To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Monterey event, 18 - 20 August 2022.
Estimate:
$900,000 - $1,200,000 USD

• Single-owner example delivered new to Bolivia
• Showing just 116 km (~72 miles) at the time of cataloguing
• Number 294 of 500 produced
• Finished in striking Super Red over Cream and Black leather
• Recent service included replacement of airbags per factory safety recall

The Lexus LFA came about as the pet project of Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda, who wanted to build a supercar on par with those being offered by German and Italian competitors. The project’s arduous development took several years, but when the Lexus LFA was finally unveiled at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, it was immediately clear the marque had produced something truly remarkable. Appropriately, Lexus deemed the “A” in LFA to stand for “Apex,” as the car embodied the apex of the company’s engineering efforts. Only 500 would be produced from 2011 through 2013.

Toyota co-developed the LFA’s 4.8-liter V-10 engine with Yamaha and built it in the same facility that constructed Toyota Racing’s Formula One V-10s. The block is a blend of aluminum, magnesium, and titanium, allowing for the engine to be physically smaller than an equivalent V-8 and lighter than even some V-6 engines. Each cylinder possesses an independent, electronically controlled throttle body, allowing the V-10 to rev from idle to 9,000 rpm in just six-tenths of a second—a world record at the time. This feat of engineering produced a reported 552 horsepower capable of rocketing the LFA to 60 mph in under four seconds on its way to a top speed north of 200 mph.

The instrument cluster is all-digital, as no analog tachometer could keep pace with the engine’s ability to gain and lose revolutions. It features a single circular dial with a central tachometer featuring an LCD needle.

A lightning-quick, six-speed, automated, sequential, manual transmission controls the miraculous powerplant. Operated by steering wheel column-mounted paddle shifters, the so-called ASG intelligent transmission can upshift in just two-tenths of a second and gives the driver precise control under even the most extreme driving conditions. Micro-polished gears wearing a diamond-like coating improve precision and reduce gear whine.

The LFA’s exhaust note is unrivaled among modern supercars. Developed in conjunction with Yamaha’s music division, Lexus engineers have described the sound as “the roar of an angel.” The chassis of the car itself is equally awe inspiring. Engineered to aeronautical standards and woven on a laser monitored loom, an in-house designed, carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) central monocoque frame integrates with front and rear aluminum subframes.

Six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo monobloc brake calipers combine with front and rear carbon ceramic discs to bring the LFA to a stop. The monobloc calipers combine rigidity with a lightweight design, while special bore sizes allow pressure from the unequally sized pistons to push the pad against the rotor in a progressive pattern. Extensive brake development was essential, according to chief engineer Haruhiko Tanahashi, so that the driver would have the confidence to “explore realms over 200 mph.”
Originally delivered to Bolivia, this incredible LFA is being offered from the collection of its first and only owner, under whose care the car has accumulated just 72 miles (116 km) at the time of cataloguing. Number 294 of just 500 examples produced, the car is presented in its striking factory colors of Super Red over Cream and Black leather, making it one of just 27 “standard” left-hand drive models so equipped.

In February of 2022, with just 60 miles (96 km) recorded kilometers at the time, the car received a factory service, which included replacing the airbags per a Lexus safety recall. To comply with the recall, the car reportedly was driven an additional 12 miles.
As the pinnacle of Lexus/Toyota engineering, the LFA remains one of the most desirable supercars ever produced, making this venerable time-capsule example a rare and coveted find indeed, to be enjoyed as it was meant to be driven, with the full wail of its V-10 bellowing under acceleration, or simply as a cherished addition to a fine collection.

Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo22.