I was in the pub recently, and I said that I was looking to buy a Lexus. At which point, someone present said: "Why would you want to buy a Lexus? It's basically a luxury Toyota". Well yeah. That's exactly why I want a Lexus.
@Graham_Patch5 ай бұрын
You should have responded with: "Why does anyone want a Bugatti? It's basically an expensive VW".
@patreekotime45785 ай бұрын
@@Graham_Patch Same could be said of Porsche! and Audi!
@izzy0310965 ай бұрын
You can tell somebody knows absolutely nothing about cars when a statement like that comes out of their mouth.
@sandersson28135 ай бұрын
Neither Lexus nor Toyota do anything for me, like Americans' they just don't grab the concept of "luxury" quite the same way as Europeans, and Asian interiors are almost always boring and cheap.
@otagogold22365 ай бұрын
@@sandersson2813fair enough, some people just don't grab the concept of reliability. Toyota and lexus are far more reliable than anything American or European.
@Boysstuff75 ай бұрын
Jonny we took one of these on a charity car trip in 2015 from Dover to Calais, through France visiting Battle of Trafalgar, Bruges, Germany, raced it round the Nurburing and ended up in Budapest for a Gala Dinner over 2 days. We then raced back 1200 miles at autobahn speeds to catch the last Eurotunnel train back to UK. It never missed a beat, was absolutely faultless and comfortable. Best bit - we paid £500 it and sold it for a profit when back home, giving the money to charity. I still tell people about the trip nearly 10 years later it left that big an impression on me!! Cheers Steve
@patrickdixon49455 ай бұрын
You do know that the Battle of Trafalgar was fought at sea, don't you?
@andrewglynn33495 ай бұрын
@@patrickdixon4945 think he meant Waterloo…
@jamesspeytebroodt72375 ай бұрын
what a story! wow how inspiring!
@dalemr25 ай бұрын
Love my ls400. It was left in a garage for 3 years until last September, gave it a respray, an alternator and it's like new, 227,000 miles and passed it's mot with no advisories, no squeaks, rattles. Comfy, plenty of power and cheap to run.
@ExactConsciousness5 ай бұрын
What's your average mpg?
@dalemr25 ай бұрын
@@ExactConsciousness about 20
@richardmmoulds5 ай бұрын
Great video again Jonny. I've had two LS400s (a '96 and a '97) and they are absolutely superb cars. Very easy to work on (servicing only, nothing breaks) and a pleasure to drive. When you're sat in one with the engine ticking over the noisiest thing is the air coming out of the vents. Not entirely sure why I sold them other than I'm a 55yo child and my head is too easily turned by other shiny things. What always astonished me was the attention to detail such as the electric aerial that lowers or extends depending on where in the frequency range your chosen radio station is, illuminated seat belt buckles and the addition of nappa leather on the bottom of the interior door pulls so your fingertips touch soft leather as you close the door.
@lukestocks43705 ай бұрын
100% one of the best cars of all time . Was released the year I started high school in Australia and heaps of rich mums and dads had them. Brings back memories.
@ArthurDent19195 ай бұрын
Thanx for this lovely journey, your barn finds are spectacular in a calm way!
@cwpache5 ай бұрын
Growing up, my dad had every high end Jag, Mercedes and BMW. Even a Rolls Royce in the late 80’s. His favorite car was his brand new LS400 he bought on an M plate. He loved that thing.
@Mabeylater2934 ай бұрын
What’s m plate?
@uliwehner4 ай бұрын
@@Mabeylater293 google says 94-95 model year registration
@ub40time3 ай бұрын
@@Mabeylater293UK registration plates issued between 01 August 1994 to 31 July 1995
@ChristopherLee-k1w5 ай бұрын
A neighbour was a professional chauffeur for HSBC he covered 250k in his car . Never once broke down . Supreme elegance.
@BkSMedia5 ай бұрын
As a Lexus owner, hearing the 1UZ fire up at the end is just... *chefs kiss* 👌People really underestimate Lexus as a brand in favour of BMWs/Audis/Mercs, and that's fine by me, I like that they aren't as popular. So many people on the road are so much more politer to me than the typical German car owner.
