Unusual Cars Model Guide
The Lexus LS 400 was the car that introduced Britain to Lexus in 1990. Conceived as a clean-sheet challenge to the established European luxury saloons, it combined a new all-aluminium V8, unusually low noise levels and obsessive build quality with a price that made its rivals look complacent.
Why the LS 400 matters
Toyota began its F1 flagship programme in the 1980s with a simple but expensive ambition: create a luxury saloon capable of competing directly with Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar, without merely adapting an existing domestic model. Hundreds of prototypes and extensive high-speed testing produced the first-generation UCF10 LS 400. Its launch established Lexus as a credible marque almost overnight.
For Britain the significance is even greater. The LS 400 was the first official Lexus model sold here, arriving in June 1990. Early buyers discovered a car whose refinement, equipment and dealer care were every bit as carefully engineered as its drivetrain.
At a glance
| UK sales | 1990–2000 across first and second LS generations |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0-litre 1UZ-FE all-aluminium V8 |
| Early UK output | 241 bhp |
| Transmission | Four-speed automatic; later five-speed automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Character | Large, quiet luxury saloon |
| Today | Rare modern classic with exceptional long-distance ability |
Development and engineering
The 1UZ-FE V8 became the heart of the car’s reputation. Its oversquare architecture, four camshafts and 32 valves delivered power smoothly rather than theatrically. Hydraulic engine mounts, careful airflow management and extensive isolation kept vibration away from the cabin. A strong automatic gearbox and rear-wheel-drive layout completed a conservative but exceptionally polished mechanical package.
The cabin was just as important. Electric adjustment, climate control, high-grade audio and beautifully damped switchgear were not novelties in isolation, yet their integration made the LS feel unusually complete. Lexus also paid attention to aerodynamics and panel fit, helping the car remain calm at motorway speeds.
UK-market evolution
The first UCF10 cars are the purest expression of the launch concept, with slim styling and a very soft-spoken personality. Detail improvements arrived during the first generation, including changes to equipment, safety and refinement. The second-generation UCF20 followed in the mid-1990s. It looked evolutionary but was lighter, roomier and more efficient, while retaining the 4.0-litre V8. A substantial late-1990s update brought more power, a five-speed automatic and revised styling.
Specification varies, so identify a prospective car by chassis generation and build date rather than assuming every LS 400 has the same equipment. Air suspension appeared on some examples and adds complexity; conventional-spring cars are usually the easier long-term proposition.
What is it like to drive?
An LS 400 is not a sports saloon. Its appeal is the way it removes effort: light controls, near-silent progress and a powertrain that seems to operate without friction. The steering is relaxed and the ride supple, though worn bushes can make a neglected car feel loose. On a motorway, a healthy example still feels remarkably modern.
Lexus LS 400 buying guide
Engine and cooling system
The V8 is durable, but maintenance history matters more than reputation. Look for evidence of timing-belt and water-pump renewal at the correct interval. Inspect for oil seepage around cam covers and the front of the engine, listen for idler or tensioner noise and make sure coolant hoses are not brittle. Any persistent mechanical knock, overheating or rough running deserves proper diagnosis.
Power steering and alternator
Early cars can leak power-steering fluid. The alternator sits below the pump, so an ignored leak can contaminate and eventually damage it. Check the reservoir, hoses and pump area, and look underneath rather than accepting a freshly cleaned engine bay at face value.
Transmission
Shifts should be exceptionally smooth both hot and cold. Check the fluid condition and history, test kickdown and reverse engagement, and be wary of flare, thumps or delayed take-up. These gearboxes are strong, but rebuilding one can easily exceed the value of a poor car.
Suspension, steering and brakes
The LS is heavy. Front upper and lower ball joints, wishbone bushes, anti-roll-bar bushes and wheel bearings all deserve attention. Drive slowly over broken surfaces and listen for knocks. Check for vibration under braking and inspect tyre wear for signs of poor geometry. On air-suspended cars, confirm that the car rises evenly and remains level after standing.
Electrics and cabin
Test every seat motor, window, mirror, climate-control function and audio component. Early instrument displays and needles can fail, while ageing ECU capacitors have been associated with starting or running faults. Repairs are possible, but a collection of small electrical defects quickly becomes expensive.
Body and structure
These cars were well protected, but age, winter use and poor repairs still matter. Examine sills, jacking points, wheelarches, subframes, brake pipes and the boot floor. Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint can reveal accident repairs. Water in the boot may damage electronics and trim.
Viewing checklist
- Cold start with no warning lights, smoke or unusual noise
- Documented timing-belt and water-pump work
- No power-steering fluid above the alternator
- Silent suspension and even tyre wear
- Every electrical feature demonstrated
- Smooth hot and cold gear changes
- Clean underside and credible MOT history
- Two keys, handbooks and detailed invoices
Verdict
The LS 400 is no longer merely a cheap old luxury car. It is the foundation of Lexus, an engineering landmark and one of the most convincing Japanese modern classics. Buy the most complete, best-maintained example rather than the cheapest: deferred suspension and electrical work can overwhelm an apparent bargain, while a sorted car can still provide the serene experience that disrupted the luxury establishment in 1990.
