News

For sale: Lexus LFA owned by Rowan Atkinson (with a wild interior)

Want to own arguably the greatest Japanese car ever made? You’re in luck. Here is your opportunity to buy a Lexus LFA, currently the property of actor and comedian, Rowan Atkinson CBE.

Up for sale with The Octane Collection in West Sussex, the 2012 Lexus LFA has a price tag of £874,995.

That six-figure outlay gets you a V10-powered, hand-built supercar capable of revving to 9,000rpm, plus an interior with a suitably crazy colour scheme…

A technical masterpiece

Lexus began developing the LFA in the early 2000s, releasing a series of concept models throughout the decade. This culminated in a full production car, which was displayed at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

Limited to 500 examples, Lexus hand-picked those customers allowed to place an order for an LFA. Only 20 cars were built each month, with the carbon fibre monocoque chassis manufactured in house at Toyota’s Motomachi facility.

At the heart of the LFA is a naturally aspirated 4.8-litre V10, serving up 553hp and 354lb ft of torque. Famously, Lexus had to fit a digital tachometer, fearing that a mechanical dial couldn’t keep up with the engine’s frenzied revs.

A six-speed sequential transmission sends power to the rear wheels, with manual shifts via paddles on the steering wheel. Using launch control allows the LFA to accelerate from 0-60mph in 3.6 seconds, with a top speed beyond 200mph.

A Crystal Palace fan’s dream

First delivered to a Japanese owner, this LFA was imported to the UK in 2022, then was later bought by Rowan Atkinson. The first owner was responsible for choosing the classy Pearl White paintwork, along with a bold interior finished in blue and red Alcantara.

It ain’t subtle, but anyone driving the LFA is more likely to be enjoying the symphony from the trio of exhaust tailpipes, rather than worrying about the colour of the seats.

Standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch central display screen with satellite navigation, along with a 12-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

With around 3,700 miles on its odometer, the LFA was serviced six times while still in Japan. Since arriving in Britain, it has been serviced twice by Lexus in Milton Keynes, the UK’s official maintenance centre for the V10 supercar.

A very enthusiastic owner

Being one of only 198 Lexus LFA models made in right-hand drive, this is a hugely desirable modern classic from the outset. Having the star of Blackadder and Mr Bean within its history file only enhances the car’s appeal. 

Rowan Atkinson is a man of exemplary automotive taste, having previously been the custodian of a McLaren F1, Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione II and a classic Land Rover Defender.

Prices for the Lexus LFA have come close to the £1 million mark, meaning this particular example looks relatively good value. As long as you can live with that interior, of course…

ALSO READ:

The greatest Japanese sports cars ever made

1986 Toyota Corolla GT AE86 review: Retro Road Test

Best supercars to buy in 2024

John Redfern

Share
Published by
John Redfern

Recent Posts

Ultra-rare MG XPower SV-R supercar is up for sale

One of only 42 examples built, this V8-engined MG XPower SV-R is a true piece…

3 days ago

Rover Mini Cooper Sport review: Retro Road Test

We get a nostalgic reminder of the back-to-basics brilliance of the classic Mini, driven here…

1 week ago

Race and rally Ford icons head to auction this month

The Iconic Auctioneers NEC Classic sale features an array of legendary Ford performance cars, including…

3 weeks ago

Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS replica review: Retro Road Test

This 'backdated' Porsche 911 imitates the legendary Carrera 2.7 RS for a fraction of the…

3 weeks ago

1966 Fiat 500 review: Retro Road Test

The iconic Fiat 500 got Italy moving after the Second World War and inspired today's…

1 month ago

Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 review: Retro Road Test

The Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 is as bonkers as its name suggests. We recall…

1 month ago

This website uses cookies.