Although a bona fide classic, the 150-series Toyota Crown is still a sensible and usable daily driver for 2024
Ensuring bulletproof reliability is everyone's favourite engine – Toyota's 2.5-litre '1JZ' straight-six
Toyota’s 1JZ engine is one of its most-famous, and yes, it’s essentially the same car used in ReDriven’s review.
It’s the legendary 2.5-litre straight-six from the Toyota JZX100 that’s known for huge power outputs and buttery-smooth operation. Like the Chaser, the four-door Toyota Crown uses a rear-wheel drive layout, too.
Endless potential. This particular JZS151 Crown was built in the 1990s and at a time where Toyota in Japan were targeting the Europeans in terms of feel, and perceived quality.
It’s evident in how good a 155-series Crown feels to drive today: smooth, vibration-free and cosseting. This example was configured in ‘8l4 – Dark Blue Pearl’, a rare colour that was used on less than 10% of total production.
Its suspension has been upgraded with new KYB shock absorbers and RS*R springs that retain an excellent ride quality whilst sitting the car where it needs to be.
As a final point, the JZS155 Crown is actually a real-deal Japanese Domestic Market car – so tell that to your mates driving Aussie-delivered cars pretending they’re “JDM”!
The car pictured – 1998 Toyota Crown Royal
Our Toyota Crown was built in November 1998 and is a ‘Royal Saloon’ model. It was purchased from Mirive Saitama at a grade 4.5B vehicle.
That means it’s powered by the legendary 2.5-litre straight-six ‘1JZ-GE’ engine with 147kW power, 255Nm torque, and a four-speed automatic transmission (A340). It’s also the rarer sedan body type, which means frames doors, more tradtional styling + factory fitted fender mirrors.
What makes this car special is its configuration of ‘8l4’ dark blue pearl and its low kilometres. This vehicle has travelled just 65,720km from new!
Other fun features include automatic headlights and a genuine Toyota storage bin.
Quick facts
- 1998 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon
- Auction grade 4.5B!
- Rare sedan model with factory fender mirrors
- Genuine 65,727km
- 2.5-litre 1JZ straight-six engine (naturally-aspirated)
- Rear-wheel drive / automatic transmission
- Factory specification includes climate control, automatic headlights, power windows, remote central locking, folding and heated side mirrors.
- Factory option equipment: Toyota storage bin
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available.
- Vehicle comes with three months NSW registration
- Vehicle comes with NSW compliance certificate
Nothing says classic like a three-box sedan with an inline-six engine – It's the golden recipe.
