Am I alone in thinking that the first generation IS300 is the best IS300? Probably not. It was a great looking rear wheel drive sedan when it was released and it has gracefully transitioned into a modern classic today.
Reasonably sized in comparison to today ‘IS’ models, aggressive yet refined, and with an available wagon option its hard to argue that the IS300 didn’t start of on the right foot.
Sure the five speed auto trans in most of them tempers the cars awesomeness to some degree, but the fact that the came with 2JZ in Japan means that swapping the motor and transmission isn’t an unreasonable lift.
Like so many luxury cars, as they’ve aged, they’ve fallen into the price range of those who want to modify them quite heavily. The result of the IS300 becoming more attainable is a healthy community of modified models.
Start things off with a bug turbocharged bang, I’ve posted this car before, and never seen it again, but there’s no denying it makes a visual impressionIt’s a Rukus Motorsports build, and though I can’t find video of it running there is a picture of it on the highwayIf you read the D1SP coverage then you already know that this car has no issues running@is300ryan owns and slides this car on the regularThis wrapped brown beauty was subject of a feature shot by Emilio CiccarelliI think the car was parted out shortly after this shootSadly this car was rear ended and is no longer with usThe owner has moved on to another Lexus, but still, this one was sweetThis car has gone through af ew different makeovers over the yearsIt currently looks like this, with Rocket bunny kit fitted, and as of recently air suspension
No local IS300 tribute is complete without photos of Aidan’s carIt’s great to see ‘The Unicorn’ out this yearBig side skirts work so damn well on IS300s, as do deep dish three spokes – Photo: CentruPhoto: CentruNine times out of 10 Bazreia are a great choice. – Source: my.isThis car was a project build for Rev’d mag, but I don’t think it every got off the ground. Maybe it was the spoilers fault (sorry dad joke)@dukecitytiredestroyer’s sportcross is outstanding. Photo: @automotivedigressI can’t deny that I’m intrigued by @dylana7x’s car, he has certainly taken a unique path with itI’m listening to west coast rap mix as I type this so @toyota_is300s car only seems fittingThe same car at earlier stage in its lifeAJ Gillet (@ill_roller) is pretty good at doubling downNeither car is exempt from track duty either. – Photo: @dooglestudiosPhoto: @tfworksSince most of the cars in this post have been drift/style oriented how about a street/track build? – Source: RedditSpeedhunters has the details on this – Source: Speedhunters.com
