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. The 500-example production run lasted from late 2010 to 2012, with all examples labeled as 2012 products; overall, 436 “standard” LFAs were produced in conjunction with 64 “Nürburgring Package” examples.

LFA 253

LFA serial number 253, offered here, was delivered new to the consignor via Sewell Lexus of Dallas, Texas and is presented today showing just under 4,360 miles at time of cataloguing. According to unofficial production numbers sourced by the LFA Registry, it is one of just 190 examples constructed for the US market. The car’s exterior is finished in Whitest White (believed to be one of only 27 US-market non-Nürburgring Package cars so finished) over a bespoke cabin featuring orange and black leather upholstery, which is highlighted throughout by the generous appointment of high-gloss carbon fiber and anodized titanium trim.

Additional factory specifications include the standard set of LFA wheels finished in polished metallic silver, LFA badge delete, Whitest White seat backs, and exclusive interior trim which includes orange stitching, and matching orange leather on the center console and steering wheel grips. Quite simply, this uniquely specified LFA cuts a stunning visage which wonderfully accentuates the design’s angular styling.

In March 2013, this LFA was returned to the originating dealer for servicing and inspection of an intermitting engine noise, then indicating approximately 1,540 miles. Upon inspection, the dealer discovered a defect in the original engine and ordered a replacement from Lexus Corporate Headquarters in Japan. A new replacement 1LR-GUE engine, clutch, and engine oil circulation system was then fitted by Lexus of Sewell under warranty, at no charge to the consignor. The service invoices on file for this procedure note that the car’s new engine was tested for approximately 30 miles, with the car showing 1,570 miles on the odometer when released back to the consignor on 24 December 2013. Beyond this major service entry, this LFA has been otherwise treated to regular and routine servicing by Lexus of Sewell since new. The most recent entry on file shows that it received a “72 month service schedule” and complete brake service in March 2019 to the cost of $9,100.

This LFA is now accompanied by its service records, car cover, window sticker, carbon fiber Tumi luggage, delivery literature, LFA hat and pullover, manuals, keys, and even its original, serialized laser-cut crystal sculpture and cradle. The LFA’s stunning performance, astounding drivetrain capabilities, exotic construction, and sharp styling have all contributed to its enduring mystique and collectability. This single-owner example would be best enjoyed by any collector of late-model supercars who has yet to experience the unique thrill offered by the LFA.