One of the most exotic supercars to emerge from Japan is currently listed on auction website Bring a Trailer.
Only 500 examples of the V-10-powered Lexus LFA were built between 2010 and 2012.
However, making this car even more special is the mileage. With just 72 miles on the odometer, this LFA has spent most of its life on display inside an Illinois Lexus dealership.
Rapid anniversary gift
Development of the LFA began in the early 2000s, and prompted Lexus to display a number of concept cars at various auto shows. This even included a roadster version being teased at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show.
Finally, after years of expectation, Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda confirmed in 2009 that the LFA would go into production. This was followed by the unveiling of a completed coupe model at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.
Intended in part to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Lexus, production of the LFA was to be capped at 500 units. Buyers would have to be selectively chosen by Lexus to place an order.
No flipping allowed
North America was allocated 150 cars from the global LFA production run. To prevent speculators flipping cars for a profit, buyers had to give Lexus the first right of refusal should they want to sell in the first two years.
The carbon fiber monocoque chassis for each LFA was manufactured in house at the Motomachi facility. This contributed to a hand-built production process, seeing only 20 cars completed each month.
Buyers could choose from 28 standard exterior colors, with this example one of five made for the North American market in Pearl Yellow.
A mechanical masterpiece
The centerpiece of the LFA is the incredible 4.8-liter engine. Developed with Yamaha, the naturally aspirated V-10 can rev to 9,000 rpm, and uses ten individual throttle bodies.
Producing 553 horsepower, with 354 lb-ft of torque, the LFA’s V-10 is noted for how quickly it responds to throttle inputs. This led Lexus to fit a digital tachometer, fearing traditional mechanical dials would not react fast enough to engine speed.
A six-speed sequential transmission sends power to the rear wheels, with paddles mounted on the steering wheel. Launch control allows the LFA to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed in excess of 200 mph.
Helping deal with such speed is an active rear spoiler, along with carbon ceramic brakes. This particular car has brake calipers painted in yellow to match the bodywork.
The luxury supercar
Despite the hardcore performance on offer, the LFA’s interior still includes the luxury a Lexus owner would expect. Black and cream leather is used throughout, with carbon fiber trim included.
The standard specification is extensive, with voice command, satellite navigation, and heated seats. A 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system is included. Although the noise from the trio of exhaust tailpipes is likely to be the bigger acoustic draw.
Initially delivered to Arlington Lexus of Palatine, Illinois, the car has remained in the dealership ever since. Purchased for $388,900, the LFA has seen only 72 miles added to the odometer.
High revs, higher values
With limited production numbers, and an intoxicating blend of performance and luxury, values for the Lexus LFA have risen steeply in the past year. The ultra-low mileage of this car, along with the rare color choice, is only likely to add to the demand.
Within hours of the auction going live, bids for the LFA were already well into six-figure territory. And they’ve yet to stop…
The listing is set to run until Friday, July 2. This leaves plenty of time for bidding to reach even higher. The big question will be whether the new owner dares to add more miles to this rare Lexus.
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