Founded in 1967, Flex Automotive, Inc. is a Japanese Toyota dealership network with more than 50 locations dotted across the nation — each of which specializes in either the Land Cruiser or the Hiace. In addition to selling various classic Toyota models, Flex is also renowned for its meticulous restorations and renovations — or as the shop calls it, a “Renoca” (a portmanteau of the words “renovation” and “car”). For the first 55 years of its existence, Flex has exclusively worked out of its native Japan, though is now poised to venture overseas with the opening of its first U.S. dealership, located in San Diego.
Unlike its Japanese locations that work with a wide variety of vintage 1980s and 1990s Toyotas, Flex’s new Southern California dealership will — at least initially — be offering just two models, the ’90s-era J80-based 106 and the 2000s-era J100-based Wonder. These vehicles start with more contemporary Land Cruisers which are then stripped down and adorned in the shell/bodywork of an older model, resulting in an unmistakably vintage appearance backed by a more modern frame and braking and suspension hardware.
Available to customize through an online configurator, Flex’s take on these vintage Japanese rides gives customers a wide variety of modern and period-correct paint options, the choice of blacked-out or bare metal grilles and mirror caps, and several headlight options, just to name but a few. The interiors of Flex’s renovated Land Cruisers are also largely reworked, giving customers a wide range of upholstery materials and color options. Flex is also poised to launch an all-new Renoca platform based on the Toyota Tacoma pickup in the coming months — something of which U.S. customers are sure to take full advantage.
Toyota Land Cruiser builds from Flex Automotive’s new San Diego location are available for order now, with more information and details on pricing available through the company’s website.
