Neil E

You do the pictures and we’ll find a voice for the ‘lexerotica’ channel.

Nice update Rob. No matter what the obstacle you just overcome it. This build should have its own video channel. Will you run the car before adding the body kit or complete the whole thing before the launch?

Yes there’s nothing to them. I got rid of my corner marker reflectors altogether. They aren’t required for the MOT.

If the wheel refurbishes lost the locking nut then they should be arranging to replace it.

Yes that works 99% of the time. 🤣 For 100% authentication you need Bob.

Lol......what he said.

I'm not sure how that one has an 06 number plate as it appears to be the earlier 5 speed model. I think the early spec stopped at 05, I haven't seen a 55 plate 5 speed so if that is the original registration then maybe it really is rare. Compare it to a 6 speed 06 model and you will see some of the subtle upgrades. The lights are different, wheels and tech, etc but under the skin there are other some suspension upgrades that are worth having and the 6 speed box makes quite a difference.

That's easy,........ blue.🙂

Love it. It may be madness but I'm looking forward to seeing the results.👍

Yes, I really should find time to test one. I had a couple of GS430s, the 6 speed was quite impressive in most respects but in my view wasn't quite as comfortable or as well built as the earlier model. The SC is finished to a higher standard but lacks some of the tech it should have been given. I doubt I would notice any difference in performance to my car but it's far more practical and economical. It would be interesting to experience the power delivery from a high power hybrid, I've only tried a CT for a day and that was okay.

That surprises me. I've been considering a later GS450 as a daily driver. Is it really quieter than the SC? (by that I mean a standard SC😏)

If the condition and service history is okay, that seems a good price for a face-lift model. Yes it should be in the lower tax bracket. I don't know the car from the number plate but nothing in the MOT history would worry me.

I was thinking more about the after-market custom exhaust V8 music that many owners opt for, it makes such a difference. If they introduce stereo tax, I may have to move to Jersey or the Isle of Man. Excluding the back seats, once you're in it, the SC is very comfortable. As for the RX I can't recommend it enough. Compared to the SC it's not terribly exciting but it does everything so well.

It's the 'bad boy' SC image. Too many ex Soarer owners.😉 I agree with what has been said already, the face-lift model is the one to go for. Most are very quiet but it is possible to cure that.

Unless there's an LFA handy, there's no substitute for the sound of the V8. Yes there is a frequency loss with age, I think it affects hearing too. I'm so old, I've stopped testing how much has disappeared from each end of the scale.

I'm more than a bit jealous of your job. I understand what you're saying about 'tuned' ears, your best home system (or live music if it were possible) is the repeatable hifi reference and everything else is judged by that but keep going back to the hifi reference frequently to know how you think the piece should sound, (the detail of the clicks and noises of the clocks, etc). The phrase in your original post, that drew me to respond, made me wonder if you had ever listened to car audio built for SQ? 'Just stunning... Gave me goose pimples. Which brought me to one particular conclusion about the ML system. Feed it the right quality audio and it really really blows you away.' If you're happy with the standard set up, don't change it but if you really, really like music whilst travelling, you might be surprised at how much closer to the hifi reference a serious aftermarket audio set up can sound. Whether it's worth it is another debate.🙂 Thanks, I better try some.

If a top home audio system is the definition of HIFI, then I agree. I haven't found a car system that can replicate the same listening experience as that of a top end home system in a listening room but I've heard a few that have been very impressive. Have you listened to a really good in car system to know what is possible?

I'm a bit 'old skool' CD/DVD mostly, I agree the source/signal is important but no matter how good it is, to my ears, the ML speakers have their limitations. If you are happy with the sound then stick with it, (why spend any more money) but if you appreciate good sound quality, I would suggest it's worth sitting in an SQ competition car to judge just how good it really is before being content.

The ML kit made by Harman tries to be 'audiophile' quality on a budget. I agree it's very good but ignore what Lexus feed you for a minute, sit in a car with after-market high quality speakers and amplification set up for SQ, listen to the same music source and let your ears be the judge.

Hi Phil, I don't remember the rear seats being too much of a challenge on the LS but there's someone right on your doorstep who would do it. I'll PM you the number.

Great work Rob, it's getting there....Perhaps you could go side by side with one of the F Club guys.

Not really my thing either, styling and gadgetry.... Are you looking to increase the power too?

Like the car, love the colour and love the plate. Here's a little informative graphic too.😀

I don't mind the front styling at least it's different and distinctive. The next gen was more conventional and blended in too easily and the latest style is more radical again. I haven't completely warmed to it but there's no doubting the GSF is a quick and versatile piece of kit.

They are great cars, I had one of these and the later GS430 because I couldn't find the right Aristo. With apologies to Ben, I had a complete spare set of GS430 cooled seats stored in the garage. No one wanted them for free so I threw them away about a year ago.😞 The later GS430 is a bargain for what you get as standard. Apart from routine servicing most just need the rear suspension replaced after about 100k miles and off you go again for another 100k miles.😀