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• An old trend has surfaced in the automotive sphere.
• Japanese aftermarket specialist, Renoca, is offering an array of upgrades to the current Quantum.
• Currently only available as a custom order from Japan.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
Retromodding is a massive trend as automotive enthusiasts attempt to relive the glory of their youth.
Most restomods concern expensive European sportscars, but what if you don't want a Porsche that is period in appearance, with modernised components? Perhaps your desire is to drive a retro-looking legend of the South African taxi industry. In that case, you are in luck.
Japanese aftermarket specialist, Renoca, is now offering a wonderful array of upgrades to the current Quantum, which makes it look much like a third-generation HiAce in appearance.
Toyota's MPVs have a cult-following globally, due to their popularity and durability. In South Africa, more people travel by Toyota HiAce or Quantum than any other vehicle, and this is the case in many other developing countries too. That passenger exposure has created enormous brand equity for the Toyota MPVs.
Image: Renoca
Celebrating this is Renoca's Coast Lines styling and interior design package. If your dream is to bring late 1980s taxi design to the year 2020, the Renoca online configurator will keep you busy for hours.
Anchoring the Coast Lines customisation is a very generous colour palette totalling 16 solid colours and 10 dual-tone options. With a blend of vivid and softer hues, you can certainly create a choice retro colour combination.
It is all in the headlights
Beyond the period 1980s colourway options, Renoca also offer two grille and headlight configurations for their Quantum upgrade. Those who remember the classic HiAce taxis should recall that two headlight options existed - a round and dual rectangular set-up.
Renoca can supply both the round and stacked rectangular light. Applied to the current Quantum design proportions, it must be said that those stacked rectangular two-piece headlights looks ace (no pun intended). Completing the Renoca exterior treatment are 10 wheel options.
Where Renoca adds more than simple style value, is on the inside of any Quantum finished with its Coats Lines package. You can have the seating configured in a multitude of ways, with a small table and a two-seater bench facing the larger capacity third-row seat.
What do you think of this retromod Toyota Quantum? Do you think this could work in SA? Please email us your thoughts.
Image: Renoca
A sophisticated folding seatback arrangement interlinks, to provide a full-size flat sleeping space, ideal for those who wish to repurpose their Quantum Coast Lines as a #vanlife vehicle. The retro Quantum HiAce conversion also allows one to impress your interior architect friends no end, with 12 seat colour and fabric options.
Renoca also offers wood grain vinyl flooring or loop pile carpets, if you want something with greater warmth and texture for the cabin. And the cost of all this HiAce homage retro goodness? With the current-generation Quantum donor vehicle included, you are looking at R675 000.
Currently only available as a custom order from Japan, there could be an entrepreneurial opportunity in these Renoca Coast Lines custom Quantums locally, considering the huge depth and legacy of South Africa's taxi industry.
