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JZX Meet: Four-Door Admiration

Updated: Jul 10


IYKYK is a trendy acronym that defines this event and the JZX chassis. Car communities have become very fragmented, for better or worse, but in the case of the local JDM community, filtering down the attendees in this invite-only meet was a stroke of genius and honestly, allowed me to take in more of the details between each JZX chassis. If you know you know that the JZX is a dark horse in the import car game, it is a versatile vehicle that came in three different models, the Toyota Chaser, Cresta, and Mark II, but also with a plethora of engine and drivetrain layouts that allow a larger fanbase to enjoy this exceptional vehicle. Of course, the 1JZGTE-equipped models with a manual transmission go for a pretty penny nowadays yet compared to mainstream Japanese halo cars, it is a bargain. The JZX is a sedan that can perform as well as it looks with aftermarket support that continues to grow with its reignited popularity, which leads us to this invite-only meet that celebrates everything these cars have to offer.



First up is @exiv_evan TRD Sports JZX100 Toyota Chaser Tourer V finished in a beautiful Dark Green Mica. This model represents the pinnacle of the last generation Chaser before it was replaced by the Verossa, the Touring V is equipped with the turbocharged 1JZGTE, an R154 manual, and of course the rear-wheel drive setup that makes these cars special. Furthermore, this is a TRD Sports model, offered with TRD goodies throughout like a TRD shift knob and carbon fiber trim inside, and TRD Sports front and rear bumpers, with matching side skirts and a wing to finish out the back.


The Mark II Tourer S represents the middle point of the JZX100 lineup if you were a Japanese businessman (or woman) looking for a sports sedan. Not as spicy as the manual Tourer V, this 1JZ-equipped model does away with the turbocharger and shifts itself behind a four-speed automatic. It looks the part and adds more driver engagement than base GL or luxury-focused Grande models that were offered as one of the ten variants you could purchase during the 8th generation Mark II's run.


A terrific trio: JZX90 Mark II, JZX110 Mark II Blit, and JZX100 Chaser.


No two Chasers are truly ever alike, on @zombie__low Chaser Tourer V, he's sporting Toyota-optional parts like a mesh grille and front lip. During the '90s, it was common to place an order for a JZX (regardless of model) and dress it up with OEM Toyota aesthetic upgrades, this is an old concept as compared to today's packaging of cars by trim with little to no OEM accessories beyond floor mats and an iPhone cable.


If the goal was to turn heads and break hearts, the Toyota Mark II Blit easily accomplishes both. @jz_galleria beautifully sculpted wagon is every automotive journalist's dream, a reliable estate with good looks and a fire-breathing 1JZGTE for all of the forward thrust and exhaust notes absent in today's automotive landscape. This is one of Toyota's last rear-wheel drive wagons they ever offered as the proliferation of SUVs of all sizes took the showroom space from these very practical and stylish vehicles.


Chasers can get wild, and this particular JZX100 owned by @chaboivinny has all the drifting styling cues and presence that make this platform so well-loved. The differences from your standard Chaser add up quickly, it's sitting on a set of Aodhan DS02 wheels that are accentuated by a very rare body kit from a small shop in Saitama called Car Hospital Unit. Aside from the Kazama Auto grille, the rest of this Chaser is outfitted with CHU front fenders, rear over fenders, the front bumper with integrated canards, super low side skirts, and a rear bumper that flows perfectly while making space for the titanium-tipped exhaust. It took a considerable amount of time to find out exactly what kit this was but luckily the JZX community is strong and provided me with just the info I was looking for.


The JZX90 Mark II is probably my favorite 90's member of the JZX family, with sharp headlights and wrap-around taillights, it is iconic in its own rights. This particular Grande model is equipped with the non-turbo 1JZGE and a four-speed automatic along with a plush brown cloth interior that tugs at the heartstrings of any millennial car enthusiast. The exterior pops with the BN Sports Type 2 body kit as the chassis itself is lowered within mere millimeters of the ground with barely any gap between the fenders and the fat spoked Work Euroline wheels, as the kids say "it's a vibe."


The mastermind behind this shindig is none other than @sleepycabron who naturally came in his extremely clean JZX105 Chaser...which means it's AWD! The Four G variant is equipped with a 1JZGE and a four-speed auto that sends power to all four wheels, this makes it a true four-season car and lends itself to the versatility these beautiful sedans are known for. While mostly untouched, this car rides on BC Extreme-Low suspension and Origin Lab upper control arms that allow for the fitment of the luminous pink Gram Light 57DR wheels for that perfect stance.


Various flavors of JZX are on display as owners bond over this unique car ownership experience.


Covered in wine-red pearl, @mynameis.jif's JZX100 Toyota Chaser is an example of restraint which makes it unique in its own right. The Chaser along with other JZXs was offered to those who did not want the Toyota Sceptre (our Camry) but wanted to retain a true mid-size rear-drive-based vehicle, it was offered as a fuel sipper, a luxury car, a BMW E36 M3 rival, and just an all-around great vehicle that eventually became a cult classic.


Ok no Crestas showed up until the sun went down and my battery ran out, but that's ok because this dope JZX100 Toyota Chaser did, and aside from its Spectra Blue Mica Pearl paint that offers levels of deep color, it also has some cool details that make it unique. The exterior features an optional OEM mesh grill, and a Vertex body kit, and the blue paint is paired with bright white Work CR Kai wheels. Inside is where the magic happens, a Momo wheel handles steering, and shifting through the manual gearbox involves using a TRD shifter, but the really interesting part of this interior is the seats, they come from an Elantra N and have a custom TRD emblem that lights up. These unique touches made this particular Chaser stand out from the group.


This event was a blur, it was a family affair with some owners like @hellakidsandachaser putting the extra doors to use and living up to his IG handle. Inspiring younger generations is essential to keeping car culture alive, which is why family-friendly events like this have become increasingly important. No obnoxious music, or takeover-esque stunts, just wholesome admiration for the best generation of sedans built by Toyota.

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