1992 TOYOTA CELSIOR

This Toyota Celsior is a stunning example of the Japanese luxury saloon, which is a domestic market version of the original Lexus LS model of the same era. Under the bonnet is a 4.0-litre V8 engine producing 250bhp, coupled with a smooth four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer reads 51,830km.

Known internationally as the Lexus LS400, and as the Toyota Celsior in Japan, it was built to launch the Lexus brand to the world following a six-year development program. Codenamed 'F1' and initiated by legendary president and chairman of Toyota, Eiji Toyoda, the project used the vast wealth of talent available at the company to build a vehicle to challenge the best luxury cars of Europe. At its introduction in 1989, it won the Car of the Year Japan award and helped to establish the brand as a global icon of prestige, luxury and reliability.

The exterior of the vehicle presents in generally excellent condition and has been well maintained by its owners in Japan, and has only just been officially imported to Australia. The Toyota is finished in the smart two-tone Black Onyx over Grey colour scheme. All of the glass, badges, and trim is in very good order. The owner reports some very minor marks on the bodywork commensurate with the age of the vehicle, a small scratch on the rear bumper, and a small mark on the front bumper.

Inside the vehicle is in great shape, with the plush Grey upholstery showing few if any signs of its age and providing for a luxurious environment in which to enjoy the experience – whether as driver or a passenger. The dash, door cards, and carpet present in the same excellent condition with the owner reporting just some minor discolouration of the driver's floor mat. The walnut veneer trim pieces retain a glossy shine and all switches and instruments are in working order.

Under the bonnet is the 1UZ-FE 4.0-litre V8 engine that has a reputation for being a strong, reliable and smooth powerplant with features such as 6-bolt main bearings and quad-cams. The most recent service was carried out in Japan with the odometer reading 49,000km and the owner reports the books to show a comprehensive service history. After the vehicle arrived in Australia it had both the oil and the oil filter changed as an additional service measure.

The most recent inspection carried out on the vehicle was performed on 14 March 2021, being an Authorised Unregistered Vehicle Inspection (Blue Slip), required for freshly imported vehicles. New tyres were fitted at the time of the inspection and no other advisories or warnings were issued. In addition, the air-conditioning was re-gassed with R134a refrigerant to meet Australian standards. Presented for sale with the vehicle are the original stamped service book and the tool kit.

This Toyota Celsior is an original and well-cared for example of the JDM luxury saloon, which has been prepared and registered for the Australian roads. With low mileage and in ‘time warp’ condition, this Celsior represents an important chapter in the story of the Toyota company and the launch of the Lexus brand. It would make for a reliable daily driver with distinctive '90s styling and luxury or as a great addition to any collection of modern classics.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.