By Steve & Tamami Laser
With its rich history for the Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands, Southern California remains an excellent spot to hold a car show. The long-running love affair for Toyota returned to Long Beach for the 26th All Toyotafest at Marina Green Park on June 4.
Hundreds of stock, modified and customized vehicles were driven to the show by their owners, including an array of Toyota 86, GR86 and Scion FR-S coupes shown above.
Toyota displayed some of its newest models and concepts at All Toyotafest, including this Tundra TRD Desert Chase show truck. (See our video of this cool truck in the model summary that follows.)
Lexus brought the new LX 600 F SPORT to the All Toyotafest, along with several other vehicles, including the new NX 450h+ F SPORT. (Check out our Lexus show coverage in this review.)
Scion lives on in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts, with a big turnout of customized models, like this amazing xB. (Take a look at our Scion All Toyotafest highlights featuring xB and tC videos.)
Fans and enthusiasts also could browse parts and accessories at pop-up displays from a variety of aftermarket suppliers. And Cabe Toyota of Long Beach had a great exhibit that included a restored Toyota Stout pickup.
As auto journalists and enthusiasts, we too share a passion for these collectible vehicles. And so, with our cameras in hand, we arrived at the All Toyotafest early and started making photos and video clips of the cars, trucks and SUVs on display, including the Supras.
To celebrate the 26th All Toyotafest, we created 26 separate videos, covering as many vehicles at the show as possible (like the modified Lexus GX shown above.
Corolla / AE86 / Levin / Sprinter
Our video highlights several of the gorgeous Corollas at this year’s All Toyotafest, including the sporty AE86 rear-wheel-drive models, and Japanese market siblings, including the Levin, Sprinter and Trueno.
We’ve seen this amazing AE86 before, most recently at last year’s Japanese Classic Car Show in Anaheim. Fans call the 86 “Hachiroku,” signifying the numbers eight (hachi) and six (roku) in Japanese. Its spiritual successors include the 86 sports coupe (aka Scion FR-S), and the latest GR86.
Under the hood, this modified 4AGE DOHC engine, fitted with twin side-draft carbs, is a work of art, showing incredible attention to detail, and superb craftsmanship. (Be sure to take a closer look in our Corolla video.)
Celica
Toyota’s sporty Celica is a popular collectible more than 50 years after the first model was introduced. Our video highlights several generations of the cool Celica displayed at this year’s All Toyotafest.
The desire to modify Celicas remains strong, and models are often treated to performance and styling mods that make them truly unique. We revisited this amazing ’72 Celica that continues to take our breath away with its mirror-straight bodywork, huge rear tires, and “sleeper” demeanor.
Power from the 2JZGTE engine is transferred to the rear wheels via a TH350 Chevrolet transmission. The owner also installed a custom chassis with a 4-link rear suspension. The “wow” factor continues with a right-hand-drive conversion, racing-style bucket seats, performance gauges, and a center floor console with custom shifter.
Supra / GR Supra
Supra lovers found a lot to swoon about at the All Toyotafest with a big turnout of all four generations. The modified green ’93 in our video really stood out with its custom body kit and other mods, including an “RHD 2JZ” show-style license plate.
We’re always thrilled to glance inside the cockpit of a Supra and discover that it’s a right-hand-drive model, like those we’ve seen at car shows in Japan. This Supra also sports a manual gearbox, and k/mh speedometer.
This 2020 GR Supra with racing livery was on display at the Toyota exhibit. The “GR” in the new Supra’s name stands for Gazoo Racing. It was the first global production model developed by the international company focused on accelerating Toyota’s global motorsports program.
GR Supra traces its roots to the 1967 Toyota 2000GT. And like Toyota’s first world-class sports car, and generations of the Supra that followed, the GR Supra is powered by an inline 6-cylinder engine driving the rear wheels. Its exterior design was inspired by the FT-1 concept car styled at CALTY studios in SoCal.
Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-scroll turbo engine, GR Supra is fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission (a manual gearbox is coming soon). The car was co-developed in a collaboration with BMW and is built by Magna Steyer in Austria.
Camry
With its smooth, refined demeanor, the Camry is often compared with a Lexus. Yet this modified model at All Toyotafest took it a big step further, with a customized Lexus-style spindle grille, and upscale interior treatment.
Can a mainstream sedan like the Camry become a collectible? We were impressed with the array of customized models at the All Toyotafest. And today, Toyota offers sporty models, like the TRD Camry, that really stand out on the road.
Sports 800
It’s always fun to take a closeup look at the Toyota Sports 800. Based on the Publica compact sedan, this two-seater came to market in Japan in 1965, before the 2000GT. A rare sight in America, the ‘67 targa-roof model at All Toyotafest features a 2-cylinder air-cooled horizontally opposed engine with twin carbs, and rare, for this model, left-hand drive.
