Toyota Fest Long Beach
While 2019 marked Toyotafest’s 24th annual show, it was our first time attending. The Queen Mary is one of the better venues here in Southern California and is reminiscent of the Wekfest Long Beach events used to be held across the port. As Toyota enthusiasts ourselves we found plenty of spectacular builds and this AE86 was one of the many.
This car looks like it was pulled straight from the 1980s and is Japanese period-correct. The car is an original GT-S model that still retains the original interior. The JDM redline tail lights topped the build off well. While there were plenty of AE86’s this one impressed us.
Similar to the AE86, these Bosozoku cars certainly exemplified the 1980’s Japanese style. However, unlike the Corolla, these Cressidas were not at all subtle in their styling. This white Cressida truly nailed the Bosozoku look while still managing to stay relatively tame. We loved the fender mirrors sitting atop the boxy fender flare giving the car such a unique retro look that only a car like this could pull off. 
Moving towards the rear the dedication to the hear theme becomes apparent. Red hearts running along either side culminate in two hearts feet above the air on the exhaust tips. The exhaust aims directly to the sky and is so high up that custom brackets connected to the rear body hold it up. Looking inside we couldn’t help but notice the dog accessory sitting in the aftermarket cup holder, the dancing aloha girl, and the small steering wheel, all adding to the car’s character. 
Beside the white Cressida was this beautiful Mark II Kaido Racer, Kaido meaning “street” or “road”. As they were only available in the Japanese market, the owner had to import this Toyota GX71 Mark II and it being right-hand drive only completed the look. This build sported all the Bosozoku essentials, from the tapering sharknose upfront to the takeyari exhaust pipes sticking straight up to the Fukuoka style livery that covered the body of the car. So much character was exhibited throughout this car and we’re glad we were able to see a period-correct Japanese street racer.
Another car that really caught our attention was this Cressida. The simplistic take stood out in the sea of more wild Bosozoku builds. Contrasting the expansive livery of the red Kaido Racer, a clean and subtle baby blue covered the cleanly modified body. Of course, blast pipes were still equipped and still aimed at the sky but didn’t exceed the car’s roofline like the exhaust of the Kaido Racer. While we appreciated both takes on Bosozoku style, there is something to be said about the clean and sleek look.
At first glance, one would think this is a JZX100, however, after careful inspection, a few details reveal what this truly was. This car is actually a MX83 Cressida, the USDM version of a JZX100, with the JDM front end. Complete with aggressive, functional fitment of a set of Work Emotion CR 2P, BN kit, and a bright magenta paint this car really looked the part of a Japanese drifter.
One of the most understated cars at the event was this Toyota Chaser Tourer V. With only a subtle body kit, Work S2R’s, and exhaust, this car managed to impress with its OEM style. The hood was open to display the car’s factory 1JZ-GTE but for us, the factory tail lights were the crowning piece of the car. While this is a 1993 model, the taillights look modern, even for today’s standards, and remarkably futuristic.
As we continued our time at the event, our jaws dropped when we laid eyes on The Wheel Plug’s Lexus. We’ve seen a topless LS400 online before but seeing one in person was a whole different experience. Although the build isn’t yet complete, the concept is a very interesting one and one that we love. An Aimgain bumper gives the front a classier look while a Celsior grille with a gold Toyota badge matches the gold faced Meister S1’s. The long, big body just somehow works with no top and we can’t wait to see the build completed.
Our good friend Josh also was at the event with his static IS300 sedan. We’re big fans of the SXE10 chassis but Josh’s might just be our favorite. The body is kept clean and simple with subtle changes that allow the fitment and wheel choice to shine. Our favorite feature would have to be how well the chrome door handles match the Vishnu’s. Clear headlights, clear rear reflectors, and black chrome tail lights tie up the build nicely.
One car that intrigued us was this Toyota Prius. Japanese taxi inspired, we even spotted the owner beside the car in complete taxi-driver attire, gloves, and all. In keeping with the theme, the seats were protected with white lace seat covers just like the cabs in Japan. What impressed us was how well a VIP Garson Crown knob fits the theme of this Prius.
It’s not often that a Camry gets air suspension, three-piece wheels, and a big brake kit but that is exactly what T-Demand has done. The company took an 8th gen Camry XSE and threw on their Pro-Damper and Pro-Arms, enabling the SSR Minerva’s to tuck the way they do. Underneath the SSR’s lies T-Demand’s own 6Pot big brake kit. T-Demand made a smart move in leaving the body untouched; this allows the car’s look to be carried by its fitment and wheel choice. A Camry that looks this good with a factory body is a testament to how well the team at T-Demand master fitment.