@deniscurtin95105 ай бұрын
There is a dignified and reserved quality around these Japanese luxo barges. Ive always preferred them over their Euro competitors. Whilst the Euro car makers charge for every extra and prioritises fleecing the customer as much as possible, the Japanese car makers simply want to make the best possible car for the customer, they actually respect the customer and thats honourable. Look at the Honda Legend or even the Mitsubishi Sigma-sheer quality.
@jh94935 ай бұрын
My Dad drove an LS400 around Millbrook, just after they were launched.. I remember it being so incredibly smooth and refined!! The dashboard dials looked ahead of the time 😊
@murrieteacher5 ай бұрын
With only 12000 miles on the clock it would not take a lot of work to get it ready. What a find! I think the Lexus is the most underrated car in the world.
@Minus-Xero5 ай бұрын
Pretty sure that if they got in touch with Lexus's marketing department - they might even offer to assist in getting that car up to showroom spec and then publish an article on it.
@deanom52885 ай бұрын
Great work Jonny as always. The LS was produced in a golden age for Japanese cars. Think about this, the Lexus LS, Mazda MX-5 and Nissan R32 GT-R all arrived between April and August of 1989
@JCJW1015 ай бұрын
I bought a 1998 LS400 in 2012 for £1500 and sold it for £1400 5 years later and I still miss it to this day. It was soo smooth and comfortable. Great cars!
@dflack5 ай бұрын
Amazing car and also amazing to see an MAW t-shirt on the current owner. Masters at work with the 90s represent!
@vausemike5 ай бұрын
I came here to talk about this. What a flex from the old boy!
@robswanson10405 ай бұрын
@@vausemike Same mate, clearly got some decent taste! Great old barge too, another decent BF episode!
@Granby645 ай бұрын
Was gonna say the same 🤛
@gkanai14005 ай бұрын
Louie Vega and Kenny Dope would be surprised but also happy to see how far their influence has traveled.
@DJOverpar5 ай бұрын
Just commented the same thing. Glad someone clocked it! :-)
@jamesfurz74065 ай бұрын
I worked for a well known automotive consultancy and was told the story of when they were asked to benchmark one of these in the 90s. They couldn't believe the efforts gone into the NHV performance. There's apparently a slab of lead in the roof skin! The engine has a 6 bolt main bearing cap, normally found in engines for power, but in this case it's to stiffen the block for NVH purposes. My old mate bought 1 in about 2004 or so, maybe 10-12years old and 100k miles. The EGR valve ticking was louder than the combustion! 800quid for the whole car and he intended on taking the engine out to put in a Lotus Excel. Don't think he ever got around to it, but what an engine! The NVH additions to the engine made it so strong that you can get up above 600hp on the standard internals without too much effort.
@5amH45lam5 ай бұрын
I'm waiting for the episode where Jonny backs the jet-wash scene with Benny Benassi's Satisfaction. Each week I tell myself: "Patience, son. It's just a matter of time..."
@wfifa1995 ай бұрын
🤞
@alexandertodd43475 ай бұрын
Maybe it’s because I’m a huge Toyota/Lexus fan boy but this video felt more like a tribute than any other of the barn finds. It had a warmth and admiration for the car that I found really endearing - my favourite yet
@richardbrooker49185 ай бұрын
In 1992 I lived nextdoor to a guy who worked for Jaguar in their design department and he told me they bench tested the new Jags against the Merc S class, BMW 7 series and the Lexus and he said after all the testing they did the Lexus was the best engineered car of those four.
@peem12445 ай бұрын
Hi Jonny, hope you're well. I saw my first LS400 in 1990 driving through Glasgow. I didn't know what it was but It just whispered past, making a massive impression on me. Today I have a red/cream LS460. For me this is a real car. Amazing everything. She doesn't come out much, but a lovely place to spend time. Supremely quiet and comfortable. New battery and a couple of tyres. Amazing service from the Lexus people. Thanks for sharing. 👍✌
@dcallan8125 ай бұрын
I had a friend that had one also in gold, he loved his. The ride and comfort in the cabin was so much more than you could buy for the price in the UK.
@alejorossia75075 ай бұрын
I have a neighbour, just in front of my house, who has 2 of these: a golden one, like this one, and a graphite one. I see him working on them and driving them regularly. Now I realize how special they are.
