Colour combos can make-or-break a car, and this Toyota Aristo was factory configured just right.
And that's black on black with leather heated seats.
If you’re glancing at this car thinking it looks awfully European, then you’re bang on the money.
The person who drew its shape is none-other than legendary Italian car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Sure – he’s European – but he was also named ‘Car Designer of the Century’ in 1999 and went on to create everything from racing Ferraris to camera bodies by Nikon.
Giugario even designed a now-legendary watch for Seiko that starred alongside lead protagonist Ripley in the cult classic film Alien – just to gloss over his storied career as a designer for a brief second. His designs were polarising, challenged ideals, and were avantegarde – often setting the zeitgeist for the car design community at the time.
One such design is the Toyota Aristo, Although appearing classic and formal when finished in its most-popular colour of silver, the Toyota Aristo takes on a different character when finished in a darker hue.
In black they look mean and imposing – and the final-form VVT 2JZ turbo engine also sings from the same songbook. This engine is the 2JZ to end all 2JZs and has the potential to make huge power without opening up the bottom end and realising the magic.
If you’re after a street sleeper or a do-it-all party car – the JZS161 is your car.
About the car pictured – 2002 Toyota Aristo V300 Vertex Edition
Our Toyota Aristo was built in October 2002 and is a “V300 Vertex Edition” trim level.
That means it’s powered by a 3.0-litre variable-valve timed 2JZ turbocharged engine and features automatic headlights, remote central locking, climate control, electric seats and an electric steering column.
This specific example is finished in a rare configuration of ‘202 – Black Onyx’ paintwork with a factory-option black leather interior. Other interesting parts consist of an optional sport grille and a set of Work Legzas wheels.
It was purchased in Japan via their domestic auction network and was graded 4.0B and comes with a detailed and full service history. Since arriving to Australia, we have corrected the the vehicle’s paintwork to a high standard.
It has been serviced, fitted with new front brake discs, new tyres, and had an alignment. It is ready to go!
What made this one special:
- VVT twin-turbo 2JZ
- Four-speed auto with steering wheel shift buttons
- 138,000km
- Black leather interior (factory option)
- Electric and heated front seats (factory option)
- Double din stereo conversion (this is very helpful for adding apple car play!)
- Climate control, electric seats, remote central locking
- Professionally paint corrected, it looks incredible
- Genuine Toyota front lip spoiler
- Aftermarket grille
- 18-inch JDM work wheels
- Two owners with a full Japanese service history, export certificate and Australian compliance
- Recently serviced
- Largely original other than the wheels and grille
- Drives great!
- We hand picked and sourced this car out of japan. It was grade 4 and has no accident repairs or corrosion
- We are Toyota nerds and this one is in well above average condition
- Two keys
Clearly looking to Europe for inspiration, Toyota took the idea of a large, rear-wheel drive and six-cylinder sedan – and made it even better.
