Back to the Future is a Great Film But...

[Barely Krawlified]

Having just re-watched the 1985 masterpiece that is Back to the Future, one aspect of the film that generates discussion among its fans is the black 1985 Toyota SR5 pickup truck that Marty glances upon at the beginning of the film and (spoiler alert for those of you living under a rock for the past 35 years) comes into possession of near the end of the film.

While no doubt a beautiful truck and at the time probably the best selection for the film due to the imminent waning of the CJ8 (and its CJ7 parent a year later) platform and the concurrent rise of the legendary Toyota mid-size pickups, what if a 1985 CJ8 was the apple of Marty’s eye instead of the SR5? My personal choice:

...Or for those who prefer a black CJ8, how about this one from a Jeep ad circa 1985?

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[dsgrey]

I bought a new 85 SR5 though it wasn't due to the movie. Toy also had a turbo-charged version in 85. I test drove one but didn't want the added cost plus turbos back then were garbage after a few years.

 

[PA-Punkn]

My $0.02. Marty's character is meant to be a youthful vision of the future, and throughout the film is contrasted against the 1950s world of his parents (for example at the Dance, "you might not be ready for this, but your kids will love it" or close enough).

Using a Jeep (a vehicle that changed little from 1955 to 1985) is not really a vision of the future, or a contrast against the 1950s.

Desiring a Japanese vehicle (a notion unimaginable in 1955) is a better fit to Marty's character.

And I totally wanted that pickup after I saw the movie! (in the theater, yeah i'm a child of the 80s)

 

[Barely Krawlified]

I like your reasoning and I agree (as I conceded in my OP) that the 1985 SR5 was a great choice for the film.

 

[PA-Punkn]

Just remembered...the film does show the Jeep some love!

 

[Barely Krawlified]

Such an awesome find PA-Punkn!!!

The gentleman who is allowing Marty to hitch a ride appears to be driving an Ice Blue CJ-7 in Renegade trim. What’s really nice is that beautiful Nutmeg interior with those high-back front seats. Just gorgeous...

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