Spotted: not just any Lexus IS

The second-generation Lexus IS entered the market in 2005. The model was also quite popular in the Netherlands and you still see it driving with some regularity. It does almost always involve a “regular” Lexus IS. There are two performances that deserve a spot in this section – herewith! Those two models are the sporty IS F and the IS C.

The Lexus IS F

The Lexus IS F was the sporty flagship model, which, with a 311 kW (423 hp) 5.0-liter V8 and rear-wheel drive (and an eight-speed automatic transmission), could really hold its own with cars like the then BMW M3. It is not for nothing that the Lexus IS has sometimes been called “the Japanese BMW 3 Series. Not surprisingly, however, the IS F cost quite a bit in the Netherlands. The exact amount varies from year to year, but a good euroton was spent. No matter how good the car was, rarity was guaranteed with this.

The Lexus IS C

Today, however, the Lexus IS C takes the stage. In 2009, a second body variant was added to the lineup: a convertible version. The IS C featured a steel folding roof, which opened or closed automatically in 21 seconds. Like so many steel-roofed convertibles, the car had a somewhat very high rear end, but otherwise it was a very successful model as far as we were concerned.

The Leuxs IS C was available in three versions: the IS 250 C, the IS 300 C and the IS 350 C. The IS 300 C was delivered only in a few countries, the other models basically worldwide. In the Netherlands, however, only the IS 250 C was on the price list, with Luxury and Executive trim levels. In addition to the necessary comfort, this gave you a 153 kW (208 hp) 2.5-liter V6 with six-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.

Besides the fact that the Netherlands is not really a convertible country anyway, a price tag of over 60,000 euros also stood in the way of sales success. Similarly, the Lexus IS C remained a rarity on Dutch roads.

The spotted specimen

However, they are out there and this example, which our colleague Bart came across in the parking garage of the Louwman Museum in The Hague, proves it. To be precise, it is a 2010 Lexus IS 250 C, which has had Dutch asphalt under its wheels since 2012. The current owner has been enjoying his exclusive convertible since 2020. As if the car did not stand out enough on its own, it is also painted in metallic light blue. A color that looks very good as far as we are concerned.