@edmontontangobar49915 ай бұрын
I have the 1UZFE in my 2000 GS400, such an incredible engine, runs like new, uses no oil at all with 350,000KM on the car.
@monk3yboy695 ай бұрын
Just about run in then 🙂
@fastEdCanuck5 ай бұрын
Dammit, now I’m heading to the classifieds looking for one of these. You see the occasional example in a dark colour that looks really good but so many were gold like this one. Also, Alastair’s XJR has me wanting one of those again, I had an X300 version. Great to see the fuel pump replacement was the only fix needed to bring it to life again.
@stotheh5 ай бұрын
Used to be so many for £1200
@zairomolino40745 ай бұрын
Yeah we had to check for them one one and half decade ago. Too late mate
@michaelsmedley75195 ай бұрын
We brought one for a banger rally in 2010 for £440. One of my favorite cars wish I hadn't left it in Kazakhstan
@phillipbeck69835 ай бұрын
@@fastEdCanuck Check out Malton motor company he's the best for enthusiasts Jaguar and he recently posted a video of an X300 that he will be preparing soon. If you want the best LS400 in the country I have it but it won't come cheap.
@CockatooDude5 ай бұрын
Good ones are quite expensive these days, although maybe not in the UK. In America their prices are rising rapidly.
@jlmfoy3655 ай бұрын
I remember seeing a LS on Top Gear a lifetime ago and they put a glass of water on the engine and revved it up, the water barely rippled. Impressed the hell out of me, funny how things stick in your memory. Terrific video Jonny and a great car. Regards Jim
@S2KGAY5 ай бұрын
Haha I remember this. Was there one with a 50p balanced on its edge too, or was that some weird Richard Porter style dream?
@ian9outof105 ай бұрын
@@S2KGAY I seem to remember that the pound coin thing was a dealer demo to show how smooth the engine ran. Although I was a kid when this car launched, but I remember us as kids being really excited about it. I would own one today, if I didn’t already have two idiotic V8s 😂
@ShelbybossV85 ай бұрын
The original owner obviously knew his machines...Ex Hurricane pilot, super reliable plane , Lexus-super reliable cars. Hats off to the man 👌
@mikebull19725 ай бұрын
Lovely people, great back story, and real love shown to a car that deserved every bit of it. A lovely watch, Jonny 👏👏
@aKenich4 ай бұрын
Although not my thing, I loved this one. Made me love the 90s that little bit more ❤
@jkk2445 ай бұрын
I remember seeing a brand new LS400 at a brand new Lexus dealer back in 1989. As I looked over the car my eyes caught an interesting detail on the front indicators lenses. Yes, really. Securing the lens cover was not a typical chromed metal screw. Instead the Lexus engineers had invented an Amber-colored metal screw (painted maybe?) to secure the amber lens so your eyes would not be distracted catching a glimpse of a random shiny bit of chrome metal screw as you took in the front of the car. Amazing attention to detail.
@ChopperMeir5 ай бұрын
80's Fiat Pandas also had this nice little detail
@increiblepelotudo5 ай бұрын
I love this channel way too much! As a gen x dad, ive been instilling the love of Lexus to my youngest gen z kid. I told him, just say no to ambient LED lighting, and embrace the sweet, sweet world of wooden interiors, especially, open your mind to real burl walnut and leather. I will be making sure that his first car will be a vintage LS Lexus. No other choice should be a young drivers car. Greetings from NYC!!
@GlennCraft-z2k5 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed that. The quality of these productions is top top notch. Jonny is so engaging. Great stuff.
@Carspotterkian5 ай бұрын
Funny thing about this car my dad knocked on his door and asked to buy it about 6 months ago we live right up the road can’t believe I’m seeing it on the late break show 😂
@stephenEdwards-n8d5 ай бұрын
I drove one of these round the Oxford ring road in the early 90’s after being told to fill it up by my boss at the time ( the petrol station was only a couple of miles away). What a car!!! Should have nipped down to the south of France in it😅😅😅 Best production car ever built in terms of quality. Steve
@vamboworld6715 ай бұрын
I had an 1992 LS400 circa 2004, sold it a year later, paid 2400 for it from a 86 yr old ex soldier in Catford London, sold it for £4000 after a years very enjoyable driving (inc quite a few effortless 900 mile round trips to/from Scotland) had it doing 140 mph at one point. Truly brilliant cars.
