented by hand-painted white pinstriping that adorns the hood, front fenders, doors and bedsides. Hand-painted "Sales - Service - Parts" on the bedside and a weathered and stenciled "Toyota" inscription in block letters on the door completes the design of the paint.
Additonally, the lower-front bumper, grille, mirrors and door handles were all painted a weathered white while the bed was outfitted with custom wooden side stakes, wood-panel bed floor, and a decorative external fuel tank. 20-inch smoothie wheels painted Mustard Yellow and capped off with custom chrome Toyota hubcaps replace the factory units. To add to the custom retro stance, a McGaughy's lowering kit helped close the fender gap.
Inside, the Tundra's seats got special cloth inserts with material patterned after traditional Mexican blankets. The dashboard and door panels also received woodgrain inserts.
The truck sold for $100,000 at this weekend's auction with all proceeds going to benefit the Emporia (Kansas) Community Foundation.