Future Classics

[excel monkey]

There was a recent thread in the IS200/300 section titled "Are early IS200s too cheap". The general consensus was that prices are about right (i.e. under £1000), given the lack of demand for cars perceived as unfashionable and expensive to run.

Despite this, I think the IS will follow the same price and desirability trajectory as the E30 (late 80s / early 90s) BMW 3 series. A few years ago you couldn't give them away (M3 excepted) but now demand is picking up for well looked after 320s and 325s. The IS is an enthusiast's car, with RWD and a non-turbo engine, and once all the tatty ISs have been killed off, the remaining nice ones should experience a gentle rise in desirability.

Following on from this, can we see a point in the future where Lexuses will become collectible classics, and which models? Lexus is an unusual case, being a completely new brand, having to establish itself against companies like Merc and Jag with centuries of heritage. I think the original LS will definitely become a classic, as it was such a huge leap ahead of the industry standard at the time. The IS might do the same, but probably not to the same extent.

[steve2006]

Sounds good to me, my LS400 has just turned 19 and is still going strong.

[excel monkey]

Sounds good to me, my LS400 has just turned 19 and is still going strong.

Great to hear your LS is doing so well.

Do you think in 10-15 years time that these cars will be on sale at a modern classics dealer like 4 Star Classics (as opposed to the "under a grand" section in Autotrader?) As an example, right now they have a 34 year old BMW 5 series, just a plain 520 model, up for sale at £9995. Admittedly this is an immaculate and very low mileage car, but the price is still staggering.

http://www.4starclas...2-520-For-Sale/

Can we expect to see immaculate early LS400s enjoying the same demand in the future? Or is there still a slight stigma around Japanese cars that prevents them from being seen as "proper" classics in the UK?

[RayKhan]

Hopefully the SC430 will become a classic

[Stuart Aspey]

Sounds good to me, my LS400 has just turned 19 and is still going strong.

Great to hear your LS is doing so well.

Do you think in 10-15 years time that these cars will be on sale at a modern classics dealer like 4 Star Classics (as opposed to the "under a grand" section in Autotrader?) As an example, right now they have a 34 year old BMW 5 series, just a plain 520 model, up for sale at £9995. Admittedly this is an immaculate and very low mileage car, but the price is still staggering.

http://www.4starclas...2-520-For-Sale/

Can we expect to see immaculate early LS400s enjoying the same demand in the future? Or is there still a slight stigma around Japanese cars that prevents them from being seen as "proper" classics in the UK?

I think it is possible that a year 1 is200 could become a classic. Once all the neglected and modded is200's are taken off the market, whats left should be well maintained and looked after is200's. But we may be another 10 years away from that.

My money is on a year 1 Audi A3 1.8 15 years old this August.

Stuart.

[jpjsavage]

I'm not sure. The LS400 has a great history and pedigree. I have enjoyed mine immensely and can't imagine replacing it for anything else. So, whilst I'm not certain that it will ever start increasing in value, I am determined to try and keep it in good shape and enjoy every minute of driving it as an everyday vehicle. If I end with a valuable classic car, so much the better!

[stevet]

Hopefully the ISF's will regarded the same as M3's

[madisonJ]

The older, the classic, the better. I am looking for something like this. Message me if you know anyone selling. :)

[MarkShelley]

I think the LS400 will have a degree of classic desire as it was the first Lexus and was universally acclaimed for its build and reliability.

Unfortunately I believe modern cars are becoming more and more risky to take on as `hobby` cars due to their ever increasing reliance on electronics. The old school classics can be maintained by any moderately skilled home mechanic. I had an MGB for several years and did everything to it. When I opened the bonnet everything was visible and there was space to work. When I open the bonnet of a modern car all I see is acres of plastic.

I certainly don`t see Lexus ever competeing with BMW in the classic stakes. BMW have the heritage, racing pedigree etc

[MarkShelley]

The older, the classic, the better. I am looking for something like this. Message me if you know anyone selling. :)

Like what?

[Stuart Aspey]

The Subaru Impreza is 20 years old this year and I've just seen a 1993 (K reg) red 5 door wagon (estate) on an auction site for £595.00. Hmmmm. . . .

[LexIS200Sport]

A well-preserved MK1 LS400 should be well on its way to becoming a classic; it is after all the car that tore apart the rule book held by the Germans.

I think that it'll appreciate quicker in the USA though, where the Lexus marque is a lot more established than it is here.

I'd also wager that the LFA would be a future classic too... but I guess that was too easy :P

[jpjsavage]

I guess so too. Now, where did I put that spare £340k I put aside to buy one ....