Lifted 1990 Lexus LS400 Is An Off-Road Demon

Dare to be Different

The Lexus LS400 is one of the most iconic automobiles in history, a car that launched a brand and is widely recognized as one of the most reliable vehicles ever built, if not the most reliable. But Natasha Adams wanted to do something a bit different with her 1990 LS400, and thus turned it into a formidable off-road machine, as she explained to Car & Driver.

Photos: Michael Dorman for Car & Driver

Making the Switch

Adams sells new car parts by trade, and her hobby is fixing them up. In the past, she's owned a lifted Volvo wagon, but after seeing an off-road LS at a local car show, she decided to make the switch. Her cousin just so happened to have one available, so she bought it, brought it home, and proceeded to try and figure out how to make it her own.

Photos: Michael Dorman for Car & Driver

>>Join the conversation about this rough and tumble offroad LS400 right here in Club Lexus.

Trial and Error

Obviously, aftermarket companies don't make lift kits and other related parts for the luxury sedan, so Adams had to figure all of this out on her own through trial and error. After initially going with a set of custom spacers to give it a two-inch lift, Adams has now installed a set of Flatout Suspension coilovers for a more rugged setup.

Photos: Michael Dorman for Car & Driver

>>Join the conversation about this rough and tumble offroad LS400 right here in Club Lexus.

Interesting Find

Adams then figured out that the LS and Jeep Wrangler YJ share the same bolt pattern, so she was able to pick up a set of wheels from one of those old off-roaders and wrap them in 31-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO2 all-terrain rubber. 

Photos: Michael Dorman for Car & Driver

>>Join the conversation about this rough and tumble offroad LS400 right here in Club Lexus.

Exterior Upgrades

A set of fender flares help cover the new, large set of tires, while a custom front bumper protects the car from rocks and various other obstacles. The bumper also holds a set of off-road lights for when the sun goes down, while the body is covered in a cool retro Toyota scheme.

Photos: Michael Dorman for Car & Driver

>>Join the conversation about this rough and tumble offroad LS400 right here in Club Lexus.

Racing Vibes

The inside of the lifted LS400 is more of the same, with some matching stickers that give it a true off-road racer vibe. Somehow, it all just works in the looks department, and obviously, it also works quite well off paved surfaces, too.

Photos: Michael Dorman for Car & Driver

>>Join the conversation about this rough and tumble offroad LS400 right here in Club Lexus.

Truly Unique

Adams doesn't just take her modified LS400 off-road on the weekends, however - she daily drives her creation. And as she's quick to point out, this thing turns heads wherever it goes, especially on the local trails. But when you create something so truly unique, is that really a surprise?

Photos: Michael Dorman for Car & Driver

>>Join the conversation about this rough and tumble offroad LS400 right here in Club Lexus.

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