For Sale at Auction: 2012 Lexus LFA in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. JTHHX8BH9C1000396

In the 1960s, after years of producing and racing advanced motorcycles, Yamaha embarked on its first sports car project in conjunction with Nissan. However, when Nissan canceled their involvement in the project in 1965, Toyota saw Yamaha's development and two prototypes as an opportunity to create a world-class sports car to compete against the finest offerings from Europe. The resulting Toyota 2000GT is regarded as one of the most technically advanced and sought-after sports cars of the 1960s and was responsible for cementing Toyota's sporting image with numerous international racing victories.

At the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, 44 years after the unveiling of the 2000GT at the same event, Toyota introduced the production Lexus LFA. Like the 2000GT, the LFA had undergone a long-winded gestation period which began in the early 2000s and had entailed corporate push-back, a tremendous amount of research and development, and half a dozen prototypes comprised of both aluminum and carbon fiber. Undeterred, Toyota President Akio Toyoda recognized the value of a halo project like the LFA, especially being marketed under the Lexus brand which had yet to be introduced to the Japanese domestic market since its launch in 1989. Toyoda along with Chief Engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi and Chief Test Engineer Hiromu Naruse set about taking turns behind the wheel of all the performance offerings from the most prestigious manufacturers to determine a blueprint for the ultimate uncompromising supercar.

They ultimately selected a mid-engine layout comprised of an intricate carbon fiber monocoque structure to which aluminum front and rear subframes were attached - the front suspension being via conventional double wishbones and the rear via a multi-link arrangement. All four corners were equipped with race-developed, remote-reservoir KYB dampers, each reputedly costing $9,500, whereas Brembo six-piston front and four-piston rear monobloc calipers worked in conjunction with carbon ceramic discs and an advanced brake-by-wire system to address the car's considerable braking requirements.

At the heart of the LFA was a technical tour de force: the brilliant "1LR-GUE" engine. Reviving a decades-old partnership with Yamaha inaugurated with the 2000GT, Yamaha and Toyota jointly developed a 4.8-liter, 40-valve V10 producing some 552 horsepower at 8,700 rpm and a similarly impressive maximum torque figure of 354 lb-ft at 6,800 rpm. Constructed from a combination of aluminum, magnesium and titanium alloys, the "GUE" was a masterpiece of packaging, boasting smaller external dimensions than a V8 unit of comparable output, yet weighing no more than most conventional V6 engines. Featuring ultra-lightweight internal components, including impossibly expensive forged titanium connecting rods, the unit generated minimal inertia - its resulting throttle response more akin to many high specification racing engines than a road going powerplant. This marvel of engineering was mated to a six-speed automated sequential manual transmission and a harmonically managed titanium exhaust system which produced an intoxicating exhaust note unlike any other supercar.

This is the 398th of just 500 Lexus LFAs produced for the world market according to its serialized plaque mounted on the cabin bulkhead. The LFA's seductive shape is complemented by the optional exterior shade of Starlight Black (9J2) and a set of optional polished 20 inch, 10-spoke forged BBS aluminum wheels. Making the exterior appear somewhat subdued by comparison are the vibrant Camel Yellow hides trimming the interior, joined by black carpets, black headliner, and "Blackish-Brown" metal accents. In addition to the LFA's long list of standard equipment including a Lexus Insider infotainment screen with voice command and navigation, a Liquid Cristal Display, and dual-zone air-conditioning, the original ordering owner of LFA serial number 389 selected the optional twelve-speaker Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound System.

Initially shipped to Florida, the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report shows that the LFA had its pre-delivery inspection completed at Lexus of Palm Beach, Florida. In May 2013, the car was sold and registered to its first private owner in Oklahoma showing 66 miles at the time. Today, a comprehensive binder of original documentation accompanies the car including its original purchase documentation, temporary tags, window sticker, delivery inspection notes, and more. The Lexus would remain in Oklahoma over the succeeding decade with its original owner, with CARFAX documenting a consistent maintenance schedule of visits to Eskridge Lexus of Oklahoma City. Receipts on file show that service rendered by Eskridge Lexus included a two-year service in November 2014 at 830 miles, replacing the rubber lower lip spoiler in January 2015 at 868 miles, a battery replacement in July 2019 at 1,330 miles, and replacing some interior trim panels in September 2020 at 1,396 miles.

Showing just 1,468 miles on the odometer at the time of cataloging, LFA serial number 389 presents in virtually showroom-fresh condition and is offered with a full complement of original delivery accessories including but not limited to its manufacturer's literature, car cover, battery maintainer, air compressor, and Tumi carbon fiber fitted luggage. With its ultra-low mileage, outstanding presentation, and enviable amount of original documentation and accessories, this stunning Lexus LFA is the ultimate investment-grade example of one of the most desirable and collectable Japanese performance cars ever produced.