@Missed_Apex_GT5 ай бұрын
Timing belt changed a quarter of a century ago…I’m sure it’ll be fine 🤣🤣
@Carnold_YT5 ай бұрын
It probably will. And if it's not, it's a non-interference engine.
@BollocksToThat5 ай бұрын
It should be though...
@TheM5Dog5 ай бұрын
@@Carnold_YTExactly, non interference engines for the win.
@Carnold_YT5 ай бұрын
@@BollocksToThat You are right, it should be replaced anyway.
@slowhoon5 ай бұрын
@@Carnold_YT Yes - every 100,000km or 7 years, whichever comes first.
@boralaser5 ай бұрын
I had this engine in a rwd hilux. Manual gearbox and a single box exaust system. It was the most fun thing I’ve ever owned. Also absolutely lethal in the wet!
@c0c0asauce5 ай бұрын
I recently got my 95 Nissan pickup on the road with this engine swap. Manual steering, manual transmission, and power brakes. After the engine swap my truck scaled at 3000lbs. It is a vicious little bugger in the wet.
@ChrisBLong4 ай бұрын
There was a documentary in the 90s following the Toyota/Lexus engineers as they reverse-engineered a Mercedes to understand how to make their car. The thing I remember is that as they opened and closed the doors to try and understand why the Merc doors made such a solid 'clunk', they explained to the camera that it was very important that the Lexus should also sound very solid. They didn't care whether or not is was actally solid, just that it sounded right. If they could make light doors that still sounded heavy and solid, they'd be happy. They applied the same thinking to the whole car. Genius.
@svenvanwesterloo1735 ай бұрын
Highly underrated classic, fantastic cars, comfortable and extremely reliable. No cheap maintenance (parts are quite expensive) but not to bad compared to german counterparts.
@sq1rlsqu4d5 ай бұрын
The Toyota stamp makes sense, the LS was sold as the Toyota Celsior in Japan.
@craigdawson17495 ай бұрын
They are a Toyota Crown, with a Lexus badge!
@niichuuko10955 ай бұрын
@@craigdawson1749 They are NOT a crown. They were designed from the ground-up as a Lexus.
@CockatooDude5 ай бұрын
@@craigdawson1749 The LS is a completely different chassis. The GS shares the same platform as the Crown.
@rsmith49775 ай бұрын
@@craigdawson1749 original commenter was correct, they are a Celsior. Ive got an imported one and in some ways its the best car i have owned to date. Goes about its business with refinement and reliability at its core, its so quiet that you forget its got a V8 engine a lot of the time.
@uliwehner4 ай бұрын
@@rsmith4977 pretty sure its got a V8 engine all the time ;)
@grayfool5 ай бұрын
we ran a 2000MY MkIV and put 150,000 miles on it. A truly wonderful car. I would have another one tomorrow. Oh, and before you mentioned it, I was shouting "immobiliser" at the screen.
@KevinJohnson-gs6xn5 ай бұрын
What a wonderful thing. Just love it when things are built to last
@phillipbeck69835 ай бұрын
I have a concourse example same colour but with 7000 miles and only one owner and it truly floats on air.
@TheLateBrakeShow5 ай бұрын
Really?
@iHelpSolveIt5 ай бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShow Please get hold of the son who got the Lexus, its VITAL that he gets that cambelt replacement done asap and I saw a few water leaks. The plastic housing also crack. That fan like all visco fans have issues. He will also need to service the gearbox oil and filters as well as the cabin filters. The fuel filter too. That cambelt will have degraded just like the tyres have. Those need replacing too The rear diff oil will also need doing and the CV joint grease needs replacing.. Brake fluid will be like 70% water by now. That fuel tank alao needs to be removed and descaled.
