2015 Toyota Mark X GRMN 1-of-100 Limited Edition

Toyota’s Mark X celebrates its 50-year long legacy building fun to drive, rear-wheel drive sedans.

It’s even named after the X-chassis platform – one that’s gifted enthusiasts with cars like the Toyota JZX81 Mark II and later JZX100 Chaser, both now fan favourites the world-over.

This Toyota ‘GRX133’ Mark X goes one further, being just one of 100 limited-edition GRMN models ever produced. Hand-built by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing motorsport department, the Mark X takes the rear-wheel drive, six-cylinder recipe even further.

It starts with a six-speed manual transmission, making it the only factory-manual Mark X ever made. A shortened differential ratio and limited-slip differential were added, as was a manual old-school handbrake – replacing the electronic one.

The 2GR-FSE engine received upgrading cooling, a new intake and exhaust, and unique engine calibration. Power is rated to 240kW/380Nm, which considering it’s relatively light 1490kg kerb weight, makes for an exciting package.

Externally, its bodywork and aero are bespoke. Instantly drawing attention is the genuine carbon fibre roof, signalling clear influence from Europe. Under the rear is a functional diffuser that provides stability during high-speed events.

After all, the MN in GRMN stands for Meister of Nürburgring – the place where all budding Toyota race engineers go to earn their stripes. Huge front brakes with two-piece alloy rotors, a stiffened chassis and 19-inch forged BBS wheels bolster its motorsport-grade hardware.

Inside, factory fit TRD bucket seats and a sports steering wheel trimmed in Alcantara. A 9.8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and reversing camera has been integrated to appear standard.

After showing the Mark X GRMN concept at the 2014 Tokyo Auto Salon, Toyota were inundated by requests to build it. And built it they did, with just 100 examples destined only for its home market, which due to the heavy demand were sold via a lottery process.

A few initially traded hands amongst collectors. This example was snapped up by an Australian who bought it as a new car from a Japanese auction house in September 2015. The vehicle was purchased with 31km on the odometer as a grade ‘S’ or ‘5’ car, indicating brand new, never used.

It was imported shortly after in October 2015, where it was comprehensively detailed and lovingly stored in a collection. Five years later, it traded hands to its current and second-ever custodian with approximately 22,000 KM.

The car presents as new. Alongside original photography of the car new in Japan, it comes with an auction paperwork showing mileage and condition, Importation paperwork including Vehicle import approval (VIA), RAW Scheme Vehicle Inspection Certificate (VIC) and Consumer Information Notice (CIN), ensuring fuss-free ownership.

It has some service history and invoices for genuine fluids and parts, two keys including one rare factory option ‘carbon’ key, all new car paperwork, and even the original sale invoice from new. At the last service, the rear differential oil, transmission oil and brake/clutch fluids were changed.

With a reserve set under replacement cost and unique for being in Australia from new, this Toyota Mark X GRMN is a rare opportunity to purchase the ultimate Q car.

Consider this – name another modern, rear-wheel drive and naturally aspirated sports sedan, let alone one with a manual transmission?