Yep. Finally got the Celsior registered this week and so it is now up for sale. (Only thing to be done - will be done this week - is a full detail inside and out as it is still a bit dusty from the shipping).

Car is a 1989 C-spec, F-package Celsior. For those who don't know, this is THE top-of-the-line Celsior made for that year. These were not available in any export market.

Features include everything available on an export market (US/UK/Aus) LS400 (except sunroof - not a popular option in Japan ), with these additional extras:
Air suspension and Traction control (as found on some US-spec cars)
Dual climate control - one for front passengers, one for rear passengers
Has 2-person memory for driver's seat, mirrors and steering
ALL seats are electric - fronts adjust as per normal (with electric head restraint adjustment), rear seats are adjustable fore and aft (reclining), and include heaters and massagers (First Oz-spec Lexus to get these was the 2001-on model LS430...at $170,000 . The centre pull-down armrest in the rear has controls for seat adjustment, stereo controls for the rear passengers (ie. when it is switched on - from the front of the car - the rear passengers can control the stereo, choosing tape/radio/CD/tape functions, station, volume etc. The rear controls also include a separate display so the passenger can see what he/she is adjusting. Also includes a separate tape-player (for use with headphones) for the rear passenger.
Dual height controllers (factory and after-market units)
Auto lights on/off feature (not included in most Lexus LS400s 'till some years later) which will sense low-light conditions and switch the lights on and then switch them off when light improves).
Has integrated fog lights (headlights are one piece, rather than the split lights installed on US and Oz-spec cars.
Has been fitted with 1997-model UCF20 rims (16").
Things I have had done to the vehicle since I imported it are:
Complied and engineered
Full 100,000km service, including new timing/ancillary belts, new plugs, new waterpump, complete flush of trans and refill with TypeIV fluid, new oil and filter. All-up, cost over $1000 including labour
Replaced the tie-rod ends with new LS400 units Cost $500+
Replaced the tyres (marginal tread but otherwise OK) with Goodyear Eagle F1s - in 225/55ZR16 - Cost $750
Replaced the seat belts - This was necessary as the original belts (which I still have) are electrically triggered when braking. ie. They don't lock unless there is an impact or the brakes are applied, therefore car couldn't be registered with them in. I replaced these with grey items (as in grey in colour) from a local Lexus LS400, so they fit as per OEM. Cost in excess of $800 for parts alone (I fitted the belts myself).
Registered the car (ACT rego - 10/5/2004) at a cost of $950-odd.
New 700CCA battery - $170

Condition notes:
Car is in all-round excellent nick. Paint looks good (even un-detailed), but has the usual minor blemishes you would expect on a 15 year-old car. Interior is excellent. Carpets show some grime, but they will come up as new after detailing (ie. no visible wear or rips etc). Drivers seat shows some wear (no rips, just looks a little more "used" than the others), but I will be having it restored to as new condition. Passenger's seat is excellent and the rears look almost new. All electrics work, including climate-control display etc. Car has 152,000kms from new, and most consumables (including everything mentioned above) have been replaced in the last 500 kms.Am missing the CD changer's magazine, but ma casting about for one. (Emailed Kristian from these boards on that subject - still awaiting a reply...). Also, car was supplied without the remote key, so remote central locking is switched off ATM. Best bet is for new owner to get after-market Jayco items and install these...
I am constructing a web-site detailing the car's specifications (compared to "normal" LS400s), and will include some pics - esp. after it gets detailed this week. After that, it gets advertised and sold to best offer (We can't afford to keep it, plus the Cressida, a Corolla and a VFR750... )

Note: Car is a dark metallic green in colour (looks black in certain light conditions - not totally dark ones either! ). Seats are done in beige leather. Engine, of course, is a 1UZ-FE with A341E auto.

Looking for offers around the $AUD17,000 mark. For those wanting to import one of these, please be aware that, after changes to DOTARS' interpretation of the 15-year rule, you will have to wait until month/year of manufacture to apply to import one. For the Celsior, that will mean at least November of this year (plus 6-8 weeks to receive the car), plus the attendant things which will need to be done to the car after it arrives - as a guide, see above...Best case, probably Feb/March of 2005. That is, of course, if DOTARS doesn't scrap the 15-year rule altogether, as seems to be their intention from what I've read recently...
PM or email me at biased99@hotmail.com for further details if interested. Please, genuine enquiries only.

[Updated on: Sun, 10 October 2004 04:58]

OK. I'm now "throwing open" the car (so to speak) to reasonable offers.

Bear in mind that to import one of these now, you'll have to wait until November at least (and probably won't get it here until next year).

So, take a look at the site and, if interested, make an offer at biased99@hotmail.com

There is a genuine (financial) need for the sale. Those who "know" me, will know that I also run a 1UZ-powered Cressida, a 4AG-powered 'Rolla, and a VFR750 MC. I can't afford to keep all four vehicles.

[Updated on: Thu, 27 May 2004 00:47]