Not the original model after all
‘Look, the first Lexus LS!’ We can hear you thinking it, but nothing could be further from the truth. This is the second generation of Lexus’ top model, although you have to look closely to see it.
When it comes to an older Lexus LS, the praise is never far away. Not surprisingly, because this is the car with which it all began for Lexus. Moreover, Lexus started, as it were, at its peak, because such an early LS is still known as absolutely indestructible.
The specimen we found this morning near our editorial office is from 1997. It is therefore not an LS400 of the first generation, but of the second. It was only in the showroom for a short time, namely from 1995 to 1997, and was difficult to distinguish from its predecessor on the outside. From the basic shape to the layout of the light units, everything remained largely the same, although the wheelbase is longer and the contour lights next to the headlights are less rounded. The nose is also less upright and a connoisseur will certainly see at a glance that this is a car of the second generation, but the resemblance is striking.
In fact, when this second LS was facelifted in 1997, the new version was much easier to recognize than with the complete generation change a few years earlier. In the run-up to the introduction of the SUV RX and the much smaller IS, the LS already had a clear split between the grille and headlights in 1997, which in this case were strongly rounded on the inside. With new taillights, new bumpers, new colors and new wheels, an LS400 from after ’97 is also easily recognizable from other angles.
Lexus LS, first generation
Lexus LS, second generation pre-facelift
Lexus LS, second generation post-facelift
The car you see here is therefore from before that moment and from a fairly rare batch. It concerns an original Dutch copy in an almost original condition, although we suspect it of a slight lowering. Not bad, because this thick five-meter-long sedan leans very nicely over its modest standard wheels. The champagne-colored body still looks fine, although we can see a small dent in the front screen and there is a graze on the rear bumper. This is therefore a car to use, and it looks like this copy will be able to do so for years to come.