Phillip Spencer has owned his 1992 Toyota Cressida for approximately 10 years. It started its life in Long Beach, California, with an elderly couple who bought it new in 1992. It’s a “basic version” with no extra bells and whistles, which means it lacks ABS and a sunroof — extra features that would have added to its price. “I feel the previous owners said ‘Nah, we don’t need those because none of our other cars have had that,’” he said.
The couple brought the car with them when they moved to Sun City, Arizona. It was then sold to a woman who drove it for another 22,000 miles before the current owner purchased the car. It was his daily driver for a few years before he traded it, only to buy it back some time later.
Once the car returned to his hands, he took the plunge and swapped out the original 7M-GE engine for the JZS171 1JZ VVTI, a 2.5-liter turbo engine that currently sits under the hood.
Other modifications include a Future Fabrications turbo elbow, a Cliffs High Performance full turbo back exhaust, a Koyo radiator, a Koyo oil cooler and an APEXi air filter.
The transmission features a Stage 3 action clutch, and power is sent to the rear via a Shaftmasters aluminum driveshaft. Stopping power comes from the stock brakes, modified only with Suspicious Garage braided brake lines. According to Spencer, the X8 chassis are superior and have drum e-brakes.
This car’s stance comes from a set of Fortune Auto 500 Series coilovers with action fabrication extended front lower control arms. The Cressida – which the owner regularly drives across the country and drifts at various events – also features an X73 steering rack. Exterior modifications include an X81 Cresta front end swap, a Hippo Sleek body kit and a URAS wing. The interior features a MOMO Cavallino 350mm wheel and a Corbeau bucket seat.
See this car and more on the Polo Field at WestWorld of Scottsdale during the Future Collector Car Show, held January 22, as part of the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Keep up with the latest news from FCCS on Instagram at @FutureCollectorCarShow
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