Highlights
- Attractive burgundy metallic car in superb order
- Only four registered keepers and current one for 20 years
- Well maintained car with low mileage for year
- Long MOT to October 2025
- Great example of these highly engineered saloons
The Appeal
Much like the Spanish Inquisition, nobody expected the Lexus LS400. In the late 80s Mercedes-Benz had the uber-engineered luxury saloon market sewn up. To succeed, the Lexus had to be good. And it certainly was, as a legion of buyers quickly discovered. This was Japan’s Mercedes, but better.
When the second-generation XF20 arrived in 1994, little change was needed because the LS400 was still so far ahead of the market. The new car got a longer wheelbase for improved rear legroom, but it stuck to the proven formula.
Perhaps it is no surprise to discover such a good example of these beautifully engineered and built cars. This one is a superb example, attractively finished in burgundy metallic with a grey leather interior. Its handful of keepers - the last one for 20 years - have ensured it arrives on the market looking barely changed from the day it rolled out the showroom in January 1999.
The low mileage of under 104,000 miles represents barely a run-in for the 4L V8 and is supported by regular servicing. Everything works across the plentiful luxury fittings, and the car carries a reassuringly long MOT to October 2025.
The vendor tells us:
“At 25 years old, this car is genuinely one of the best examples you will find. I cannot stress how good a version it is. It is fantastic to drive - it drives better than most modern vehicles and is super comfortable and powerful.”
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 29th January 1999
- Four registered keepers from new
- Recently inherited by seller from family friend
- V5 is still in the name of the family friend who is the current registered keeper
- He has opened the car for 20 years since 2004
- Factory handbooks and wallet
- Service book showing regular servicing through car’s life
- There are some gaps in the servicing as the car was garaged and unused for various periods
- Car cover included
- Three keys as shown
- Garage stored during current registered keeper’s tenure
- Recently returned to road after two years dry storage hence gap in MOT records
- MOT to 28th October 2025 with minor advisories to note
- Now showing 103,494 miles in photographs
The Condition
- Burgundy metallic paintwork in very good order for year with optional gold badges
- Due to age and originality there are some light marks to note
- These include some stone chips as shown
- Bodywork in very good order with straight panels and no accident damage reported
- Underside in good condition with no structural advisories on current MOT
- Vendor reports some surface corrosion underneath
- This would likely respond to a wire brush and underseal treatment
- We are advised of a small stone chip to the front screen but not picked up as an MOT advisory
- There are minor MOT advisories to note likely easily rectified
- Sits on correct five-spoke factory alloys with gold centre trims and in good condition
- Exterior lights are in very good condition with headlights showing clean, clear lenses
- Grey leather interior with rouched door trim features and well-kept condition
- Light bolster wear to driver’s seat but otherwise very well kept
- Smart interior with extensive specification including factory colour screen and sunroof
- We understand that all electrics, switchgear, fittings and dials work correctly
- Specification also includes electric heated seats and rear camera
- Factory tool kit and steel spare included
The Mechanics
- 4.0-litre (3,969cc) Lexus V8 engine delivering 265bhp
- 5spd automatic gearbox
- Minor advisories to note on current MOT
- Regularly maintained but with gaps due to sparing use
- New battery recently fitted following storage
- No reported running or driving issues
- Vendor describes car as driving very well indeed
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
