For a lot of us who are into the VIP culture, we’re always striving for the best, whether it’s parts or even a car. With VIP coming to the forefront the last couple of years, there are certainly a lot of VIP-styled cars floating around. Why did I add “style?” Well, a lot of them are just that, VIP-styled. Like any genre, there are core platforms that the style of tuning was developed on. VIP is all about customizing big, luxurious sedans like Toyota/Lexus, Infiniti, and Mercedes. Cars like Accords and Camrys aren’t exactly a true VIP platform even though there are some great examples around that prove they take well to the VIP treatment. I’m not saying those cars are any less impressive, not at all! I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you want to play in the big leagues, you have to have a big-league car.
Photos by: Dong Majesta exclusivelyfor StanceNation.com
Our man Dong here who owns this incredible Crown Majesta certainly understands that. Before this, he had a Nissan Cefiro, and despite how much work and time he invested in it, he was never satisfied. Always involved in the VIP scene, Dong longed for a car more suited to the style, and the JZS177 Crown Majesta fit the bill perfectly. The Toyota Crown is pretty much as top-of-the-line as you can get in Toyota’s range next to the Century. The big sedan just has that VIP look to it, even though from the factory it isn’t the prettiest of cars. Still, Dong had a certain attraction to the 17 Majesta and began his search, but it wasn’t as easy as you’d think.
Being in Thailand, cars like the Majesta are all imported, so Dong had to search in Japan and have one shipped over. Not exactly easy, nor is it cheap. Add to that the fact that Thailand’s vehicle taxes our unbelievable. You think our 7.5% tax is bad? Try 300% in Thailand. Suddenly purchasing an older luxury car becomes a bit more of a challenge. Then, you have to add all the maintenance costs for a car like this which was never produced or sold in the country, and it really puts things into perspective just how hard it is to have a car like this over there. It really is such a shock considering Thailand is really on top of their game when it comes to the modified car scene and the VIP scene.
With the right car finally in his possession, it was time for Dong to get to work. Even though he’s only had his 17 Majesta for a short time, Dong’s accomplished quite a bit. To sort the ride height and the car sitting properly low to the ground, Dong went with a tried and true air suspension setup. Sometimes simple does it, and to get the adjustability and the right amounts of low, air was the solution.
With the suspension sorted, the wheels were the next focus for Dong. Wide and aggressive is a common theme when it comes to VIP tuning and this Majesta doesn’t disappoint. Dong went with SSR MS1s which is classic design and one of my favorite wheels. With the Majesta being such a big platform, the 20″ SSRs don’t look out of place, and spec’ed out at 9.5 -13 in the front and 10.5 -26 in the rear, they match up with the wide and aggressive requirements. With the car aired out, and the camber dialed in, the SSRs tuck up beautifully underneath the fenders resulting in impeccable fitment.
The last piece of the puzzle for Dong is the exterior. The guys in Thailand have been killing it when it comes to the exteriors of their VIP cars, and Dong’s Majesta is no exception. It’s kind of funny, and I always comment on it, but it seems like where Thailand is in the VIP game is akin to Japan a few years ago where it was that perfect balance of custom but not too over-the-top. Dong’s Majesta is a great example of that. The front bumper, side-skirts, and rear bumper are K-Break, but the front has been customized a little to make it stand out. Next up are a set of custom fenders that do a great job of accentuating the wheel and body lines which is carried onto the rear quarters with a nice flare that includes part of the door which is no easy feat. The car is finished off in a nice, custom blue hue which is a bit different than most shades we see typical VIP cars, and I really like the custom pin-stripping with the graphics along the sides.
For only having the car for six months, Dong has accomplished a lot in such a short time, almost like an overnight build. The car is a great example of the level that Thailand is at when it comes to the VIP scene. There are some truly incredible builds out there. Dong assures us though that things are far from over with his Majesta. He spent 5 years building his Cefiro, so 6 months is nothing for him and this car. What are his plans? Well, he won’t give away too much, but he did say something along the lines of new wheels with more dish and camber, and going crazy with the body with talks of a wide-body and radiused fenders. Pretty crazy if you ask me, but it seems like Dong has things covered, and the track-record to prove he can pull it off. With his Crown Majesta being, “the perfect car for me,” and how it’s turned out in just 6 months, there’s no denying that Dong is part of the VIP royalty in Thailand.
