While diehard Toyota fans fawned over JDM-spec All-Tracs and an origal 2000GT, this year’s ToyotaFest had something to offer all import car fans. Just below the massive Queen Mary, hundreds of Toyota owners and enthusiasts gathered on Long Beach to admire a collection of vehicles that ranged from eclectic – like a perfectly original Cressida wagon, complete with wood panels – to mainstream Scion, Toyota and Lexus models that had been only slightly modified.
While there were dozens of cars worth mentioning at this year’s ToyotaFest, the heart of the show was undoubtedly the Scion FR-S/Toyota 86. With numerous examples of these cars at the show, all of which were carefully customized, it’s clear that this car is popular with both the public and the moneyed interests. Without any intended hyperbole, the car is shaping up to be a true classic.
Finally, one can’t help but wonder about the role that Lexus will play in Toyota’s history. While hundreds 80’s and 90’s Toyota models were present, the number of Lexus vehicles was quite low – much lower than one would expect. While it may be that collectors and customizers aren’t buying older Lexus models due to expense, it may also be that the Lexus brand lacks “heritage,” something that Akio Toyoda has elaborated on quite a bit recently.
Check out huge set of pics from ToyotaFest 2013, shot by Jacob Leveton:
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Special thanks to Olathe Toyota Parts Center, a website specializing in OEM Toyota parts.
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