PURE VIP GS300

Photos: Philip Isidro / Words: John Liwanag

The 2nd generation Lexus GS is one of the more popular VIP car builds.  Known as the Toyota Aristo with the chassis code of “JZS16x”, out here we simply knew it as a GS300, GS400, or GS430.  It’s no secret that I have an affinity for 2nd gen GS since I personally own one.  Each time someone brings me one to look at, I can’t help but take the time to take a closer look.  Being based in Northern California, I usually take notice of the different car crews based out here.  One crew that I have had the pleasure of watching grow is PURE VIP.  One of the first cars that I noticed just had to be this 2nd Gen GS owned by Jeff Isidro.  I asked Jeff, “Why the 2nd Gen GS?”  He replied, “The main reason I picked this generation GS, is because I’ve always liked the look of the car.  It’s a great platform to build for the VIP scene, one of the first more noticed makes/models from back in the day.  I also love the fact that if I ever wanted to, I can switch it up to more of a GT car style.  I have the resources of engine swaps and a vast variety of go fast parts to add.”

One of the biggest gripes I have had here on VIPStyleCars.com is the use of replica parts.  Let’s be honest, it’s a reality we have to deal within our automotive culture.  We can argue all day on the moral issues with replica parts but I’ll save that for another article.  For this, lets keep this honest and straight to the point.  This particular GS is running a replica TTE front lip.  What I appreciate from Jeff is that he doesn’t try to “Fake the Funk” with it and push it as a genuine lip.  Originally meant to be temporary but other plans came into play and the lip has stayed longer than anticipated.  Besides, being static, he knew that he would be scraping the living hell out of the lip and perhaps destroying it.  Jeff sourced an authentic Junction Produce grille and rear three-piece wing which is no easy feat nowadays.  He then added a custom roof spoiler and side mirrors with turn signals.  Before going into paint, Diamond Autobody performed some of their magic on the fenders to flare out all 4 fenders out for his wheel and suspension setup.  Once they were done with the bodywork, they mixed up a custom metallic brown to perform the color change.  Once the paint was done, he addressed the lighting of the car by retrofitting custom projectors in the headlights and  installed Sonar rear LED tail-lights.  His graphics were color matched to the paint and was applied by Thirsty Fish.  Last things added to the exterior were JDM chrome handles and rear trunk bar.

Once the outside was done, Jeff moved on to another crucial part of VIP Car builds.  How the car sits with its suspension and wheel setup.  Starting with the suspension components, he tapped into the Megan Racing catalog.  First thing installed were the Megan Racing EZ coil-overs.  Once that was in, Jeff installed Megan rear lower control and traction arms.  The rear was completed with Battle Version Toe Links.  Up front for the suspension arms, a Studio UCA and RCA were installed.  With this suspension setup, Jeff was able to achieve a -10 camber setup all around.  With the suspension dialed in where Jeff wanted it, he then turned his attention the wheel setup.  Grabbing a set of classic Borbet style 95, he bolted on  a 19×9 up front with 19×10 in the rear.  His tire setup was stretched with a 215/35/19 and 235/35/19 respectively.

Within the interior, Jeff gave Clazzio a call and installed a set of Diamond stitched seat covers.  From there he removed the tan carpets and replaced it with a black set.  Rounding out the simplicity of the interior, Jeff dipped back into the Junction Produce catalog and added their steering wheel cover and neckpads.

Jeff has had his share of wins all throughout Northern California including winning Best Static Stance at San Francisco Auto Salon.  This isn’t your typical VIP Car type build yet it still fits the foundation that VIP Cars sit on.  I appreciate that he drives this car pretty much everywhere as is without changing the configuring of the suspension.  I would personally like to thank PURE VIP for providing the pictures to us for this feature.  We consider them family here at VIPStyleCars.com and is always happy to show as much support as possible.  Jeff wound like to thank his sponsors; Diamond Autobody, Vapor Parlor, Automints, Nthgls, and Thirsty Fish.  Jeff and I have been talking over the past few years when I was going over my rebuild of my car.  I know Jeff now has plans to put this car under the knife once again once he can pinpoint exactly what he wants to do.  I cannot wait to see what Jeff has up his sleeve with a rebuild.  Keep posted here on VIPStyleCars.com or PUREVIP.com and be sure to keep up with it.