1997 Lexus LS400

We say difficult but not impossible, because the 1997 Lexus LS400 that’s listed here is as new as a Lexus can get. If someone were to tell you that it’s straight out of Lexus’s heritage museum you wouldn’t even question the fact. Because it’s essentially a time-capsuled example. A zero-former-keeper car, the LS400 is from the Isle Of Man, where it was used by its owner as the steed for his second home, explaining the unbelievably low mileage of just 7248 miles for this 25 year-old car. For a Toyota-engineered product, that’s probably a mile or two more than its running-in mileage. These have aged very well, so a low-mileage example now is probably ready to run until the only mode of transport is flying cars or humans evolve into self-propelling droids.

As the records state, this is the second generation version of the LS400 with 260-bhp and a 4-speed-automatic gearbox. The museum-ready example comes with a detailed service record, supporting paperwork (including manuals and even brochures), original set of keys, tool kit, a used Lexus watch, and even a letter from Club Lexus (dated March ‘97). The first service was done at just 141 miles, whereas the latest one was done in December 2020, a mere 4 months ago.

As already stated, the design of the LS has aged well. A few things to note which further annotate the highly focused approach by Lexus/Toyota include the computer-measured and extremely small panel gaps. Lexus re-did the exterior and made it more aerodynamic than the first-generation LS, bestowing it a drag coefficient of just 0.28. Its bodyshell was claimed to be stiffer than its rivals’, and there were a plethora of advanced engineering techniques used to ensure the LS lasts long and runs the way it’s intended to.

This example in its current condition epitomises all that. The Cashmere metallic and the darker coloured skirting of the bodywork is free from scratches, dings and rust. Look at any panel, sill, wheel arch, bumper, and you'd find everything to be spotless. Exactly like how it’d have left the supplying dealer in 1997.

Pretty much the same story is continued on the inside, too. Toyota left no stone unturned in making the LS a serious rival to the S-Class, as they knew if the interior wasn’t great it would be difficult to turn executive heads away from German offerings, thus the LS was adorned with a cabin that was arguably the best place to be.

Toyota took a two whole years to decide on the upholstery. To cocoon the occupants from the outside world (and its noises), four layers of weatherproof strips were added to every door. The cabin also benefited from the inclusion of vibration-damping steel sheets underneath, sound-insulating panels at the front and rear and, for the driver, Lexus added new gauges, which promised to reduce strain on their eyes. With the second-generation LS, the cabin was made roomier with a resultant 66mm more legroom at the rear. Among other changes worth noting, what stands out the most is that Lexus ensured that the sound frequencies produced by the car and its components didn’t interfere with human speech.

The astounding condition of the Devonshire leather, grey carpeted and wood effect veneer interior of this car reflects its extremely low mileage, but not its age. It is so clean that the cabin looks like it's never been graced by any occupant. Everything is in place, no trims are missing, and we wouldn't be surprised if someone mistakes this as a brand-new, retro-styled model from Lexus. For more photos, you may check out the gallery below.

This is the second-generation LS400, which means it has the same 4-litre V8 engine as before, but with a slight power increase to 260 bhp. The 4 -speed gearbox was also improved. In comparison to the previous LS, this one was lighter by almost a hundred kilos. But that didn’t mean the brand forgot about safety, either. The LS400 came with doors with added beams to add strength in the case of a side impact. Lexus UK maintains that the LS400 was the first car to offer a collapsible steering wheel, too. The LS is confident at high speeds all the while cosseting its passengers with the comfort they deserve. The example here has no signs of visible rust, both on the inside and underneath. It also comes with a full-sized spare wheel with the original OEM spec tyre.

This second-generation LS400 was purchased in 1997 from Oxley’s of Douglas in the Isle Of Man. According to the service record, its PDI was done in January '97, and the first service was done in March '97 at just 141 miles. All subsequent services were largely done at the same dealer. The latest service was carried out in December 2020 which included a fresh cambelt. That’s the only repair or replacement that the car has seen in its entire life.

Opportunities like this don’t come by too often. It’s not easy to find low-mileage LS400s, and this one is as rare as it can get. It’s not just the low mileage that’s appealing. The way it has been kept over the years, under the same owner, also makes it rather unmissable. This is a museum-quality car, ready to be driven by its second owner and that’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.

As a car, there's a lot in favour of the Lexus LS400. It is well-equipped and will easily be able to compete with modern cars in terms of luxury and finesse, and is a great alternative to almost any car from its class in period. 

We’re happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate of between £16,500 - £27,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, within Govt. guidelines of course, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.