Japanese SUV retrofitter Flex Automotive, who offers conversions of Toyota Land Cruisers with a nostalgic twist have now branched out into America and intend on promoting a novel culture for enthusiasts on the new continent.
While restomods are a concept we have grasped and gratifyingly love; the idea of a renoca, or renovated car as Flex Automotive defines, is still novel. The ErreErre Fuoriserie Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is another case of how a modern vehicle is rebodied or restyled to encompass the aesthetic of its vintage predecessor.
The Japanese company states that the intention of renoca “is to promote a new car culture. It “renovates” used models of Toyota’s most durable vehicles, the Landcruiser and Hiace. The fully renovated interior is as if brand new, the exterior is given a classical-looking facelift.”
What this means is that Flex Automotive can take the modern-day Land Cruiser 100 Series or Land Cruiser 80 Series and give it an exterior enhancement which makes it look like a more vintage model of the nameplate; the 60 Series. The same can be done with the current Toyota Quantum models for those wanting them to evoke the styling of the HiAce.
Have a look at the configurator here.
The Japanese retrofitter offers two derivatives inspired by the iconic Land Cruiser 60 Series; the Toyota Land Cruiser 106 and the Toyota Land Cruiser Wonder. The former is based on the Land Cruiser 100 Series while the latter is built using the existing platform of a Land Cruiser 80 Series.
Flex Automotive has now expanded these operations to America by opening a new San Diego based location. This is the first time since the company was founded in 1967 that they have managed to span operations outside of Japan which is some feat since they boast a 50 dealership strong network in their native country.
As part of the updates, Flex Automotive will also be offering a renoca iteration of the Tacoma based bakkie exclusively for the American market. We can’t help but think there would be a sizable market for the same in South Africa considering the dominance of Quantum and HiAce minibus taxis on our roads. Nonetheless, with pricing upwards of R370 000 for the Flex Automotive modifications, it wouldn’t come cheap.
