1997 Lexus LX450: The Timeless Off-Roader
Once upon a time in 1997, a Lexus LX450 rolled off the lot at Lexus of Bellevue, Washington. Fast forward to 2022, and this vintage beast found a new guardian in Washington, after brief stints in the wilderness of Idaho and Oregon. This triple-locked juggernaut now boasts a rugged Detla/Icon Vehicle Dynamics suspension kit, rolling on hardcore 17″ Black Rhino beadlock wheels wrapped with beefy 37″ Yokohama tires. Cloaked in an elegant Cashmere Beige Metallic, it roars forward with a 4.5-liter inline-six engine mated to a trusty four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case.
An automobile with over 244,000 miles, akin to driving to the moon and almost halfway back!
Design and Features
This classic Lexus isn’t just about brawn; it flaunts power-adjustable front seats, now snuggled in luxurious beige leather and equipped with toasty heating and cooling elements. Not to mention a power sunroof that lets in a little sunshine, a receiver hitch for hauling, and three rows of prime luxury seating. You also get automatic climate control, aided by an Alpine head for tunes, and a host of artwork-like factory manuals and service records.
- Power sunroof
- Sliding rear windows
- Roof rack and running boards
- Rear wind deflector and wiper
- Post-incident facelift of headlights and signals in 2013
In 2024, the body underwent some pampering. It included a touch of bodywork on the left quarter panel and a liftgate rust repair to smooth out those not-so-charming bubbles under the paint. Post-facelift, parts like the hood, roof, and left-side panels sport a fresh lick of paint.
Performance and Handling
Peering underneath, those Black Rhino beadlock wheels come dressed with 37×12.5″ Yokohama Geolandar X-AT tires. The truck’s spine now proudly holds a comprehensive Delta Vehicle Systems suspension kit supplemented by the prowess of Icon Vehicle Dynamics dampers with remote reservoirs. And braking? Ventilated discs at each corner make sure you’re always in control.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, find yourself enveloped by the soft embrace of leather-upholstered seats, extending even to the second row. Add to that wood veneer accents on door panels and center consoles, plus a few elite additions like side-folding third-row jump seats, cruise control, and that trusty Alpine head unit blasting tunes through JL Audio speakers. But staying quirky, the power locks have their moody sporadic functionality, and the left front window sulks slow when it’s chilly out.
Under the Hood
The steering wheel—wrapped in four-spoke leather—frames a rather detailed dashboard. Here, a 130-mph speedometer, tachometer, and gauges for every essential you need (oil pressure, coolant temperature, voltage, and fuel level) stand watch over the six-digit odometer that shouts 244k miles at you—5k of which it gathered while under its recent caretaker.
You might easily think of it as a hybrid between the BMW road presence and Opel Vivaro functionality.
And the engine that drives it all—a 4.5L 1FZ-FE inline-six whispering tales of 212 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, guided through a four-speed automatic transmission and channeled through a dual-range transfer case. Include locking front, center, and rear differentials, and you’re ready for any terrain.
Documentation and History
The well-cherished window sticker reveals factory specs and options ringing in a cool $52,357. Dive into its past and find service records stretching back to 2005. The Carfax? As clean as a whistle—no accidents or reported damage to tarnish its record.
In summation, this well-loved 1997 Lexus LX450 is more than just a vehicle; it’s a testament to endurance, luxury, and undeniable charm wrapped up in a dusty trail of memories. Take it for a spin and feel the nostalgia rush. Whether you’re looking at it as an icon of an era or simply a durable machine with a soulful history to match, it’s one that could seat tales of a lifetime.