@Thanos.m5 ай бұрын
@iHelpSolveIt it really isn't vital the cambelt gets done on a 1UZ-FE it's a non-interference engine you can just let it break and do it after
@bangosdemangos4165 ай бұрын
*concours
@phillipbeck69835 ай бұрын
Predictive text. Apologies
@clinteagles93575 ай бұрын
Friend of mine passed last year. He had 2 cars. A 2011 LS460 and this car. It had 787,000km. Unopened engine. Ice cold aircon. Original interior. Best car in the world. I've owned a 3 GS since 2011. Has 105k miles on it and it has been faultless as well.
@TheLateBrakeShow5 ай бұрын
Wow, that's a stunning legacy to leave.
@Warpedsmac5 ай бұрын
The LS400 One of the finest cars ever made. I've owned one for 27 years (UCF20R 2nd gen.). One actually forgets completely about the car; it is soooo boring to drive. They don't break down. You just need to buy the occasional set of tyres. Cheers from Australia! ( I think I would've drained all that old fuel out first)
@theejabroni5 ай бұрын
You’re killing me jonny! The trusty can of brake cleaner never fails. Also a good quick way to diagnose what’s stopping the engine from running. Was great to see it run in the end though
@brusselssprouts5605 ай бұрын
Nice ending. I remember back in 2001 choosing Toyota Avensis as my new company car. I went to the local dealership in Canterbury to test drive one, and, at that time, they shared with the Lexus team, who were different staff. I remember they were very busy when I arrived, and they had a LS400 in the showroom. I remember sitting in it and marvelling at its beauty. I was then approached by a salesman who asked if I would like to test drive it. I said of course but I was here for an Avensis. He bowed his head gratiously and apologised and said he would get a Toyota salesperson, but insisted I continue to explore the LS400. I had to peel myself off the seat when my salesman arrived. Your video reminded me of that day, and I have a smile of fondness. My Avensis was a beauty too. Either brand is quality.
@ajw14675 ай бұрын
have an avensis 1999 bought from an elderly neighbour has only done 43k miles has passed every mot only has had 1 new battery in its life and 4 tyres dont use much but wont get rid of as its nice the elderly gent can still see it
@GundogJake5 ай бұрын
I’ve just taken delivery of a Lexus RX 450h, and find this very reassuring. Just completed its 1st long journey from Brighton to Nottingham and back, absolutely didn’t miss a beat and 40mpg 😊
@rustybearden18005 ай бұрын
It is a solid, masculine, powerful blocky/anvil shape that looks like it was created yesterday - very timeless and classic. These were earth shattering when they came out and Mercedes Benz and Audi and BMW were very nervous. Electric car silent and just cloud like plush and quiet. I remember that you could walk up to one at idle and the only way you could tell it was running was when the cooling fans kicked on. I would love to find one like this and gently restomod it to get more power and slightly better handling. A true sleeper. Or go bat shit crazy and make it an AMGish beast but remain totally stock in appearance. Has to be a sleeper. Good one Jonny - thanks!
@MrLg555555 ай бұрын
The car that totally shook the motor manufacturing industry to the core... Made the offerings from the German brands look cheaply made and way overpriced... And throw in Rolls Royce and Bentley as well... Favourite trick is to stand a 1p peice on its edge on the cam covers, turn the key and watch as the coin stays upright...
@CraigTribe5 ай бұрын
Love this. I’ve got my late uncle’s 2007 430GS with 66k on the clock as a daily. Totally immaculate car and a pleasure to waft around in.
@PGV6505 ай бұрын
Old boys wearing masters at work t-shirt get in! 👌🏼 🙌🏼
@MrFlyingguy5 ай бұрын
good quality house music made a mark it seems..
@kilohertzmusic20213 ай бұрын
Owned a 96 Ls400 for 7 years, and stupidly sold it last year because of Ulez. Worst decision ever. Ended buying a 2000 last model LS400 vvti last month as it really is the best car I have ever owned. Unfortunately stuck with Ulez though...
@keithwilson15545 ай бұрын
In Japan it was the Toyota Celsior. It was launched in 89 where I worked. The Powerhouse Museum Sydney. One display they had was the metal plate between the backseat and the boot alongside a Jaguar one. It was hanging so you could hit it with a small sledgehammer. The Jag gave a typical Metal sound...the Lexus gave a Lead like soft thud.
