Is the Lexus LC 500 the rare beauty people say it is? 

The Lexus LC 500 was first introduced in 2016, some four years after the original concept was created. After much anticipation, the car has become something of a rare beauty with approximately 1,200 (up to 2023) being sold in the US, which is fewer than 1% of total Lexus sales in the US during the same period. However, there’s a particular person that buys this car as it isn’t exactly a Porsche 911, however it is for those that love performance sports cars still.

The Lexus LC 500 is not practical at all; however, it does get you into an exclusive club, the type of club people get into when they purchase a Jeep Wrangler or a Subaru WRX. Considered as a country cruiser, the hybrid model is one of the most advanced of its kind and offers an impressive engine.

Below, we’ll take a look at the finer details of the Lexus LC 500 to evaluate whether it is the rare beauty people say it is or whether it’s just your standard expensive car.  

Just how rare is the Lexus LC 500 exactly?

As of 2023, there were just 957 cars sold, compared to the 2,782 sold in 2017 when it was first released. When it comes to the 2022 model, it is perhaps the rarest of them all as just 150 released worldwide. Imagine being just one of 150 people in the entire world to get your hands on that specific car. 

Dubbed as a present-day Ford Thunderbird, the Lexus LC 500 certainly isn’t the most impressive sports car on the market, Lexus just doesn’t carry that same reputation as Porsche. However, it is known as a classic that many car collectors want to get their hands on. Its price isn’t pretty either, meaning if you purchase one then it’s definitely seen as a trophy item over a functional sports car. 

So, while the functionality isn’t so rare, the aesthetics of this car do indeed make it something of a rare beauty on the road. 

Obtaining a Lexus LC 500

Getting the Lexus LC 500 is going to take some serious cash, with the price coming in at over $112,000 US dollars. That being said, given its rarity, it’s also going to cost you if it needs work doing to it too. It’s best to opt for the best when it comes to this car with no scrimping to save on repair or maintenance costs. Think Lionheart highway touring tires, and only the best Lexus approved garages for any work. Many owners also invest in GPS trackers to keep tabs on their prized LC 500, ensuring an added layer of security for such a rare and valuable vehicle. For those looking to personalize their vehicle further, consider adding JDM accessories to enhance both style and functionality.

The latest model can be preordered now, although you may also be able to get your hands on an earlier model at a local Lexus dealership if you’re lucky. 

Lexus LC 500 performance

Let’s dive further into the performance of this rare specimen. It’s obvious that the LC 500 is no Porsche 911 from above, however it is one of the only sports cars to offer the benefits of a hybrid while also offering a V8 engine. This makes it one of the most impressive hybrids out there.

The naturally aspirated 5.0L V-8 engine delivers 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, while also offering 10-speed direct shift automatic transmission. The engine also provides a 7,300-rpm redline and will get from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, meaning while it’s not the most impressive on the market, it’s still pretty impressive for what it is and will have you cruising down the highway at a flash. If you’re brave enough to take this beauty on the highway that is. 

Overall, with how many models there are available and the beauty of this Lexus model, it sure is a rare beauty to be seen on the road. While performance wise, it isn’t the most impressive sports car out there, it is considered incredibly powerful for a hybrid model. Therefore, we can only conclude by saying that the Lexus LC 500 is indeed a rare beauty. 

Please follow and like us: