Lexus LC500 Convertible | Spotted
Not many LC500 drop tops sold new, sadly; all the more reason to pounce on a stunning secondhand one
The twin test PH conducted between a soft-top Lexus LC500 and a Porsche 911 equivalent a few years back was a memorable one. Not because of two very nice convertibles - lovely though they both were - but because the Porsche broke. User error, before any conspiracies start; optional lightweight batteries don’t really like the ignition being left on for extended periods of time…
So the 911 was out of action for a little while that day, waiting for the AA to arrive. Which was a bit of a problem, though it did mean more time behind the wheel of the Lexus. And that was an absolute treat. The Porsche proved to be the better sports car (shock) being that bit keener and sharper, and less prone to the drop-top shakes. That being said, and without wishing to resort to lazy cliche, the Lexus really was the more memorable experience. Perhaps through unfamiliarity, though exposure to that sound in the open air, the richness of interior materials and the way the LC looks topless really did leave a very fond impression. It was difficult to care very much about its failings when the positives were so abundant.
Despite that, not very many LC500 Convertibles sold. It was only ever offered with the bellowing V8, which was cool, but going without the V6 hybrid option available in the hardtop might have cost it a few sales. At more money than the coupe as well - essentially from £100,000, with a couple of options - it was rivalling alternatives from Jaguar and Mercedes as well as Porsche. The Lexus surely deserved more sales than it earned, put it that way.
But as is always the case with slow sellers, particularly the cars that are actually good, they look even more appealing secondhand. A bit of money off, plus the rarity value, can be quite persuasive. This LC500 Convertible is the perfect case in point, having covered just 13,000 miles in four years and with an incredible tan interior alongside the silver paint. Naturally, there’s never been an MOT advisory, and if services are continued at Lexus - which ought to be painless, given what all those customer feedback surveys say - then the warranty runs until 2031. 2031!
All very encouraging. But then there’s the bodykit, which may not meet with such universal approval. To these eyes, the E6 carbon kit and 21-inch wheels look brilliant, adding even more drama to the LC’s incredible aesthetic - especially from the back - though some may prefer the standard look. If only there were one on PH to point to; the other four LCs currently for sale are all coupes.
For those that really want to stand out, there can’t be much beating an LC500 cabrio with a few aftermarket goodies. Given the Lexus is modified already, it’s hard not to think of what it might sound like with a silly exhaust, or maybe even a smidge lower; the combination of concept car styling with old-school V8 muscle always made the ‘500 a very easy car to like. Wanting to ramp those attributes up further is only natural. Or so we’ll keep telling ourselves. The asking price is £80k, so a useful amount less than the new RRP. And while the cost of modifications should never really be factored into residual values, clearly one (hopefully both) of the previous two owners has spent a lot of money here. Which must be good news. For V8 drop-top fun in the sun, it must take some beating; everyone else has a 911 already...
SPECIFICATION | LEXUS LC500 CONVERTIBLE
Engine: 4,969cc, V8
Transmission: 10-speed sports direct shift automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 464@7,100rpm
Torque (lb ft): 398@4,800rpm
MPG: 24.1 (WLTP combined)
CO2: 288g/km (WLTP)
Year registered: 2021
Recorded mileage: 12,991
Price new: £96,625 (2020, before options)
Yours for: £79,950
LC 500 sells so little that one day its going to be real collectable. Get them while they are cheap.
But there's just something not right about the design. I saw on on the road yesterday, and I think it's the way that forward of the B-pillar, all the lines rise upwards, and behind the B-pillar they're all either flat or sloping downwards, and all the angles clash. It's 75% confident upward thrusting and 25% unexpected jumble and collapse back to earth, like a recent Elon Musk rocket launch.
It suffers the same design problem as the 12Cilindri - the front half of the car is nice, the back half of the car is nice, but they look like they came from different cars and they just don't fit together very well.
EDIT: Playing around with Photoshop, I'm pretty sure the problem is that silly black triangle between the roofline and that odd upwards point behind the windows. If the line from that point back to the spoiler - and the boot deck - were horizontal, it looks a lot more resolved. Alternatively if that triangle were body colour it looks better but less distinctive.
"the Lexus really was the more memorable experience" and thus, in the real world...a better car.
I drove a yellow coupe for a few days a while back and really liked it (other than the infotainment, which is HORRENDOUS).
Not sure the convertible is as nicely resolved based on the images, but i'd take that to have a roof down experience any day!
£80k is a bit strong though.
Consumed all the youtube about this car, I wanted one so badly a few years back, before an open top left my garage and thus a replacement became a necessity....and as an open top I just don't get along 'enough' with this.
As a coupe it's a lesson in car design. Taught very well by Lexus who took an outlandish shocking concept and made it 99% real.
A bit of marmite reaction is a good thing, to challenge the norm and bland....
I'll have one when I can't get in/out of my current car.
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