@izzy0310965 ай бұрын
I bought one of these once. I lived in Wellington NZ (North Island) at the time. I travelled to Greymouth (South Island) via two flights to buy it sight unseen having been assured by the owner it was running perfectly. Arrive at the airport and the car is already running. He explains that the battery has decided to throw a fit. I had to drive about 5 hours to Picton, to catch the ferry back to Wellington. The car died multiple times on the trip as I had to use the lights and wipers to navigate the isolated roads through the ranges to Picton. At one point I was stuck in the middle of the ranges, didn’t see one single car in about 20 minutes, thankfully he stopped and jump started me again. I grabbed a secondhand battery in Picton, and the car ran great until I sold it a couple of years later.
@toxaq5 ай бұрын
Through the Buller Gorge like that? Great story and some great roads.
@llamedosr78435 ай бұрын
The perfect Sunday channel
@TheLateBrakeShow5 ай бұрын
We totally agree, in a totally unbiased manner.
@moneypits5 ай бұрын
In a very very positive flattering way to Jonny and the team, this for me is what Last of the Summer Wine was on a Sunday for my late dad ❤
@peteb30915 ай бұрын
@@TheLateBrakeShowEven better with a bottle of Malbec.
@richardedwards77805 ай бұрын
I used to have a car detailing (valeting) business in Bath, UK. One of my clients was Peter Gabriel. He had a green LS400.. it was the last thing you thought he would drive..
@jerzywoking16995 ай бұрын
I had a M reg LS400 in dark green that had 260bhp I believe. Had 225k on the clock when I bought it. The interior looked like it had done 10k. Everything electrical still worked perfectly, superb stereo. Managed 28 mpg if treated very gently. However, managed to get it to 150mph with two passengers one morning. Upgraded the wheels to LS430 alloys, as the originals seemed to be somewhat porous. Great car, can't think why I ever sold it
@theloneranger21015 ай бұрын
It's just great to have a very happy ending! Well done to all the team involved. I love it when a plan comes together, and as always, many thanks to Jonny. 👍🙂👍
@astraracer5 ай бұрын
Masters at Work (Jonny, and Alistair's t-shirt).
@MrLg555555 ай бұрын
I'd say for definite that he hasn't a clue who Masters at Work are...
@64bakes5 ай бұрын
Beat me to it! I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed the MAW tee.
@A_lenn5 ай бұрын
I noticed also ,
@baulksupply5 ай бұрын
MAWsome
@mrburnsIRL5 ай бұрын
I wondered how many others would recognise the MAW tee too! 😅
@oggie19675 ай бұрын
WOW! Get her down the MOT station as is, fair chance it'd pass with not advisories! Lovely motor Jonny! Love these barn finds! Superb!👍👏👏👏♥️
@undergroundhousesounds5 ай бұрын
MAW t shirt.... Respect🔊 coming from an older house head myself. Nice one J for another ripper
@gilesbrittain28294 ай бұрын
I agree. Just a phenomenal car. I'd love to get my hands on one of these. I had an XV10, best car I've ever owned
@my4cars5285 ай бұрын
Great episode! Thought you were about to mention Matt Farah's Million Mile Lexus, now owned by Tavarish.
@TomSedgman5 ай бұрын
The dad of a school friend of mine had one of these from new in black. It was a thing of beauty and when he did the school run it was great to see it gliding in through the gates. i got in trouble for mucking around with all the electric toys.
@craighynd58155 ай бұрын
Digging the guys/owners Masters at Work T shirt :)
@ultimateiphonedng87565 ай бұрын
I have the exact same car, only 102,000 k and is like brand new in every way. Going onto to vintage rego in NSW Aus in 18 Months. When I first bought it I needed a very small bodywork repair job done, the Panel guy looked it over and said “Mate, what you have there is a really nice lounge room on wheels” he was spot on. I have an LS 430 as well but the 400 is plusher to drive, which is saying something.
@phillh24175 ай бұрын
A client gave me a lift to a surveying job in an old LS400 a few years back. Finest car I have ever been in and that includes cars from Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Jaguar, Rover (yes Rover!) and an RR Phantom.
@chrishaining51955 ай бұрын
Coronation! Legendary Toyota dealership in Kirby Cross (or Frinton-on-Sea if you round it up....). The building remains, but it's now a Tesco.