MR2 / Spyder
When it comes to small, affordable, mid-engine sports cars, the Toyota MR2 continues to be an excellent choice. And with three generation to select from, including the MR2 Spyder, there’s something for everyone.
During its lengthy run, MR2 was available with normally aspirated, turbo or supercharged mid-mounted 4-cylinder engines. There also was the choice of T-top and full convertible body styles. So what’s our favorite MR2? We like them all.
Chaser / Mark II / Aristo
Our video highlights a trio of vehicles not often seen in America. Owners brought a ‘96 Chaser Tourer V, seventh-generation Mark II, and third-generation Aristo to the All Toyotafest. While the latter looks similar to the Lexus GS 300, the luxury brand didn’t launch in Japan until 2005, so it was dubbed the Toyota Aristo.
Crown Comfort Taxi
This ’96 Crown Taxi brought back memories of riding around Japan in the back seat. When we’re not hitching rides with our family, we often use Crown taxis for short trips, especially in busy areas with limited parking, or quick rides to a rail station.
The owner of this model says it also served as a driving school car, and could be found in Hong Kong and Singapore for taxi service.
GR86 / 86 / Scion FR-S
The new GR86, introduced for 2022, joins the GR Supra as the next entry in the expanding GR lineup. Toyota brought this GR86 Premium model to the All Toyotafest. In addition to the new name, GR86 receives a more powerful Boxer engine, new styling, refined handling, and a revamped interior.
Toyota has sold more than 200,000 units of the first generation 86 worldwide, including the Scion FR-S. Enthusiastic owners brought an array of personalized and modified models to the All Toyotafest, including several examples of the new GR86.
Scion xB
We were excited to see this latest take on an xB pickup with this radically modified ride at All Toyotafest. Our video takes a closer look at this unique xB, along with some of the other amazing customized xBs on display.
Over the years, we’ve seen other takes on an xB pickup conversion, including Toyota’s own Japanese market bB Open Deck at the Tokyo Motor Show. Yet this one really takes the cake, with its “desert runner” theme, that brings to mind the Desert Chase Tundra at All Toyotafest.
The interior also continued the styling theme beautifully, with a pair of good-looking, color-keyed racing-style bucket seats.
Scion tC
While the Scion brand may be gone, its popularity continues to run strong with collectors. It’s always fun to see the endless ways that owners modify their rides, and this second-generation model captured our attention at the All Toyotafest.
Land Cruiser / FJ Cruiser
The Land Cruiser continues to attract new enthusiasts who embrace its legendary ruggedness and collectible status. We were floored to see this unique 1989 HJ75 pickup at the show. The owner says it was imported from Australia, and modified with a stretched wheelbase and 4-door conversion, in South Africa. Our video features more cool Cruisers at All Toyotafest.
This beautifully restored 1988 Land Cruiser FJ62 also grabbed our attention, with its cool exterior enhancements, stone gray paint with custom stripes, an aftermarket lift kit, 33-inch wheels, and a roof rack.
Under the hood, we discovered that the inline-6 engine had been replaced with a Corvette LS3! While the performance must be impressive, we also marveled at the attention to detail, which looked like a factory installation. Kudos to the owner for bringing this amazing Cruiser to the show.
When the FJ Cruiser went on sale in 2006, we really wanted to buy one. However, we purchased a Highlander a year earlier, so we decided to wait. Well, our Highlander ran strong for years. So by the time we decided to replace it, the FJ Cruiser was already out of production. Yet every time we see an FJ, like this cool rig at the show, we still want to add one to our fleet.
Toyota Trucks / Hilux / Stout
Toyota Trucks offer collectors a wide array of models spanning decades and multi generations. Our video features some of the groovy pickups at the All Toyotafest, from the vintage ‘60s Stout, to the popular 4×4 models of the ‘80s.
As fans of the “Back To The Future” trilogy, we’re always excited to see this recreation of Marty McFly’s dream 4×4. Our video also travels in time, with a flashback to the 2017 All Toyotafest, featuring more memorabilia, displayed by the truck’s owner.
We spotted replicas of Marty’s jacket and hat, copies of the “Hill Valley Telegraph” exclaiming “Biff Wins Again,” the famous “Sports Almanac,” a “Re-elect Mayor Goldie Wilson” button, plus autographs from some of the movie stars.
The Hilux nameplate continues to be used on models sold outside the U.S. It was great to see this Hilux TRD 4×4 Off Road, with its turbodiesel engine, at the show. Distinctly different from the Tacoma, Toyota built the eighth-generation Hilux (from 2015) in Thailand, Argentina and other markets.
Tundra
Toyota brought a TRD Desert Chase Tundra show truck to the All Toyotafest. This customized 2022 Tundra TRD Pro is envisioned as a chase support vehicle. It features a TRD-designed long-travel suspension, a wide body kit, carbon fiber fenders and bed sides.
