∙Low mileage only 51,245 Km  (31,954 miles)
∙1 of 250 made
∙3.0 Litre V6
∙Original condition

Toyota started the development of this new SUV crossover in 1994, and by the end of 1995 the final design had been signed off. The production car was launched by Toyota in December 1997 to the Japanese market, and was launched as the Harrier. From March 1998 The SUV was released to export markets as the Lexus RX300. 

Its unitary construction was essentially a raised and reinforced version of a contemporary saloon car platform, which offered the Harrier a ground clearance of 185mm – enough to cope with almost any off-road condition a suburban SUV might encounter.

It was fitted with either a four-cylinder 2.2 litre 16 valve multi-point indirect fuel injection engine, or the massive 220 Bhp 3.0 litre V6. The transmission coupled to either engine was a four-speed automatic gearbox.

What makes the Toyota Harrier so interesting is that it’s been built and styled by the Italian independent coachbuilders Zagato, who have been designing and styling cars since the 1920’s and were famous for dealing with Ferrari, Lancia and Lamborghini throughout the 1990’s. Signing a deal with Toyota, they were assigned to produce just 250 Harriers which were dedicated to Japanese Toyopet stores. To make Harrier buyers feel that extra bit special, the 250 models were fitted with the highest spec 3 litre V6 engine and only available in Red, white or Black. 

   

This 1998 Toyota Zatago Harrier was exported from Japan on 3rd April 2019, destined for the United Kingdom where it was put straight into the seller's name. Having owned the car for nearly 2 years, and not using it enough, the seller has decided to part with it.

As with many Japanese import cars, you never really get a great deal of information when buying the car, so the condition itself tells a lot of how the car has been maintained and kept. 

Taking a look at the paperwork that came with the car from Japan, there has been just 1 previous owner for 20 years and then to a company who exported it which is documented in the history file. The V5 is present and does show 0 previous keeps as the seller is the first UK owner. The car also comes with 2 keys. 

Something nice to see on a fresh import is the drivers handbook and service book which does have four stamps. Also included is the Harrier Zagato brochure along with a certified copy of the vehicle history certificate which shows, as mentioned above, the previous keeper and dates of ownership and export. 

The MOT on the SUV expired on the 29th October 2020. The vehicle has only covered just over 700 miles in the past 12 months. The car will have a new 12 month MOT at the point of sale. 

Toyota didn’t skip when it comes to creature comforts on the Harrier. The spec of this particular one is beige leather, with electric front drivers seat and both front seats have their own armrest. There is no real wear on any of the seats, just a few worn age related creases as you would expect. The door cards are in excellent condition, and also fitted as standard equipment are some nice JBL speakers. The same condition applies to the carpets throughout the cabin and into the boot area. 

The display instruments have no warning lights showing and the odometer is showing  51,245 Km or 31,954 miles. The steering wheel is fitted with tiptronic controls for the automatic gearbox. On to the centre console where, at the top, is the display showing outside temperature, ventilation distribution, cruise control and in-car entertainment information. Below this is the standard factory fit radio cassette player and the heating controls. There is a CD multichanger installed below the passenger seat. 

Into the boot area there's plenty of storage compartments dotted around. Under the boot floor is the spare wheel which is complete with jack and wheel brace. A retractable parcel shelf is fitted and works as it should. 

The seller reports that all the electric windows, mirrors, folding mirrors, central locking and climate control are working correctly and as they should. There is included with the sale a set of wood trim effect inserts for the interior door handles and centre console trim.  

The Toyota Zagato Harrier is very well presented as you would expect with such low mileage. Starting at the front, straight away you notice the Zagato Design badge sitting proudly on the grille and the front bumper is in excellent condition with no real obvious stone chips. The headlights and fog lights are free from any cracks. 

Moving around to the sides, this is where you see just what makes this car a Zagato Design! The body kit is very well fitted and all the panel gaps and door shuts are straight and in line. There are some micro blisters showing only on the bodykit and on one door a very small, hardly noticeable, car park ding. The rear half of the Harrier has got the windows tinted and this is in excellent condition with no scratches to the tinting.

The wheels are also Zagato Design, 5 spoke gold alloys, which are free from any kerb scrapes. They are fitted with Yokohama tyres which all have plenty of tread to see you on for many miles of motoring. 

Onto the rear and again the shut lines are all straight and true. The smooth rear bumper is free from any knocks or scrapes. The rear window is tinted like the side windows and this is also scratch free. 

With the lack of salt on the roads in Japan, the underside of the car is the same as many imported cars. It is in excellent condition.   

Zagato Harriers came fitted with a 3.0 litre V6 which produces 220 Bhp coupled to a 4-speed automatic gearbox which can be selected to operate as tiptronic on the steering wheel. Another nice feature on the transmission is the addition of “snow mode” which, when selected, starts the Harrier in second gear for improved traction.The seller reports that the Harrier starts and runs as it should, pulls and changes through all the gears with ease and has no nasty noises. 

The suspension wasn't left out when Zagato gave it their touch. They tweaked it by dropping the ride height by 25mm and the track width of the car increased by 85mm which improved the handling. 

 

With only 250 Toyota Zagato Harrier’s made you can rest assured that the chances of passing one on the way to the shops are very, very slim! 

This is your chance to own your very own JDM rarer than rare SUV, a car that would easily handle everyday use for you and all the family. Or you may be into the whole JDM scene and shows, which you could attend with pride knowing that you’d more than likely be the only one there in a Zagato Design Harrier.

1 of 250 ever produced, what are you waiting for!   


** The photos in this listing have been provided to us by the seller **


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