1997 Toyota Celsior UCF20

Sold: $15,495

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Stock#5807

For decades, Toyota's UCF platform has been setting the standard for affordable luxury. With such great reception upon its debut, it was widely debated how the vehicle could be improved for its second generation. 25 years later, it's clear the facelift and engine refresh did the trick, as models like this 1997 UCF20 set the standard for the future of the model. Finished in Black Onyx (202), the exterior of this 67k verified and documented mile example has held up particularly well over the years, with no serious imperfections to note outside of some typical age-related wear. Free of the woes of higher-spec air suspension models, this UCF20 is the perfect daily driver, weekend cruiser, or candidate for your next showstopping VIP build! Ask any Toyota enthusiast and they're likely to agree, the Celsior is without a doubt one of the best Japanese Classics ever produced. 

The interior is in terrific condition for a 25-year-old vehicle, and it clearly stands as a testament to the prior owner's care of the vehicle. The tan leather upholstery was clearly well maintained as it shows no major cracks or UV damage to note aside from some small spots of discoloration on the driver's bucket. The dash shows well, too with no cracks or unwanted distortion to be found. Toyota was smart enough to equip these with standard dual front and side SRS airbags to give any potential passengers some additional peace of mind. The complimentary tortoise trim is upscale looking and houses a multifunction OEM audio unit with a 6-disc CD changer. Also included is automatic climate control. While the A/C blows cold and heat blows hot, the display functions intermittently. The driver benefits from some added accessibility in the cabin. Four-way power heated seats and a power tilt and telescoping wheel allow you to dial in the perfect driving position, and power seatbelt adjusters make for a fun party trick as well. A chauffeur's vehicle at heart, the Celsior certainly doesn't skimp on power amenities. Power windows, power locks, and power-folding mirrors all work at the push of a button. The rear seats are spacious and rear passengers even get their own set of climate control vents and a multipurpose storage compartment in the center armrest. The headliner is tight and taut, and with the inclusion of the factory owner's manual, maintenance note, and two spare keys this Celsior should satisfy its stateside owner just fine.

If the exterior and interior didn't seal the deal, the mechanical components are where the UCF20 really shines. The fabled 1UZ-FE received a hearty power bump, courtesy of variable valve timing, and the automatic transmission was reworked to accommodate an extra gear. Of course these "million-mile" engines wouldn't reach that point without maintenance, and our trained technicians have performed the work necessary to keep this one pushing along for the road ahead! More than just your typical fluid change usually done on these vehicles, we've gone in and replaced the timing belt, water pump, and serpentine belt to keep this one operating smoothly. Additionally, a new thermostat was installed to help regulate temps. We dropped in a new 12v battery, and it was discovered that a new alternator would be needed to keep this one running, so we put a brand new one of those in too! After an oil and filter service, this one is running right as rain, and scoots up to highway speeds in a jiffy. The gearbox shifts smoothly, as you'd expect, and power is hammered down to the rear wheels without issue. To further beef up the drivetrain, we've installed new front tension rods. Typically plagued by the woes of 25 year old air suspension, this model came equipped with a more conventional strut and spring setup, and she rides smooth as butter. The ABS brakes chomp down hard if an abrupt stop is needed, and we've mounted and balanced fresh Falken rubber on all four corners to eliminate road noise and keep grip strong for tens of thousands of miles to come!

*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.

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