Toyota Butame: The Kaido Modified Grail
The Toyota Butame, a nickname often given to the X30/X40 series Toyota Cressida, is a staple of Japan’s modified car scene, blending luxury with street-racer aggression. The current iteration of this particular Butame is a sleek, low-slung white sedan, exuding a stance that demands attention. Sitting impossibly close to the pavement, its wide wheels tucked into the arches with a precision that only comes from meticulous suspension work. The chrome front grille, deep-dish wheels, and subtle lip spoiler add a touch of period-correct class, while the lowered ride height and stretched tires bring a rebellious edge. The finishing touch? A red interior, oozing vintage character, visible through the open windows.
But this white masterpiece wasn’t always this pristine. The car underwent a complete transformation, as seen in the series of images documenting its repaint process. At one point, it sat in a raw, mid-restoration state, wearing a patchwork of primer, sanded-down panels, and bare metal. The contrast between its in-progress state and its final form tells a deeper story—this isn’t just a car; it’s a project born from dedication. The masked-off headlights and bumpers, the layers of primer and guide coats, all indicate a hands-on approach to bodywork, preserving the car’s essence while refining its appearance.
Looking further back, the Butame originally sported a deep purplish-red metallic paint, giving it a bold, almost regal presence. This version of the car carried Kaido Racer influences, seen in the ducktail spoiler, lowered stance, and period-correct wheels. The windshield proudly bore the "Team Sexy" decal, an indication of its roots in a passionate community of old-school Japanese car enthusiasts. Even in its earlier form, the Butame carried a unique charm—proof that a great car isn’t just about its final look, but about the evolution and journey it takes to get there.
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