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…
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.
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.
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…
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