Toyota Celsior I (UCF10) photos

The first generation Toyota Celsior flagship luxury sedan (UCF10 series) launched in Japan in October 1989. Developed under the global F1 (Flagship 1) project to set new standards in automotive luxury and acoustics, the vehicle was exported worldwide twin-badged as the Lexus LS 400. The exterior presented a dignified executive stance with a 0.29 drag coefficient. The cabin was an acoustic benchmark, appointed with California walnut wood, fine Connolly leather, Optitron floating-needle instrumentation, and a Nakamichi sound system.

Powertrain duties were fulfilled by Toyota's legendary 4.0-liter 32-valve 1UZ-FE V8 engine producing 260 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth ECT-i four-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels. The engine was famous for its vibration-free operation. Suspension comprised independent double wishbones at both axles, with top C-Type trims featuring electronic Piezo TEMS air suspension. A 1992 update added larger brakes, 16-inch wheels, and side airbags.