Toyota’s hybrid i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is teamed with an electric motor, putting out 473 hp and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. Custom gear includes Rigid lighting, CNC bent bumpers, Method Race Wheels, a roll bar and off-road jack, two spare tires, ARB Tred Pro Recovery Board, and two-way chase/race radio system.
The cabin is fitted with TRD Pro SofTex®-trimmed seats with “technical camo pattern” inserts, a 12.3-in. digital meter with selectable gauge display, and a 14-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen.
4Runner
The 4Runner has transformed over the years from a spinoff of the Toyota Truck, with a removable rear roof, to a contemporary classic, with available TRD Off-Road models, while retaining its rugged body-on-frame construction.
Fans of the 4Runner (aka Hilux Surf in Japan) can select from a wide arrray of parts and accessories from Toyota, and aftermarket suppliers, to customize their rides, and to enjoy nearly any adventure.
Hiace Fire Truck
This nearly 30-year-old Hiace Double Cab Fire Truck from Japan attracted lots of attention at the All Toyotafest. Low-cab-forward commercial vehicles, from Toyota and other brands, are often used as both fire trucks and fire engines, providing an ideal combo of maneuverability visibility, and versatility.
Offering space for a crew of six and their gear, the owner says this truck has travelled just 5,100 km (about 3,100 mi.). It’s powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cyl. engine, teamed with a manual gearbox, driving the rear wheels. Additional features include a removable rear bed cover, emergency lights, siren, PA system, and a cute Dalmatian mascot.
Lexus LX
Lexus brought one of our favorite new models to the All Toyotafest, a 2022 LX 600 F SPORT. The new LX rides on a lighter and more rigid GA-F platform, receives a high-output 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, and puts out an impressive 409 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque.
F SPORT design includes an F mesh-style spindle grille, and unique 22-inch forged alloy wheels. It also gains tuned performance shocks, a Torsen® Limited Slip Differential, rear stabilizer, and enhanced Adaptive Variable Suspension. With Multi-Terrain Select, the driver can choose from six modes: Auto, Dirt, Sand, Mud, Deep Snow, and Rock.
Lexus NX
Lexus also displayed the new 2022 NX 450h+ F SPORT. As the brand’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, this model has an EPA-estimated 36-mile range on electric power only. Lexus says that with a maximum charging current of 240V, it can be fully charged in about two-and-a-half hours with an available 6.6 kW Expedited Onboard Charger.
Lexus GX
When we see the Lexus GX outfitted like the ones that owners brought to the All Toyotafest, we’re reminded of its cousin, the Land Cruiser Prado. Especially when the GX is enhanced with an array of rugged aftermarket parts and accessories.
This GX looks like the perfect companion for overlanding and off-road adventures, with owner-added features including a slide-out fridge, storage compartments, a snorkel, and a rooftop tent.
Lexus IS / RC F / IS SportCross
The 2022 IS 500 F SPORT Launch Edition is another new model that Lexus brought to the show. Destined to become a future collectible, only 500 serialized vehicles are available in North America. It features an exclusive Incognito exterior, with Black and Gray Ultrasuede® interior trim. Under the hood is a 5.0-liter V8 that cranks out 472 hp and 395 lb.-ft. of torque.
This extra video features more Lexus models that owners brought to the show, including an IS F, RC F, plus some additional IS variants, including the SportCross.
We remember how much we liked this sporty Lexus SportCross when it was launched in the early 2000s (the Japanese market version is called the Toyota Altezza Gita).
The owner of this SportCross has taken it to the next level by boosting the performance of its inline-6 engine. The rear-drive wagon was also offered with a manual gearbox, making it a pretty rare combo for this model.
Lexus LS / SC
It’s difficult to believe that the Lexus brand has already celebrated its 30-year anniversary. The LS sedan was one of the first models to reach the showroom, followed shortly thereafter by the SC coupe. Our video highlights some of the customized LS and SC models at the All Toyotafest.
The first generation Lexus SC was available with a V8 or inline-6 engine, and offered sophisticated luxury in a stylish package. The rear-drive platform also presents the opportunity to create a performance coupe, enhanced with mods, like the model shown above.
In addition to the exterior upgrades, the owner of this SC has customized the cockpit with racing-style seats and a sporty ambience that looks like it’s ready to take to the track and enjoy.
CarNichiWa.com thanks TORC for providing us with All Toyotafest media passes
Visit the following links for our stories and videos from past shows:
2021 All Toyotafest – Watch Our 25 Video Review of the 25th Anniversary TORC Car Show
2019 Toyotafest – Car Collector’s Paradise – Vintage Toyota, Lexus and Scion Plus 2020 GR Supra
2017 Toyotafest – Watch our 22 Video Review of the 22nd Annual Car Show
2016 Toyotafest Report – Scion Soars with Collectors at Toyota Car Show
2015 Toyotafest 20th Anniversary – Toyota is Red Hot for Car Collectors
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