“I never thought I’d own something like this.”

That’s what Dom, the owner of this Toyota Chaser, said that resonated with me.

Getting to one day own a “dream car” is still an achievement I have yet to unlock, but it’s exhilarating to see it through other people – the excitement, joy, and pride that comes with the designs and builds.

I met Dom through a mutual friend when he still had his FRS, which, by the way was a great design/build in itself. Unfortunately that car has since been sold. In order to fill in the void, this Chaser was imported and built into the design you see here.

I wonder what it’d be like to own a right-hand drive car and if the novelty would wear off quickly…

My first impression of the car was what color it was. It seemed to switch between a black and a dark green. Second impression was how “solid” it felt despite being a 26ish year old car. It’s not like a “tank” like a R34, but maybe a “lighter-weight” version of that. The 1JZ really hauled when Dom got on the pedal and the blow off sound of a discontinued HKS.

From the outside, car is clean and simple, but at much more scrutiny. I first want to note a detail that Dom eagerly pointed out. This Chaser badge on the rear quarter panel. Apparently they are rare and if they are sourced out, they aren’t in great condition. These. Are. Clean. One on each side.

Next note that caught my attention where the wheels, the big brakes that reside behind the faces, and how they fit the wheel wells so well.

I’m not that big a fan of all clear tail lights, but there’s something about it on this car that hits

I’m not knowledgable about such things, but I’m willing to bet that that Supreme license plate frame aint no joke…

Good to see yet another one of the “veterans” still around enjoying the scene still like we are here at RICECARDRIVER.

Let’s keep it going!! Till next time!

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1997 Toyota Chaser

EXTERIOR

• Front bumper: ITO auto
• Side skirt: OEM S2 Mark2
• Rear: OEM TRD rear lip
• Roof wing: Origin
• Trunk: Hi Werks trunk wing
• Tail lights: JDM Clear Tails
• Clear corners signal lights
• JDM Chaser Pillar Badge
• Toyota OEM window Visors

INTERIOR

• Steering wheel: Vertex x Night Runner collab
• Wheel hub: works bell
• Shift knob: Greddy OEM+ kept interior simple
• (Waiting on cage and seats to come in)

ELECTRONICS

• Apexi Power FC Tuned by Sean @MunkyWerks
• Greddy boost controller
• Aem AFR wide band

WHEELS

• WORK VSKF 18×10.5 square
• Advan Fleva 225/35/18

SUSPENSION

• Silvers USA
• Custom swift spring 22kF 18kR
• Fronts: Cusco FUCA
• Figs engineering RCA
• OEM arms with all upgraded serial9 Delrin bushing
• Xcess Engineering rear arms
• Ikeya Forumula
• RUCA Serial9 Delrin Bushing upgrade

BRAKES

• Front: Ls400 front brake
• Upgrade with OEM pads and Rotors
• Rear: Is300 upgrade
• OEM pads and rotors
• Project MU MK4 rear inner brake pads
• SS Braided lines

ENGINE

• Tomei Turbo
• Tomei uppipe
• HKS down pipe
• Custom 3″ exhaust piping To HKS Hi power Muffler
• Misc ARP bolts
• WELD spark plug cover
• Greddy Intercooler with Greddy Pippping
• HKS BOV welded my homie Marc
• Golby Turbo Manifold
• Koyo Radiator with Greddy upper and Lower hose
• Odyssey Fab Jpipe Delete