Plenty of people want a 2JZ-GTE, but not everyone fancies paying Supra or Chaser money to get one, which is exactly the gap the Aristo fills.
THE ENGINE EVERYONE KNOWS, IN A BODY NOBODY SUSPECTS
This 2001 Toyota Aristo V300 runs the same 2JZ-GTE twin turbo straight six that made the Supra a household name, dropped into a big comfortable saloon that looks like it should be doing airport runs. It's probably the most affordable way into that engine right now.
It's automatic, which suits it fine. This was built as a fast executive cruiser rather than a track weapon, so the auto box fits the character rather than fighting it. There's also a decent argument for the sensible option here, since the money saved versus a Supra or Chaser leaves real budget for a manual swap and some proper mods further down the line, if you're brave enough to build the tuned saloon you've always wanted.
CONDITION AND SPEC
This one covered 49,000 miles and came through auction graded 4, a strong result for a 25 year old JDM import that's clearly been looked after rather than left to fend for itself.
Step inside and it's proper Japanese luxury. Thick carpets, cushy leather seats and heated, electrically adjustable seats front and rear. Toyota didn't hold back on the VIP treatment either, cruise control, electric folding and adjustable mirrors and paddle style up and down shift buttons built into the steering wheel so you can take manual control of that auto box whenever you fancy it. This was Toyota's flagship saloon experience and it still feels like it. Outside, a set of BBS LM wheels finish the look without shouting about it.
Officially the 2JZ-GTE in this guise is rated at 276bhp, Toyota's old gentleman's agreement figure that everyone in the JDM world knows is on the conservative side. There's plenty more sitting under that bonnet before you've even touched anything.
WANT ONE LIKE THIS?
This is what Torque GT's personal import service is for, finding the cars with genuine substance and in great condition. We deal directly with Japanese auction houses and handle every step, from the auction floor to your driveway.
