Lexus LS400
‘With an MGB you’re getting the very essence of classic sports car motoring’
LEXUS LS400
Is this the best-kept secret in the classic car world? If you want luxury – and we mean proper, whisper-quiet refinement, all wood, leather and 250bhp thrust – yet don’t fancy dealing with the expense that bespoke Rolls-royce-style coachbuilding brings with it, the Lexus LS400 is worth a look. And yes, they even ensured you could drive it with a glass of champagne balanced on the bonnet, just like a Rolls.
Its reliability is down to parent company Toyota’s thoroughness. Taking on Mercedes from scratch seemed like madness, so Eiji Toyoda had to ensure it exceeded S-class standards while embodying Toyota’s reputation for faultless reliability. The sort of thinking that built tolerances into the differential to avoid it wearing and whining, and machined clearances into piston tops to ensure that a snapped cambelt doesn’t wreck the engine. Belt replacement intervals are 60,000 miles and it’s not unusual to find LS400S with over 300,000 on the clock. Not something you could say of a leggy Bentley Mulsanne.
They rarely rust – any bubbles are usually a sign of poor repairs following accident damage. Electrics may be extensive, but they’re designed for the same faultlessness that keeps old Toyota Carinas soldiering on indefinitely. Interiors are very hard-wearing, respond well to hide feed, and even a failed ECU isn’t an expensive fix.
If the LS400 does have a weak spot, it’s the suspension. There’s no avoiding the weight of these cars, which punishes and wears out suspension bushes. And replacing them can get expensive – Lexus specialist ITS Autos quotes £1029 to replace a full set.
They’re still bargains too – for now. Mint ones are fetching £10k, but don’t be put off high-milers – we found a 93k example in decent condition in London for £1900, and others can be even less. Just imagine the state that a £1900 Rolls-royce Silver Spirit would be in...