Stock #6666

This JZS161 exudes VIP styling, while still being comfortable, capable, and blisteringly quick.

Exterior Overview

In the realm of touring sedans, few are as recognizable, capable, and feature-laden as Toyota’s beloved second-generation Aristo. Sharing a platform with our USDM GS300, Japanese Aristos received a healthy helping of factory features, and the same fire-breathing twin turbo powerplant as the Mk4 Supra. Here at the dealership, we’re big fans of examples like this 1997 V300, and with only 84k verified and documented miles, it’s barely broken in. Finished in a one-off Abalone White, Autocouture Eleganz aero adorns the front and rear , setting the exterior off. The finish shows relatively well save for some expected dings, chips, and paint fade from day-to-day use in Japan, and the cosmetics are accented by chrome window trim, OEM rainguards, and LED tail lamps. Still, for a 25-year-old vehicle, the finish isn’t too worse for the wear and an Aimgain style grille and OEM optional side skirts spruce up the exterior a bit. Set off by a set of 19″ Weds Kranze Bazreia wheels and aftermarket coilovers, this JZS161 exudes VIP styling, while still being comfortable, capable, and blisteringly quick. In other words, it has all the makings of a true Japanese Classic!

Interior Overview

The doors open and close with a resounding thud, granting access to one of the most premium Japanese cabins you could get off the showroom floor in 1997. Accented by custom perforated leather seat covers, the materials show well in this Vertex edition and were clearly cared for in a prior life. While we did want to note some light cracking and peeling on the reskinned upholstery, it’s in good shape overall and both forward power seats work like a charm. The dash is trimmed in a complementary textured black vinyl and has fortunately resisted any serious use and abuse over the years. For the safety conscious, dual front and side SRS airbags are at the ready, and the driver benefits from a power tilt and telescoping steering column. The center stack is framed by blackwood accents and houses dual zone automatic climate control with cold A/C and hot heat on tap. Also accessible is factory touchscreen audio which functions seamlessly should you want a soundtrack as you drive. For drivers prioritizing performance, a Blitz boost gauge has been mounted in lieu of one of the air vents and displays boost pressure accurately. As expected from a loaded sedan, a full suite of power amenities is functional to make daily driving a bit easier. Power windows, locks, and power-folding mirrors work as expected, and a power moonroof rapidly retracts at the flip of a switch in case you prefer a more open-air driving experience. Privacy tint keeps any wandering eyes from spying on your belongings, and we’ve even retained the factory-carpeted floor mats, owner’s manual, and maintenance booklet to add to this sedan’s storied history.

Mechanical Overview

Beneath the hood lies Toyota’s 2JZ-GTE. With VVT-i on board and two rapidly spooling turbochargers, this is a tried and true modification-friendly platform, with a plethora of parts available stateside. This one cranks over with haste and settles into a smooth, vibration-free idle thanks to new spark plugs across the board. A fresh oil and filter service was performed first thing, but we didn’t stop there. A new aluminum radiator was installed, to keep things cool on more demanding performance drive. Under hard acceleration, the Aristo is a missile, rocketing to highway speeds in an instant. The factory automatic transmission does a swell job at putting power down to the rear wheels, and a selectable manual mode is at the ready should the next owner want to command their own gear shifts. As with most Aristos of this vintage, a replacement of the rear steering arms was in order, and she drives and tracks right as rain. The aftermarket coilovers are brand new, delivering a more responsive ride, but still plenty comfortable for daily driving. The power steering is easy to maneuver, and the upgraded TRD front brakes bite hard, thanks to new pads and rotors. Even the rear brake pads were replaced for good measure. Four new tires put the power to the ground, and make the WEDS look dang good doing it. After a fresh alignment, this VIP transporter is turn-key, ready to rock!

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB compliant first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.