1992 Toyota Celsior: The legacy of flagship luxury and family heritage

It was the early 1980s. As the world was just recovering from its second oil crisis, Japanese vehicles with their tiny fuel efficient engines and low maintenance topped global sales charts.

With all this new fame and enough sales-driven liquidity to fund innovation, ambitious engineers at Toyota were working on a secret project called the "Project F1" (Flagship One) that started in 1983. More than 1,400 engineers, 2,300 technicians, 60 designers, and 24 development teams devoted themselves to this project.

Six years later, the outcome was the inaugural model for a new Japanese luxury brand with the primary goal of competing with the BMWs and Mercedes in the USA. This was the Lexus LS400.

In Japan, this model was marketed as the Toyota Celsior, maintaining the same level of luxury and performance as its international counterpart. The introduction of Lexus with the LS400 marked Toyota's successful entry into the global luxury car market, challenging European dominance and establishing a new benchmark for quality and refinement.

Under the hood, the LS400 is equipped with a newly built 4000cc V8 engine called the 1UZ-FE, producing 250 horsepower. PHOTO: Nafirul Haq

Under the hood, the LS400 is equipped with a newly built 4000cc V8 engine called the 1UZ-FE, producing 250 horsepower. At a time when exotic luxury cars from Germany and America equated to un-repairability, this new engine was well known for its dependability and seamless operation. Thus, along with introducing a number of technological innovations, this LS400 from the then new automotive brand Lexus was able to raise the bar for comfort and quality in the market for luxury cars.

This 1992 Toyota Celsior UCF11, originally owned by A.S. Shahudul Huque Bulbul is one of such units that is steeped in family history and global significance.

Opting for the highest trim, Shahudul's unit received all the bells and whistles. Imported in 1992 as a reconditioned unit with just 1,200 kilometers on the odometer, it remains as one of the only remaining and most luxurious Celsiors in Bangladesh. The car's features—massaging rear seats, seat cooling and heating, and even a built-in telephone—were revolutionary in the early 1990s and even by today's standards.

The car’s features like the massaging rear seats, seat cooling and heating, and even a built-in telephone are considered premium even by today’s standards. PHOTO: Nafirul Haq

Shahudul first saw the Celsior during a business trip to Tokyo in the late 1980s. Seeing the vehicle's elegant design and innovative features left a lasting impression on him. A few years later, while at Chittagong port to collect two Land Cruiser FJ80s, he spotted the Celsior tucked away behind the SUVs. Captivated by its presence, he purchased it on the spot for 14.5 lakh BDT—a considerable sum at the time.

Ariful Huque, son of Shahudul, is currently in possession of the car. To him the Celsior is much more than a vehicle. It is a family heirloom that embodies his father's achievements and values. Growing up with the car, Ariful has formed a deep emotional bond with it. His fondest childhood memories involve being picked up from school in the Celsior, where its sleek lines and imposing presence would turn heads and spark curiosity among his peers.

The Celsior's role in the family extends beyond daily commutes and childhood nostalgia. It has been a silent witness to countless moments, including a dramatic incident in the late 1990s when Shahudul's life was saved by the car's reinforced doors. While traveling to the family's village, the car came under fire from highway goons, but its thick, well-engineered doors stopped the bullets, proving the car's exceptional build quality.

Based on the driving modes, the air suspension allows adjusting the vehicle’s ride height with the touch of a button. PHOTO: Nafirul Haq

The Celsior's opulent features and robust engineering make it a joy to drive, but maintaining such a high-end vehicle in Bangladesh comes with challenges. The air suspension system, designed for silky-smooth rides, is particularly sensitive to the country's rough roads. Ariful has replaced the suspension multiple times, yet his dedication to preserving the car's original character remains unwavering.

"The challenges are worth it," he says. "This car offers a level of comfort and refinement that is unmatched, even by modern standards."

Despite these challenges, the Celsior continues to impress with its timeless elegance and luxurious ride quality. Ariful often marvels at how the car's craftsmanship and attention to detail make it feel as fresh and relevant today as it did three decades ago.

"Every time I drive this car, it reminds me why it's so special. It's not just a car—it's an experience," he said.While the car remains largely original, Ariful envisions some tasteful upgrades to enhance its appeal. Plans include installing a bagged suspension system and fitting monoblock rims to modernize its stance while preserving its classic charm. These updates aim to complement the car's legacy without detracting from its iconic design and heritage.

More than three decades later, this Celsior still retains its original wheels and two-tone factory paint. PHOTO: Nafirul Haq

The Toyota Celsior UCF11 is a car that transcends its status as a mode of transportation. For the Huque family, it is a symbol of success, resilience, and cherished memories. From its groundbreaking origins as a disruptor in the luxury car market to its role as a beloved family heirloom, the Celsior represents the perfect fusion of engineering excellence and emotional significance.

As Ariful aptly puts it, "This car has a soul. It's not just a machine; it's a legacy—a part of our family's story and a piece of automotive history that I am proud to preserve."