Heralded as the pinnacle of Japanese supercar engineering, the Lexus LFA was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 2009 as the ultimate model in the marque’s “F” line and a halo car for the brand. “A” was short for “Apex,” demonstrating that the model was a testament to Lexus's pursuit of engineering perfection. Its crown jewel was no doubt its 4.8-liter, naturally aspirated V-10 engine which was developed in collaboration with Yahama’s music division to produce an intoxicating symphony—a powerplant that makes the LFA arguably one of the finest-sounding roadgoing supercars of all time. A quick-shifting six-speed automated sequential gearbox (ASG) allowed the LFA to make the most of its spine-tingling 9,000 RPM redline.

Both development and production of the LFA were a labor of love from the experts at Lexus—one that lasted nearly a decade. Though the program was conceived in 2000, the first “LF-A” production concept would not premier until 2005. The initial production concept was intended to be manufactured out of a conventional aluminum chassis; however, midway through the car’s development phase, it was decided that the platform would be switched to a carbon fiber tub. By this point, carbon fiber had become a dominant material in supercar production, and Lexus’ solution to this was a bespoke circular loom that allowed engineers to weave strands of carbon fiber directly around a form. Assembly of production cars would not begin until late 2010, with each car specified to the client’s exacting choices. All of the LFA’s aforementioned V-10 engines were hand-assembled, with a single Takumi engineer being responsible for its entire assembly process. Although costly, the lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) construction contributed to a near-perfect weight distribution and impressive power-to-weight ratio, enhancing the LFA's agility and handling. In total, just 500 units of the LFA were produced.

In spring 2010, Lexus announced the LFA Nürburgring Edition, a track-focused variant which focused on increasing performance both through power and aerodynamic refinements. Limited to only 64 units, the most noticeable changes included a revised front splitter, fixed rear wing, and winglets on the nose, all in the incredibly lightweight woven carbon composite material. The high-revving V-10 was given a 10 horsepower increase to 562 horsepower, managed through an improved six-speed automated manual transmission with shift times decreased by 0.15 seconds. Additionally, the standard wheels were replaced with those of magnesium sourced from BBS, and they sported more aggressive Bridgestone tires. Finally, the ride height was reduced by 0.4 inches to improve handling and lower the car’s overall center of gravity. In August 2011, a road-legal example driven by Akira Iida conquered the Nürburgring Nordschleife in an astonishing 7 minutes, 14.64 seconds, setting record for a production car on spec tires in the process.

This LFA is serial number 336 and is one of only 25 Nürburgring Editions that were originally delivered new to the United States. Finished in the bold yet fitting shade of code 9K5 Orange, this exterior color is complemented by a two-tone red and black Alcantara interior—believed to be the only example produced in this color combination for the entire world. Red Alcantara is reserved for the seats and headliner, accented nicely by matching red leather on the steering wheel. Meanwhile, black Alcantara wraps the dash and center console, paired with contrasting red stitching. As with all Nürburgring Editions, the interior is replete with plenty of carbon fiber trim.

With such prominent history and extreme exclusivity, it is no surprise that this LFA would spend much of its time tucked away in private collections. In 2021, the LFA was purchased by a prominent Chicago-based collection, where it received a replacement right-front shock assembly and battery, as well as an oil change in March of 2022. Most recently, it has been kept in climate-controlled storage by its current owner in California. The odometer now displays a mere 315 miles, and it still sits on its original Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tires, ready to be preserved by its next caretaker.

The Lexus LFA’s legacy as the marque’s halo car continues to the present, with its modern-day performance figures an irrefutable match for both its visual and musical talents. The Nürburgring Edition is the epitome of this special model’s philosophy, and for enthusiasts and collectors alike, a driving experience of its caliber remains unsurpassed. Serial number LFA 336, offered with its original owner’s manuals, assembly photos, and service records, represents the crème of the crop with its extremely low mileage and unique specification. Rarely seen in public or offered for sale, the opportunity to acquire such a fine example should not be missed.