The VIP, or “Bippu,” scene in Europe is still in its infancy, with enthusiasts looking to the OGs in Japan—the birthplace of the term—for inspiration. The formula is straightforward: take a large Japanese sedan, lower it with air ride suspension, and add a set of shiny wheels. It sounds simple, but like dining out, there’s a vast difference between Michelin-starred restaurants and a fast food restaurant.
The owner of this 1992 Toyota LS400 has followed the VIP recipe to perfection, creating a stunning VIP build that he showed off at Ultrace. The car originally came in black—a solid choice for a VIP build—but the owner decided to go beyond the standard. The car now boasts a two-tone paint job: the upper part in a shade resembling Millennium Jade, and the lower part in silver. The silver striping that ties the two colors together is a particularly elegant touch.
A body kit is essential in this scene, and it can make or break the look. The kit on this LS400 is the Evolution Total Systems V1, a rare find but a perfect match for the car. The custom LED taillights, made in collaboration with a friend, add another layer of uniqueness.
Then there are the wheels. At first glance, they appear to be Work Emitz, a solid choice for any VIP build. However, these wheels are even more exclusive: Carving Head 40s, produced by Work Wheels. Designed with the West Coast Lowrider scene in mind, they add a distinctive flair to the build.
Behind the wheels, you’ll notice a Greddy big brake kit. Interestingly, this is the same kit used by the legendary “Smokey” Nagata on his Toyota Supra during his infamous attempt to break the 400 km/h barrier in England. We all remember the footage of him being pulled over and subsequently banned from the country. The owner chose this kit because he is a huge fan of “Smokey.”
This LS400 is a prime example of the VIP scene’s potential in Europe, blending Japanese elegance with European flair. The owner’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence have resulted in a build that could easily stand among the best in Japan.
Owner; NJ’s Garage