A beautiful black Lexus LS430 sedan, Spotted in China on a compound’s road in the far east of Beijing. The old ‘Xus was in very good shape, with a solid body, smooth paint, shiny chrome, everything original, without any rot or rust, and completely clean as if it was just washed, which it probably was.

The simple and elegant lines have stood the test of time very well, although the design isn’t as pure as on the first generation LS400. The third generation ‘XF30’ LS was made from 2000 until 2006 with a facelift in 2003. This black Beijing example is a pre-facelift car. Alloys are original.

The interior was in good shape too but the leather needs a thorough cleanup. All the wood is good and the stereo is original.

What an elegance from behind! Subtle spoiler in the boot lid. Rear lights were giants still, and even bigger than on the LS400. The LS400 was powered by a 4.3 liter V8 engine with an output of 290hp and 434nm, mated to a five-speed automatic sending horses to the rear wheels. Top speed was an impressive 250 kilometers per hour and 0-100 was gone in a mere 6.7 seconds.

The badge, made out of metal.

License plate is as old as the car. And what a car it is, a pure Japanese beauty in China with a big shiny grille. May she ride the highways for all the many coming!