The VIP
I honestly didn’t know what to expect when approaching this car.. Pictures do not do it justice. In Ireland, we don’t exactly have much of a VIP scene… there may be about two to three proper VIP styled cars amongst a sea of everything else. Even though I tried to take decent pictures I couldn’t help but think about just how impressive this v300 was in real life.
This is a JZS161 97 Toyota Aristo v300 for anyone who may be was a little lost, these cars are big in Japan and in places elsewhere in the world known as the Lexus LS400. In Japan and the US the VIP scene is booming.
The characteristics of VIP style cars usually consist of large expensive mostly black, silver or grey cars, with big deep dish rims with impressive offsets, chrome accents and big exhaust tips. This example has a full genuine Kazama Auto Luxor kit.
The V300 has quite a nice few luxury bits, as after all this car is all about style from factory, auto folding mirrors and memory steering just to name a few.
The rear end has been fitted with possibly one of the nicest rear spoiler I have ever seen for a car.
The Vertex 3 piece rear spoiler changes the entire back end. The smoked LED tail lights are also a very nice touch. I can’t get enough of this rear end especially the Toms twin exhaust system poking from that Kazama bumper.
Inside remains relatively stock, but that’s not a bad thing. The cockpit has been fitted with a Sony Double Din touch screen and the v300 came with a full black leather interior. It’s amusing that this car has aged so much better than its rival inspiration from Germany. VIP cars usually are built for comfort rather than performance and the original trim and finish are perfect for the overall look.
The JZS161 has also had steel arches fitted to accommodative for the more enjoyable Wedsport Kranze LXZ4 in a delicious 19 x 10, easily one of the most impressive wheels to come out of Japan, especially against a black car.
The car sits at an enjoyable ride height for Irish roads on BC coilovers. The steel arch work was being damaged, so the owner had to raise the car due to it being a daily driver.
Under the bonnet lies a 2jz VVT-I engine. I find it quite amusing that the JZS161 is pretty much a four door JZA80 and has plenty of power to shift with its Garret twin turbo setup and full Toms exhaust system. The JZS161 is also equipped with a Blitz dual solenoid boost controller.
The v300 has also been fitted with Brembo Discs and pads all round. It has also been fitted with a Toms ARS Cancel bar or rear steer lockout to help this beast handle that little bit better.
As we drove behind this beauty on the way home we took a few more snaps. I have never seen another car get so much attention from the general public. It was my first proper taste of VIP styling and is one of only two JZS161 I have had the chance to see in real life.
Ireland has such high car tax; it’s a shame that all our LS400s are being scrapped or neglected. The car has possibly the most insane presence rolling around the mundane streets, turning every single head as it casually rumbled along the streets of Dublin. I’m sold on the VIP scene. I get the fuss properly now, after years of seeing pictures on the internet, real life changes everything. That black and chrome look will stay with me for a long time..
Damn this country and its high taxes…..
Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Handling
BC coilovers
Wedz Kranze LZX 19 x 10
Toms ARS Cancel bar
Brembo Discs
Brembo Pads
Falken Ziex Tyres
Exterior
Kazama Luxor Aero
Vertex 3 Piece rear spoiler
Custom Steel Arches
Toms Exhaust Tips
Smoked Led Tail Lights
Engine
2JZ VVT-I
Toms Exhaust System
Blitz Dual Solenoid Boost Controller