If you're craving something that's guaranteed to turn heads, one of these retro-styled pickup redesigns might be just what you need.Front view of beige Toyota vehicle with black off-road bumper, LED light bar, and red tow hooks.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.AdvertisementAdvertisementJapan'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's Renoca Windansea treatment gives the third-generation Tacoma a distinctly boxy front-end design. - Credit: Flex MotorFlex's Renoca overhaulFlex 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.If you want retro vibes without the headache, the Windansea could be just what you need. - Credit: FlexMoreover, 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementNow, 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. With a bull bar, a rear rack and a rooftop tent, this TRD Pro is no doubt the one to have. - Credit: Flex MotorStill, 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 ProOf 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.From the front, this doesn't look like any Tacoma Toyota has ever made. - Credit: Flex MotorThat'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.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.Just imagine the surprise when someone rounds the front. - Credit: Flex MotorAvailability and pricingTowards 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.About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google
