Why some Toyotas from the 90s had golden badges – Jalopnik

Fashion come and go, and in the car world old fashion can seriously go out of a car. A trend that immediately screams “the 90s” is golden emblems on Toyota and Lexus models, although such a face becomes rarer and rarer.

Although official information exactly when and why Toyota Gouden Badges started to offer, is scarce, they were probably intended as a way to introduce a little extravagance to you, and your Toyota, life. What is a better way to show off than to rest your camry with gilded badges? Although it seems that the trend went around the mid -nineties and quickly fell into popularity, Toyota actually still sells golden emblems as an official accessory for some models. Initially, however, the “Golden Package” was offered through the manufacturer and did exactly what it says on the can – replaces all outdoor bathing with golden emblems. Whether you bought a flagship V8-driven Land Cruiser or a cheap, cheerful camry, the option was for you.

It would not seem that it was extremely popular, or we would see them more often on surviving models, but the option certainly – and still – were fans. While some owners now re -paint the golden emblems and consider them unnecessary and tasteless, others carefully hunt old Golden Badges through the car cemetery and online auction sites. It is a similar whim of a black bathing. Even the famous Bowie emblem from Chevrolet is now available as an expensive option for all back, and although Toyota no longer offers golden bathing, the nightshade decorations have introduced that many black exterior tweaks.

It is easy to see why Golden Badges can be seen as a bit sticky by some. Much in the same way, collectors now fuck stainless steel sports and diving models instead of jewelry golden pieces, the car world has chosen a preference for a more coordinated approach, with the most favoring of the darkened, minimalist approach. Similarly, although Gouden Badges may look pretty cool on a mint land cruiser or high-spec lexus of the era, they could look a bit out of place on a beaten camry or Ciera.

For those who admire the retro look, Golden Badges on a Toyota from the 90s are, however, the ultimate finishing details. Moreover, according to enthusiasts from the brand, the optional upgrade was far from a tasteless plastic badge. On the contrary, Toyota would start with a standard plastic badge, cover it with a cheap metal or tincoating and then places it in real gold. So these badges were actually finished in real golden plate. Impressive!

The problem is that gold plating is frustratingly thin, and therefore after a few years of driving through rain, wind and snow, the plate would wear up the highlights, and then the badges would look a little less impressive. Yet these emblems now serve as a cool small upgrade and a great way to ensure that your Toyota from the 90s distinguishes itself from the crowd. If you can find a set, that’s.