@jeremyrigden92005 ай бұрын
I worked in sales for West Herts Toyota in Hemel Hempstead many years ago. We did several swaps with Coronation Garage in Frinton. This car may have been the dealership owner's car as they were only a Toyota dealer. Brings back many fond memories.😀
@artpereira5 ай бұрын
I had a 2007 LS 460. Besides the constant fear of spending even more money on control arms and potentially facing the issue of it burning oil and the only fix is a new engine, I loved it and I miss it to this day. I can only imagine how this one is more reliable. I was thinking you should check the fuel pump because mine went through them quite quickly too. A car that was expensive to start with is still expensive to own today even if they are affordable to buy.
@frankchan55475 ай бұрын
I first saw one in Hong Kong not long after launch in a busy street after I didn't hear it approaching us. It was as quiet as one of today's electric cars as it then departed. That memory has stayed with me
@fourQQ5 ай бұрын
You need to review the sons E39 530i , what a car that is
@MorganM5 ай бұрын
You're obviously a knowledgeable chap, Jonny, and very easy to watch. Entertainment for all levels of car geek. More than anything, I love the way you are so enthusiastic about the barn finds, and how you seem to love them all in their own uniqueness. Keep making these videos, please. They make such a positive difference to we mere viewers.
@steanosport5 ай бұрын
In the UAE locals still drive these to this day , they are nicknamed F16 after the fighter jet due to the speeds they fly down the outside lane of the motorway flashing traffic out of the way
@ianwatson33155 ай бұрын
Usually by the young emiratis
@Smoovindecat5 ай бұрын
That’s so interesting… during queens square car show in Bristol there was one of these in the same colour and I noticed it was modified in what I can only describe as a Middle East vibe …I thought what a great thing to see a Japanese car modified to look Middle East cool. A great achievement tbh and I’m guessing by the sounds of it the inspiration was what you’ve described above. Shout out to that owner btw of course Jonny and the boys in the video 👏🙌
@craigmcmillan26345 ай бұрын
yeah, I have seen one in the middle of the desert of Oman. The locals love the seats as they typically set the front seats to be horizontal, quite a sight when they fly past at 120 MPH.
@womblechops5 ай бұрын
From early mornings on the SZR can confirm they do not limit themselves to the outside lane.
@Simon__Davies5 ай бұрын
And if you straight pipe it , has a lovely engine note. I believe my friend said he had to straight pipe it to get any noise out of it , its so refined.
@voytee11125 ай бұрын
Loving the Masters at Work T-shirt.
@thedarkknight19715 ай бұрын
04:33 - I'd take the E39.... Alllll day lonnnnng.... LOVE 'EM!!! (Nice colour too!) 👍👌 😎🇬🇧
@richardlove42875 ай бұрын
I had a Japanese import Toyota soarer gt here in Australia, I was speaking to the importer and he said that it was made in the Lexus factory….if it turned left off the assembly line it got a Toyota badge for the Japanese domestic market, if it turned right, it got a Lexus badge that got sold all around the world. It was a beautiful car to cruise in, so quiet it was spooky!
@Scotty705 ай бұрын
Pretty sure the Soarer and equivalent Lexus SC400 came off different production lines. Soarer was sold in the US. My owm Lexus SC400 i had in Australia was a grey import that was origially sold and licensed in Japan.
@richardlove42875 ай бұрын
@@Scotty70 , could be, but it was a fantastic car either way. Perhaps the dealer was lying?
@Scotty705 ай бұрын
@@richardlove4287 A car dealer lying, never! Yes theyre still a great car and highly sought by car thiefs in Australia for their 1UZ-FE motors that can be easily modified to release their potential while still being bullet proof.
@marktivey32055 ай бұрын
My Lexus IS200 has just clocked over 320000km & still goes like the day I drove it out of the showroom in 2005. Absolutely bulletproof cars!
@westernmonitor5 ай бұрын
The cambelt sticker seems to read 42016 miles
@simonleigh72335 ай бұрын
Yes I noticed that. Be good to get an explanation.
@stevecarter50845 ай бұрын
A great barn find episode, remember driving one of these when they were launched, brilliant,quiet and went like a rocket ship… quality was great 👍
@djwozzawoz5 ай бұрын
I love his Masters at Work (DJs) T-Shirt!
