Although a bona fide classic, the 155-series Toyota Crown is still a sensible and usable daily driver for 2024
Ensuring bulletproof reliability is everyone's favourite engine – the 3.0-litre straight-six '2JZ'.
Toyota’s 2JZ engine is one of its most-famous, and yes, this is the car from the ReDriven review.
It’s the legendary 3.0-litre straight-six from the Toyota JZA80 Supra that’s known for huge power outputs and buttery-smooth operation. Like the Supra, the four-door Toyota Crown uses a rear-wheel drive layout, too.
Endless potential. This particular JZS155 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 specific example was configured from the factory in ‘202 – Black’, and only 6% of total production were ever painted in this colour.
When the car arrived in Australia, we fitted a set of Genuine BBS RG wheels (16×7 +38) to enhance its appeal. For the advertised price it comes with the original wheels too, or you can negotiate a deal with just one set of wheels.
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 – 1997 Toyota Crown Royal
Our Toyota Crown was built in March 1997 and is a ‘Royal Saloon’ model.
That means it’s powered by the legendary 3.0-litre straight-six ‘2JZ-GE’ engine with 162kW power, 294Nm torque, and a four-speed automatic transmission (A340).
What makes this car special is its unique and factory configuration of single-tone Black with dark grey trim. The vehicle has covered 142,700km from new and was factory optioned with genuine wool seat covers (these can easily be removed if they’re not your flavour!)
Other fun features include automatic headlights, an electric driver’s seat, aftermarket double-din stereo, climate control air conditioning and electric steering column.
It comes with two sets of wheels for the advertised price: BBS RG 16×7, and the originals.
Specification Breakdown
Quick facts of the car pictured be found here:
- 1997 Toyota Crown Royal Saloon
- 142,700km
- 3.0-litre 2JZ straight-six engine
- Rear-wheel drive / automatic transmission
- Factory specification includes climate control, automatic headlights, power windows, remote central locking, electric driver’s seat, folding and heated side mirrors
- BBS RG 16×7 +38 wheels
- New Hankook tyres
- Factory option equipment: Wool seat covers
- Aftermarket goodies include a double-din stereo
- Japanese de-registration paperwork and auction paperwork available.
- Vehicle comes with NSW compliance certifcate
- Vehicle comes with three months NSW registration
Nothing says classic like a three-box sedan with an inline-six engine – It's the golden recipe.
