Russian Toyota Celica Tries, Fails to Look Like Lexus LC
What might be the first LC clone ever built doesn't exactly do a very good job at it.
Russian Lexus
Throughout history, we've seen countless attempts by people trying to make cheap cars look like expensive ones. Things like Lamborghinis fashioned from Fieros and the like. But now, we're witnessing the first attempt at making a Toyota Celica look like a Lexus LC. Which might make sense, given the fact that you're talking about a potential six-figure machine fashioned from one that probably cost a small fraction of that. The only problem is, the asking price of this Russian creation we spotted at Auto Dealer Plaza probably exceeds what it cost to build.
Photos: Auto Dealer Plaza
Major Power Reduction
What you're looking at is actually a 2001 Celica with an asking price of around $10,000 U.S. And it's still powered by your typical 7th gen Celica drivetrain, which means you get a whopping 190 horsepower from a 1.8-liter inline-four and a four-speed automatic transmission. Certainly, nothing that would be confused for the LC 500's V8.
Photos: Auto Dealer Plaza
Snore Inducing
The other problem, of course, is that this generation of the Celica is front-wheel-drive, which is obviously not going to give you the same sort of tail-happy driving experience an LC provides. Performance is equally snore-inducing, with 0-60 taking around 8.5 seconds on your way to a lazy 135 mph top speed.
Photos: Auto Dealer Plaza
Body Work
Regardless, the idea behind this particular build was obviously centered around looks. To be specific, making a cheap old Toyota look like a high-dollar modern Lexus. Thus, you'll find a familiar spindle grille up front, along with a hood scoop, new rear bumper, and side skirts.
Photos: Auto Dealer Plaza
Total Mess
The interior is obviously nothing like the modern cockpit of an LC, but the previous owner did add orange and gray trim all over the place in an effort to make it feel sporty. But instead, it just looks like a giant discombobulated mess put together by a young child toying around with his new crayon set.
Photos: Auto Dealer Plaza
Finishing Touches
Finishing off this one-off custom is a set of aftermarket wheels and an Akrapovic exhaust, which undoubtedly helps free up an extra pony or two from that inline-four. Oh, and we can't forget the F Sport emblem, either, which makes any conversion like this truly complete.
Photos: Auto Dealer Plaza
Judgement Free
Obviously, a car like this is easy to make fun of. But we imagine that someone will fall in love with it as a super cheap alternative to what is essentially a dream car for most. And if it makes them happy, who are we to judge?
Photos: Auto Dealer Plaza
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