@macstar83174 ай бұрын
I worked at a Toyota/Lexus dealership around 1996/7 and drove lots of these and the GS300/Sport. Phenomenal cars.
@lennartengel19715 ай бұрын
Absolute masterpiece of engineering and reliability. There is just something about them that makes you want to have one, even in old man’s gold.
@Jamessansome5 ай бұрын
My Grandad had a string of these. He was about 6ft 6, size 17 feet and had a wooden leg! He loved his many Lexi 😊
@DJWerkz5 ай бұрын
Alastair wearing a MAW (Masters at Work) t-shirt, what a diamond!
@MrLg555555 ай бұрын
Donated by his son or a charity shop purchase... He wouldn't have a clue who Masters at Work are...
@AdamJRichardson5 ай бұрын
Listening to Moonlight Sonata with Bass, Mid and Treble knobs all cranked to maximum! @29:03 This car in this color is peak 90's sedan. Here in the US it would inevitably have been specc'd with brass-colored badging, which was all the rage at the time.
@kobbetop5 ай бұрын
The famous million mile Lexus is being restored on a channel called Elsea’s World @ElseasWorld . These really seem indestructible, that particular Lexus wasn’t driven for ages and he just drove it to his shop no problem. They don’t make any car like this anymore.
@matthewgodwin30505 ай бұрын
What a lovely old thing. It's absolutely glorious.
@russellmalone35325 ай бұрын
I never appreciated them in the nineties but now I get it. Great content. Keep it up 👍 should have tried a squirt of easy start in the intake that would have shown if it would start, especially if it had a spark. Better luck next time
@hughoxford87355 ай бұрын
Completely agree. It's aged beautifully, it wouldn't be an embarrassment at all to drive today. It looks like it's hewn out of a single billet of steel
@douglasgreen437Ай бұрын
I had the '94 US version in White & silver bottom with the same interior, incredible car...
@benmarshallproduction5 ай бұрын
LOVE THESE CARS. Another amazing barn find Johnny 👏
@joelloyd15525 ай бұрын
That guy is wearing a masters at work T shirt 👍👍
@Nicholas-ok9no5 ай бұрын
Gs300, etc........fantastic. Reliability, comfort. Superb! LS lovely.
@stevenkelby21695 ай бұрын
Ooh, nice one! Always been seriously tempted by LS400 when I see them for sale. I love Lex-i. Great video Jonny, ya tromboner 🍻
@stotheh5 ай бұрын
@@stevenkelby2169 The Japanese Mercedes... are you wearing Lynx?
@stevenkelby21695 ай бұрын
@@stotheh Jurassic Park...
@lexrus77865 ай бұрын
I've just my 1999 lexus ls400 up for sale, its the DHP model, I'm only selling because i want to upgrade to a slightly newer lexus, but I may regret selling it
@marcusott29735 ай бұрын
I love the W140 S class of the same vintage, but I'm also always tempted by LS400 on sale.
@stevenkelby21695 ай бұрын
@@marcusott2973 Smart money is on the LS430 series 2 😉
@plasmaDave5 ай бұрын
I Have owned a few LS400's the last was a 98 Mk IV. I owned that car for 7 years and personally maintained it. It was without a doubt the best car I have ever owned (R760 NNK). I sold it for more than I purchased it for and it cost nothing in parts apart from oil filters and tyres etc. I still miss it 😊
@tallblokesam5 ай бұрын
Quality engineering, I had an LS430 a few years ago and it was worth owning just for the oscilating dash vents! Next time, slap the bottom of the fuel tank - sometimes its just a stuck pump and a slight jolt can break it free. Not a long-term fix but ideal as a temp repair. 👍
@FatblokeonaFatbike5 ай бұрын
When I worked at dealership in London in the 90s we had a LS400 come in as a trade in, the service manager blagged it for a while, which meant collecting and dropping off cars was classy high speed fun.
@peterpodgorski5 ай бұрын
I immediately knew what it was... just from the title 😂
@lexrus77865 ай бұрын
Same here
@71MWhite5 ай бұрын
Great video Jonny. Fab to get the bonus footage at the end of it running 😎