2002 Toyota Avalon Sorrento

Toyota, the most prolific car designer and manufacturer of all time, officially concluded more than half a century of vehicle production in Australia in 2017.

Australia played a pivotal role in Toyota’s emergence as a global powerhouse. In the 1960s, Australia was Toyota’s largest export market, spearheaded by the success of the bulletproof LandCruiser, which is now a universally coveted collectable.

Remarkably, Australia was the first country outside Japan to produce Toyota vehicles, beginning with the Tiara in 1963 at Port Melbourne. This was followed by production of the Crown, Corona, and Corolla. A fun fact: all these model names mean "crown" in various languages.

Toyota has exported more vehicles from Australia than any other manufacturer, with a total of 1,324,991 cars. Sadly, the last export vehicle rolled off the production line on 27 September 2017.

In 2000, Toyota launched the Avalon to compete directly with the Falcon and Commodore. Built alongside the Camry at Toyota’s Altona plant in Melbourne, the Avalon was powered by a refined 3.0-litre overhead cam fuel-injected V6 engine, which later featured in the Camry. Its performance figures were impressive, boasting 145 kW at 5200 rpm and 284 Nm at 4400 rpm – rivaling sports cars like the Nissan 200SX in a family saloon package.

The example on offer is in superb, almost pristine condition. As the upgraded "Sorrento" model (an apt nod to Australia), it comes equipped with cruise control, 15-inch alloy wheels, ABS, electric mirrors and windows, power steering, remote central locking, a Toyota CD player, and front and side airbags.

Preserved in its original condition – from the "Sorrento" gel badges to the chrome exterior finishes and the stunning paintwork with exceptional panel fit – this car is a rare find. It is offered complete with its original owner’s and service manuals.

This Avalon, ready to drive straight from the showroom floor, is not just a four-door family saloon from John Howard's era – it’s a genuine time machine and a collector’s item not to be missed.