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One of Three LS400-Based Prototypes: 1992 Allard P4
This 1992 Allard P4 is reportedly one of three Lexus LS400-based prototypes made, though the other two have since been wrecked making it the only survivor. A truly bizarre story involves the grand old British sports car company and Toyota negotiating a deal in which first-generation LS400’s would be sold as Allards in an effort to capitalize on the reborn company’s J2X Group C prototype. Unfortunately both efforts were destined to fail, leaving only a few racers and this lightly re-styled (but seemingly otherwise unmodified) Lexus as reminders. Find it here on eBay in Hemel Hempstead, England for 10k GBP (~$12,900 USD today). Special thanks to BaT reader Kyle K. for this submission.
According to the ad, negotiations were going well between the two companies, but for some reason the deal ultimately fell flat. This car has been around the block with 132k miles registered on the odometer, and the seller says that provided documentation shows it was bought back by Allard at one point. They had it wrapped, and when vinyl was removed it took much of the underlying paint with it. It’s since been resprayed and finish is said to be excellent.
Unfortunately no interior photos are provided, but exterior changes include the front fascia (though not the bumper or trim beneath it) and rear light treatment, as well as a neat custom lower rear valance and sharp basketweave wheels. No spec is provided, but is presumed to be standard Lexus, and we wouldn’t be surprised to discover high-range options like air suspension and Nakamichi sound. Says the seller: “Mechanically the car is good. Starts first time and drives beautifully, almost silently.”
Not sure what to make of that... I like the tails because it doesn't have all that red-orange plastic, mid 80's Corvette like. The front lines don't flow well to my eyes. Squarish bumper lights with round headlights and a grill that is a bit like Aston Martin-ish. The hood lines are mixed too.
Here is more on the story of the Allard LS400 or J2X concept, from what I have gathered over the years. It was a potential joint-project that Allard proposed to Toyota back in the early 90s. http://www.mulsannescorner.com/allardj2xstory.html
Despite the article above stating two were made, the previous owner of the car posted here states that it was one of three prototypes - I have never seen the other two resurface, but one was supposedly destroyed in a wreck. However, here is a photo of another prototype, which sports a slightly different appearance:
The car posted in this thread was recently painted black, but originally was a factory Cobalt Blue Metallic [[url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/carspotterandrew98/14390840905]flickr posting]:
seeing the car with so much odd body work and subpar repainting of the seat accents does not line up with the Japanese execution of the car.
lexus was launching a brand at the time. allard coming by and try to do whatever it was to collaborate was ill-timed, and glad they didn't gain traction to the masses.
As a longtime Lexus LS400's owner & enthusiast, it hurts just to look what they did to a beautiful car, especially the steering wheel & the paint job on the seat. What were they thinking? I'm glad the collaboration didn't materialized. Thanks God.
I have just bought this. It’s quite tidy for its age and the engine sounds amazing.
Awesome purchase. You can actually say "I have a one, or 2, of a kind" vehicle. I'm up in the air around the looks of it. But 2 things I don't like are the interior color and the taillights, especially with the screws showing like they do. I do like the wheels though but they're pretty time consuming to clean. I had some crosslaces on an old Grand Prix that took forever to get every spot.
Welcome to the club.
01-24-19, 04:41 PM
Allard P4 = LS400
