I’ve penned well over 100 feature articles in my career, and this is easily the most complete, refined, and otherwise badass VIP ride I’ve ever come across, let alone had the privilege of introducing to all of you. And from what Houston-area photographer Chris Reno told us about the day he met up with the creators of this beast, their “Refined Elegance” crew is pretty much chock-full of luxo rides built to a similar caliber. But this one stands out—for more reasons than any one car should. We’re sure that by now you’re all aware of the VIP backstory, and how the Japanese Yakuza initiated the trend (also called Bippu) by modifying expensive, RWD, large-body Japanese sedans to offer all the luxuries demanded by their most very important persons, while maintaining the ability to blend in with thousands of customized Japanese limousines on the country’s roadways. It was a trick that helped them avoid the eyes of zealous cops, and provide the intimidated ones with a degree of deniability in looking the other way.

By the book, sports cars like the Nissan Silvia, Mazda RX-7, or anything by Honda, for example, could never be considered proper VIP, no matter how much in the tradition we see some modified today. Put literally, VIP is and always was a game for the big boys. Enter the Lexus LS, or Toyota Celsior, as it’s known in Japan. When it launched in the late ’80s, its aim was to “surpass rival American and European flagship sedans in specific target areas, including aerodynamics, cabin quietness, overall top speed, and fuel efficiency,” (from Chester Dawson’s Lexus: The Relentless Pursuit, 2004). V-8 power should also be added to that list. Needless to say, the world’s elite ate it up, and LSs driven on behalf of Japan’s most successful illicit businessmen were immediately made lower, darker, more plush inside, and more aggressive outside. Popping the hood of this ’01 LS430, you’ll notice something peculiar for a VIP ride: performance mods. The aforementioned Japanese elite may not have been the type to run from their associates, but Stateside enthusiasts like those of Refined Elegance are exactly the type to give the occasional modified sports car a run for its money on Texas’ sprawling freeways.

This Lex flexes over 400 horses at a conservative 10 psi of boost from its custom Garrett GT40/T4 turbocharger, part of a complete system built and tuned by Houston-area induction/fabrication specialists Secret Services Auto (SSA). And yes, it’s all centered around the original 3UZ-FE V-8 engine of the Lexus LS—not the increasingly popular GM replacement. But it’s the presentation that’s sure to get a nod of approval from any high roller. Chrome City, in nearby Humble, takes the chrome/copper-plated cake (as seen by their work on the turbo and HKS 100mm velocity stack), and Dip Tech’s treatment of the stock engine plastics—hydrographically covering them in carbon-fiber transfer—is too cool for words. net curtains ruislipYouTube that big one if you’re unfamiliar with it.tab top fireman sam curtains

If ultra-rarities are what grab your attention, this LS is captivating. See that exhaust poking out beneath the rear portion of that full Admiration kit? It’s an authentic Seiryusho cat-back, one of only six ever made. And those Weds Kranze wheels filling the custom-radius sheetmetal fenders are nearly as rare; they’re called “Elaborar”, and as of press time are the only set known to have made it to the U.S.—these having been infused with custom Swarovski Topaz Crystal rivets and valve stem caps. lakers shower curtain targetHouston’s JC Auto Body Repair not only fabricated those fenders in the JDM VIP tradition, but applied the full kit, shaved the emblems and washer nozzles, installed all the exterior goodies in the spec box, tubbed the wheelwells in preparation for the hybrid airover suspension, and coated everything in a custom variation of Lexus’ Premium Brown Effect paint.sonata rod pocket curtain panel

2001 Lexus LS430 - Straight SicknessVip CurtainsLexus Ls430Master BedrmTiebackRich ColorsThe RichBeltsRhinestoneBlingForwardthis apparently is a curtain in a lexus ls430...I like the belt and rhinestone look and the rich color...maybe for the master bedrmLots of amenities, but some annoyances, a couple being the fact that after shelling out $55,125 for the car and $11,520 for the ultraluxury package, getting billed $69 for a trunk mat seems out of character. jamal curtains dubaiAnd the test vehicle came with optional $1,700 chrome alloy wheels that required another $81 for wheel locks to safeguard them. second hand curtains cobhamLexus couldn't bite the bullet for $81 after taking in $1,700?eyelet curtains 90x90 ukThe test vehicle also came without the just-added pre-collision system, radar sensors that detect obstacles in front and whether a collision is imminent based on your vehicle speed and steering angle.

If so, the sensors automatically tighten front-seat safety belts and apply increased braking force once you touch the pedal.In addition to the goodies noted above, the LS430 comes with a new 6-speed automatic transmission with a lower first gear ratio for quicker acceleration and response to pedal input. With the 6-speed, the LS boasts zero- to 60-m.p.h. acceleration in 5.9 seconds compared with 6.3 seconds with the old 5-speed automatic. Those who ask "what's 0.4 seconds in the grand scheme of things?" have never tried to flee the toll booth at the same time a motorist pretending to have an I-Pass approaches.The LS also features speed-sensitive steering for more effort at high speeds, less effort at low speeds, such as when parking in the lot, front and side-impact air bags and front knee bags to prevent submarining under the dash, side air-bag curtains front and rear, stability control/traction control and four-wheel anti-lock brakes, power moonroof, puddle lamps underneath the outside mirrors

, power windows and power tilt and telescoping steering wheel.You also get Adaptive Front Lighting, which means the front lamps pivot 15 degrees to better light what's in the turn or corner as you steer into it.- - -TEST DRIVE2004 Lexus LS430Wheelbase: 115.2 inchesLength: 197.4 inchesEngine: 4.3-liter, 290-h.p., 32-valve V-8Transmission: 6-speed automaticFuel economy: 18 m.p.g. city/25 m.p.g. highway/99 m.p.g. coasting downhillBase price: $55,125Price as testedIncludes $1,460 for leather interior; $1,700 for 17-inch all-season tires on chrome alloy wheels; $11,520 for the ultraluxury package with Mark Levinson audio system, navigation system with rear camera/voice command/Bluetooth, cruise control, air suspension, manual rear side-door sunshades, power rear seats, heated/cooled front/rear seats, parking assist, front/rear climate control, headlamp washer, rear-seat reading lamps; $69 for trunk mat; and $81 for wheel locks. Add $625 for freight.Pluses: Only thing this car doesn't do is make its own payment each month.