Before the world got turned upside down, finding an early LX for a reasonable price was tragically easy (at least relatively). The premium iteration of the purpose-built J80 Toyota Land Cruiser was, more often than not, a feature of the local country club of Whole Foods parking lot and, while mileage would vary, they were almost always in great condition - cosmetically and mechanically.
Of course, for those in the know, the LX is more than just a handsome and luxurious SUV. Underneath the woodgrain and leather lies a true off-roading legend that, with a few modifications, is more than able to take on the most adverse terrain. Like this 1997 LX450 listed by Authentic Motorcars for $49,950.
THE 1997 LEXUS LX450: A 4X4 UNICORN.
The Lexus LX450 was offered for just model years - 1996 and 1997 - before it was replaced by the Lexus LX470. It was a late-cycle spin-off of the Toyota Land Cruiser J80 with a base MSRP of $48,000, and approximately 14,000 total units were sold in both the United States and Canada.
The LX has a pretty weird and wonderful origin, with it being cooked up by Lexus as a hedge against a massive pending 100% import tariff on 13 Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The tariff was ultimately killed in the 11th hour, but it excluded SUVs, so the LX was quickly developed on the J80 Land Cruiser platform with a few cosmetic swaps. Initial demand was so high that it resulted in a nearly two-month wait list.
Although most LX450s were resigned to a life of toting the kids to soccer practice, the LX yearned for more. It's powered by the big ol' 1FZ-FE, a 4.5L I6 with a penchant for reliability. When new, the 1FZ-FE offered a factory-rated 215 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. This example has a reported 122k miles on the odometer, which is surprisingly low for any 1997 model year vehicle today, and is barely adolescence for the 1FZ.
Power is distributed to all four corners via four-speed A343F automatic transmission and dual-speed transfer case. Additional off-road capability came by way of a center locking differential. The suspension was softer than the Land Cruiser, and would see several improvements in the LX470, including Adjustable Height Control (AHC) and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS). Still, the Lx450 was comfortable, capable, and friendly toward a whole slew of aftermarket options.
Inside, the LX450 was a driver's dream with features like leather seating for seven passengers, power windows, mirrors, and locks, six-disc CD changer, power moon roof, and remote entry keys - a pretty good tech stack for '97.
The Specs.
The current owner of this creampuff 1997 Lexus LX450 commissioned Authentic Motorcars to realize its full off-road potential. Additionally, a glow-up included re-finishing the gold lower trim to white, while the running boards and rear bumper were painted satin black.
A comprehensive service at 121k included a complete fluid service, transmission service, new brakes (front / rear), new motor and transmission mounts, hood struts, filters, and wipers. Both inside and out, this LX450 shows in remarkable condition - as evident by the multitude of photos available on the Authentic Motorscars website listing.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- 1997 Lexus LX450
- 1FZ-FE 4.5L I6
- 122,000 miles
- Four-speed automatic transmissions
- Dual-speed transfer case
- ARB front bumper w/ integrated bull bar
- Warn M12000 winch
- IPF spotlights
- Old Man Emu two-inch suspension lift
- new shocks, springs, and steering dampener
- ICON Rebound 17 in. alloy wheels
- BF Goodrich A/T K02
- Kenwood touch screen NAV/audio system with back up camera
- Original owners manuals, window sticker, 2 keys, one remote, tool roll, first aid kit
- Clean CarFax report and service records from last 2 owners
READ MORE FEATURES.
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