The Funkiest Tacomas You’ve Never Heard of Look Nothing Like the Toyotas You Know

Much as classic off-roaders might seem appealing because of their charming looks and rugged simplicity, they’re not without their headaches. As a former ’80s Isuzu Trooper owner, I should know.

With this in mind, many aftermarket companies are now dabbling in backdating conversions. Think of it like a reverse facelift that gives you all of the old-school, sans the ancient technology.

Japan’s Flex is one such outfit. If you’ve been hankering for a Tacoma that’s like no other Toyota on the road, the unique trucks in its inventory may be just the solution.

Flex Motor

Flex’s Renoca overhaul

Flex calls the series “Renoca,” a combination of renovation and car. The three pickups currently listed on the firm’s website, as surfaced by Carscoops, are specifically the results of the Windansea conversion.

It’s an option that Flex first unveiled in 2023 as part of its stateside expansion to San Diego. Exclusively created for the American market, it gives the third-generation Toyota Tacoma a revised straight-line hood design in place of the factory front end.

Flex

Moreover, the rectangular grille, retro headlight buckets and round lamps are all meant to be callbacks to the FJs of yesteryear. While it’s a bit more of an approximated aesthetic compared to some of Flex’s other conversions, it certainly makes for a distinctive look.

Now, underneath the new digs, the Windansea remains committed to its Tacoma identity. Despite the redesigned looks, Flex leaves the trusty 3.5-liter V6 alone, rated for 277 horsepower and 264 lb-ft of torque. 

Flex Motor

Still, in combination with the vintage-inspired livery designs and wheel options, the Windansea packs a unique kind of appeal. Regardless of color (silver, red or tan), all three trucks listed are head-turners.

A uniquely retro TRD Pro

Of course, if money’s no object, the 2017 TRD Sport would be the way to go. It’s packed with upgrades that make it a true overlanding delight.

Beyond some Method 305 wheels wrapped in Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires, it rides on a King Shocks 2.5 lift kit. What’s more, Flex has equipped the truck with extra protection in the form of a custom Built Right bull bar, some ARB skid plates and rock sliders, as well as a Warn steel rear bumper.

Flex Motor

That’s not all. As part of its off-road overhaul, Flex’s transformed Tacoma benefits from essential equipment gains like a Prinsu roof rack, an abundance of auxiliary LED lighting, as well as a Rough Country Pro Series 9500S winch.

The piece de resistance is to be found at the back. Atop an RCI 18 bed rack, this Windansea brings a ROAM rooftop tent, some Roto-Pax gas and water cans and a set of recovery traction boards.

With an advertised 71,364 miles on the clock, it’s a truck that’s seen some road time. However,  the good news is that you don’t have to hop on a plane to go to Japan to check it out for yourself.

Flex Motor

Availability and pricing

Towards that end, if you’re interested in any of Flex’s Renoca inventory, you can inquire through its website. Pricing starts from $42,495 and runs up to $61,995. Assuming your tastes are align more with the Toyota Land Cruiser, there are also conversions available to mimic the FJ60.

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