Ultra-rare, limited edition, retro-styled luxury cars aren’t usually among the first images that come to mind when one thinks of Toyota. In fact, at first sight, it would be perfectly understandable to mistake this car for a product from another manufacturer. However, this is very much a Toyota through and through. Only 100 examples of this very exotic automobile were ever produced to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the very first Toyota passenger car: the Toyota AA (or Toyoda AA, as it was called initially). The original AA was inspired by the Chrysler products of the era, as Mr. Toyoda (father of Toyota) had a Desoto Airflow shipped to Japan and reverse-engineered. The Toyota Classic debuted in 1996 and was priced at approximately $75,000. It was styled to look as close as possible to the car it was paying tribute to, while meeting modern regulations and standards. All 100 examples were sold out, partly fueled perhaps by the rising popularity for retro-styled cars in 1990s Japan, as seen by the Mitsuokas of the time and by the Toyota Origin that would come out a few years after the Classic.
The rarity of this car and its unique styling make it an instant head-turner on the road and a conversation starter wherever it goes. The chassis, suspension and brakes were taken from the rear-wheel-drive Toyota Hilux, as were the doors. The interior, too, is said to be originally from a contemporary Toyota of the time, but was significantly upgraded with woodgrain, leather, a wood-rimmed spoke steering wheel and more for the Classic. This particular car is red and black with a red leather interior, premium wheels, power locks and windows, a Japanese stereo and navigation system. And of course, being a Japanese import, it’s right-hand drive and the odometer reads in kilometers.
Along with the other components that they took from the Hilux for this project, Toyota also took the engine. While it is believed that the engine they used was a 2-litre 3Y-E with 96hp, the current owner does state that this car has a 2.4L Hilux engine. There was a choice of 2 gearboxes: a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed column-shift manual. This car is said to be equipped with an automatic.
1997 Toyota Classic
Toyota 3Y-E 2.0L I4
4-Speed Automatic
RWD
1 of 100 Produced
Custom Hand Built in Japan and Imported
AC
Power Locks
Power Windows
Japanese Navigation System
Red Leather Interior
Premium Wheels
Odometer in Kilometers
Japanese Stereo System
Right Hand Drive
Wood Spoke Steering Wheel
In the Nineties, Toyota went a bit misty-eyed. They released a limited-production vehicle called the Toyota Classic. Inspired by the Toyota AA from the 1930s, the Classic sat on a Toyota Hilux platform and came with its running gear. This interesting pastiche of 1930s styling with 1990s mechanicals is supremely rare nowadays. Toyota sold just 100 units and charged US$ 75,000 for each one. So it isn’t often that a Toyota Classic comes our way, and yet, here we are. Say Konichiwa (Hello in Japanese) to this 1997 Toyota Classic from Chesterfield, Virginia. An excellent addition to a discerning collector’s lot, this curio has done over 230,000 miles which tells us two things. One, it’s pleasant to live with or else it wouldn’t have been driven this much. Two, it’s your typical bulletproof Toyota or it wouldn’t have survived. The way we see it, with the relevant maintenance, this vehicle can easily head for 500,000 miles!
Ultra-rare, limited edition, retro-styled luxury cars aren’t usually among the first images that come to mind when one thinks of Toyota. In fact, at first sight, it would be perfectly understandable to mistake this car for a product from another manufacturer. However, this is very much a Toyota through and through. Only 100 examples of this very exotic automobile were ever produced to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the very first Toyota passenger car: the Toyota AA (or Toyoda AA, as it was called initially). The original AA was inspired by the Chrysler products of the era, as Mr. Toyoda (father of Toyota) had a Desoto Airflow shipped to Japan and reverse-engineered. The Toyota Classic debuted in 1996 and was priced at approximately $75,000. It was styled to look as close as possible to the car it was paying tribute to, while meeting modern regulations and standards. All 100 examples were sold out, partly fueled perhaps by the rising popularity for retro-styled cars in 1990s Japan, as seen by the Mitsuokas of the time and by the Toyota Origin that would come out a few years after the Classic.
The Toyota 4Runner has earned a reputation as one of the most durable and capable SUVs ever built, especially for drivers who enjoy exploring far beyond paved roads. This 2020 Toyota 4Runner Venture Special Edition takes that capability even further with a comprehensive set of professionally installed overlanding upgrades designed for adventure and self-sufficiency. Showing 99,154 miles, this example is finished in Super White over a Black SofTex interior and is equipped with Toyota’s proven 4.0L V6 and full-time off-road hardware. What truly sets this 4Runner apart is its thoughtfully assembled expedition build, including an AluCab Gen 3 rooftop tent, Ironman Foam Cell Pro Stage 2 suspension system compatible with KDSS, and a Redarc dual-battery power management system—features that transform this SUV into a fully capable overland platform ready for extended off-grid travel.
Now here’s a golden oldie of the off-road community. This red and white 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser HJ45 is a long wheelbase pickup variant that’s perfect for someone who’s a fan of classic pickups, Japanese vehicles and off-roading. It’s now available in Miami with 124,000 miles on the clock, but you wouldn’t guess based on appearance alone. Yup, this pristine machine comes with a 3.6-liter straight six diesel engine under the hood, a manual gearbox, and a part-time four-wheel drive system. Thanks to its body on frame construction, it’s pretty versatile in the rough stuff too. Indeed, this vehicle’s clean and fresh appearance may lead you to believe otherwise, but this is one beauty that can turn into a beast if needed.
The landcruisers line up is long and has been around for more than a quarter of a century, and in that time each model has pulled on the heartstrings of collectors. The J60 is a collector's favorite and finding one that has its original bones intact is a very big challenge. Present today is that elusive find that you scour the interwebs for and takes shape with this 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62. Hailing from Tehachapi, California, this classic Japanese off-roader is a rarity thanks to its originality.
It’s David from David and Goliath here today with us. This gutsy little Matte Gray 2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STI packs a punch that can literally take down giants from several classes above. But that’s been the Subaru Impreza WRX STI’s forte since it launched way back in 1992. Today’s example comes with some superb modifications that really take it into a new level of performance. The current owner reports that the car is a garage kept, single owner car with all records and paperwork available. This includes records of not only oil changes and maintenance items, but all the mods done to this 143,000-mile machine from Cary, North Carolina. Oh, and dyno tests reportedly show nearly 500 horses at the wheels! Could you ask for more Japanese hot hatch perfection? We doubt it…
Remember Need For Speed Underground? The time when this famous racing franchise shifted gears and focused on the whole street racing scene? Well, one of the cars in that game was the Nissan 350Z. A fine sports car, it was highly sought after by players, and could be massively upgraded in-game, just like in real life. If you grew up playing NFS Underground and dreaming of a 350Z in your life, that time has come. Say hello to this 2006 Nissan 350Z from Chino. It’s done 73,000 miles and comes with some rather nice upgrades, including a shift towards forced induction! Better yet, the car still maintains a rather stock outlook on the exterior. So, you can either keep it as the sleeper it is, or give it a new look – the choice is yours once you take over this car.
Cars with character are slowly becoming a thing of the past; regulations call for machines stripped of what makes them driver cars, and changing customer tastes mean popular marques are slowly making their way off the production lines. Present today is this 2017 Subaru WRX STI. Hailing from Clayton, North Carolina, this Japanese weapon of performance is the perfect drag-strip dasher, track weapon, or even the perfect way to take on the great outdoors in style.
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