Tucked away in a forgotten corner of a Norfolk barn, a 1992 Lexus LS400 awaits rediscovery. This pristine example, with a mere 11,000 miles on its clock, is a living testament to the meticulous engineering and unwavering ambition that defined Toyota’s pursuit of luxury.
Conceived as the ultimate expression of the brand, the LS400 was the culmination of the Circle F project, a relentless endeavor to redefine the standards of automotive opulence. Toyota spared no expense, assembling a formidable team of designers, engineers, and technicians to craft a vehicle that would rival the most prestigious offerings of its time.
The result was a technological marvel, imbued with levels of comfort and refinement previously associated solely with Rolls-Royce. Yet, beneath its luxurious exterior lay a heart of efficiency, a potent V8 engine delivering performance without compromising fuel economy. The LS400 was not merely a car; it was a statement of intent, a declaration that Toyota was ready to challenge the established order of the luxury automotive world.
Alistair vehemently denied ownership of the luxurious sedan, asserting it was his wife’s property. The car was, in fact, an heirloom, passed down to Jane from her parents who had acquired it brand new in 1992. Her father, a decorated Hurricane pilot, tragically passed away in 2004. Subsequently, her mother, Audrey, moved in with Alistair and Jane, bringing the prized Lexus with her. A stroke in 2012 significantly impaired Audrey’s mobility, effectively grounding her in their home.
The 1992 Lexus LS400 was a relic, a time capsule sheltered from the world within a barn. Its pristine condition was a stark contrast to the battle scars adorning the family’s daily driver. The latter, a testament to the unpredictable nature of Audrey’s driving, was a patchwork of scratches and dents, each a silent witness to her unique encounters with the road. Alistair, ever the diplomat, blamed these blemishes on external forces, such as the infamous incident involving a skip.
The Lexus, untouched by such misadventures, was destined for a new chapter in the family’s history. Audrey’s grandson would be its next caretaker. But before the handover, this automotive artifact required a meticulous restoration. Johnny Smith, a master of automotive restoration, was tasked with returning the LS400 to its former glory.
The first hurdle was simply moving the colossal sedan out of the garage. Despite years of inactivity, the tires held air, a promising sign. Yet, pushing a nearly two-ton luxury car was no easy feat. His greatest apprehension was the possibility of the V8 refusing to ignite. Having no experience with a 1UZ-FE engine, he knew he’d need expert assistance. Initial checks revealed the engine oil looked pristine as if recently replenished.
A scene of intense spider activity around the fuel cap confirmed the car’s prolonged dormancy. After filling the tank with eight liters of fuel, Johnny attempted to start the engine. It cranked but failed to fire, suggesting a dead battery. The car boasted a surprisingly functional CD changer and, when washed, revealed a stunning gold-beige paint job marred only by scratches and dents. A paint correction and polish were clearly in order.
