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The Birth

Toyota's Tuning Division Modellista paired up with Tom's racing Japan in 2005 and created an incredible back catalog version of the Toyota Crown Majesta. This was the Modellista Crown Majesta Supercharger which debut at Tokyo Auto Saloon in 2005. From July 2006 build to order was available through select dealers only. Extreme costs over the Toyota base versions caused the model to be produced in extremely limited quantities making them a unicorn status vehicle fairly much from the get go. You may have heard of the Modellista Crown Athlete or most likely Mark X +M Supercharger editions but for most this will be the first time you have heard of this one. Owners could purchase a Crown Majesta A-Type , C-Type or C-Type F Package and have it pulled from the production line and transported off to Tom’s Racing for an extensive kit out on behalf of Modellista.

Modellista Crown Majesta Supercharger C-Type F-Package with Optional Modellista Aero Kit - UZS186

The Cost

To give an idea of the cost of these and just why they are so rare this example shown here which is a fully loaded top spec C Type F Package + Aero Option in todays money would set you back $181,797 NZD (110k USD) new. That’s on road in New Zealand without any dealer margin by the way and other markets we ship to work out comparative or higher. Having ordered special cars off the production line from Toyota brand new for clients I can tell you now its not as simple as the landed on road cost as above either. In real terms it would cost more like $220k NZD using brokers and all the rigmarole you have to go through to obtain and sneak something like this out of Japan without the dealer and broker getting caught by Toyota. It’s against their protocol for vehicles specifically for the JDM market to be exported as New with huge consequences for offending dealers. So if you can even find a dealer willing to risk it all they need an attractive pay off. This is compounded with the wide range of costs involved in creating a complex trail that cannot be traced by Toyota when the vehicle does not return for its 1000km inspection. If you imagine a German brand getting their hands on one for reverse engineering in 2006 it’s understandable why they have these rules. Plus no dealers overseas have the capabilities to carry out recalls.

The Purpose

Modellista’s intention was to produce a luxury appointed Autobhan style high speed cruiser with effortless acceleration and optimal comfort to take on the likes of the big body AMG and M-Sport lines. With a goal to dominate the overtaking lanes on Japanese expressways Tom’s Racing Japan was set with the task on increasing the performance capabilities in conjunction with Modellista. The objective was deceptively fast and effortless acceleration complimented by improved handling without compromising the ride quality. This means the vehicle still feels a little softly sprung and unsettled compared to an Athlete but winding roads is not the point of this vehicle. Its designed for shear straight-line high speed domination where even at 200kph+ quiet and effortless cruising is provided as you hang in the far right lane on the Japanese toll roads. Mind you for an air suspension vehicle it is actually quite good with all the upgrades even at cornering. When tested in Japan complaints were that the supercharger whine was too vocal for a luxury car of this caliber. Tom’s Racing and Modellista fitted the following upgrades as part of the package with the aero kit optional therefore the kit is very rarely fitted as it was another rather exuberant expense.

Parts List (Small item changes not listed exist)

Dedicated Modellista Supercharger Kit with Water to Air Intercooler
Dedicated Modellista ECU with speed cut delete
Dedicated Modellista Sports Muffler
Dedicated Modellista / Reinforced Transmission: 6 Speed Automatic upgraded to handle the torque
Dedicated Transmission Cooling for further protection
Dedicated Modellista Sports Air Suspension (Approx. 20mm Lower, stiffer dampening whilst retaining full stroke)
Dedicated Modellista Front Stabilizer
Dedicated Modellista Rear Stabilizer
Dedicated Modellista Underbracing
Dedicated Modellista Carbon Engine Cover
Dedicated Modellista Emblem Set

The Result

The result is a very well balanced and reliable luxury performance sedan with 340ps (250kW) @ 5700rpm and 540NM (55.0 KG.M) of torque @ 3900RPM. It is excessively overpowered for the factory 17 inch wheels and 215 tyres, even light throttle touches light up the wheels and the traction control light constantly flashes. In that spec you can see why at review journalists determined it was not really a suitable town cruiser. This examples has 20” WORK Wheels with 245 sticky Nitto tyres fitted to address the lack of traction. The difference in acceleration with added grip is phenomenal along with keeping that traction control light much more in check, well at least from 3rd gear on. Obviously Modellista was aware it was over powered for the factory wheels so a set of optional 19” Modellista wheels were produced in partnership with WORK Wheels. They were 1 piece and of an ugly design so it’s possible that only a couple of sets are out there considering this is a car you can tally up using fingers and toes. I have only seen 1 set in my 15 years of hunting a Modellista Majesta Supercharger down and the design got very negative reviews from the motoring journalists at the time.

Pricing Now

Price wise affordability has always been the issue since new and they still hold a high collectable value today. Of the few examples I have followed they have typically retailed in Japan for what works out between 45k nzd and 75k nzd landed on road. Their distance travelled ranged from 75000-280000kms. Suggesting they have likely bottomed out is the fact the price has not shifted downwards over the last few years. One identical example to this C Type F Package featured travelled 52000km on stock wheels broke the recent records and went for what would work out at 85k nzd landed on road. This was in Japan back in late 2021. Prices I expect will creep up over time and that will be compounded now Canada can import them legally followed by the USA later if any examples are left alive for export. It truly took a stroke of luck to find one tucked away in a remote area of Japan and have it out sub 30k in NZ.

The Verdict

I won’t run through all the extras the C-Type F-Package has over the lower spec versions but if you check out the For Sale listing of the one pictured by clicking the link at the bottom you can find better insight into the equipment. Overall my experience behind the wheel was of an extremely rapid and deceptively quick luxury sedan. It’s super comfortable to commute in and the genuine leather is just a class above a Athlete. The power is instant, the blower whine intoxicating and the acceleration relentless. It’s actually faster once you hit higher gears and gain more traction so It’s no wonder the speed cut was removed as simply it would be to easy to find when pulling out to pass a Semi.

If you have enjoyed this article, give it a like, share it round and be sure to leave a comment if you appreciated it. If you follow our Instagram @japanesecarsltd you may see some videos of this hitting the backroads with the supercharger howling.

JDM Unicorns Episode 8: Toyota Crown Majesta Modellista Supercharger C Type F Package UZS186