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.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..