Presented by RM Sotheby’s – Images by Theodore W. Piper – The Lexus LFA came about as the pet project of Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, who, after years of producing relatively anodyne road cars, wanted to build a supercar to challenge those being offered by the likes of Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini. The project’s development phase became excruciatingly lengthy, but when it was finally unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, it was immediately clear that the marque had produced something truly remarkable.
The highlight was the 4.8-liter V-10 engine, co-developed with Yamaha and built in the same facility as Toyota Racing’s F1 V-10s. The block is a space-age blend of aluminum, magnesium, and titanium alloy, which made it smaller than an equivalent V-8 and lighter than an equivalent V-6. The supremely advanced internals permitted for razor-sharp throttle response, allowing the V-10 to rev from idle to 9,000 rpm in just six-tenths of a second. The LFA’s instrument cluster is all-digital, solely because no analog tachometer could keep pace with the engine’s ability to gain and lose revolutions. This miraculous powerplant is mated to a lightning-quick six-speed automated sequential manual transmission. The LFA’s unique exhaust note is unrivaled among modern supercars, and is undoubtedly worth the price of admission.
With its radical styling and howling V-10 engine, the LFA exudes automotive awe. One of its great achievements lies in its construction. The LFA has a curb weight of just over 3,200 pounds with a near-perfect weight distribution of 48:52 thanks to the liberal use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium alloys.
This particular LFA is one of just 11 examples clad in this distinctive shade of Steel Gray; the interior is clothed in a bespoke red-and-black arrangement of leather and Alcantara which is highlighted throughout with a generous appointment of gloss carbon fiber and anodized metal accents. A serial plate mounted between the seats shows that this LFA is the 430th example of 500 produced (a figure that includes 50 Nürburgring Package cars), and one of approximately 190 chassis delivered new to the US between 2010 and 2012.
Delivered new via Larry H. Miller Lexus of Murray, Utah, it has since traveled fewer than 500 miles, and remains in a remarkably presentable state befitting its stunning visage and extremely low indicated mileage. This attractive LFA is offered for sale accompanied by its window sticker, manuals, sales literature, tire gauge, and flashlight. An opportunity to acquire a LFA is a rare occurrence, and this particularly low-mileage example is worthy of serious consideration.
This vehicle will be offered at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction, taking place 22 May during the world-renowned Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. In-person and remote bidding options are available; contact RM Sotheby’s to register to bid.
