Every now and then, a car comes along that isn’t just built—it’s curated. Stefan Kotze’s 1999 Lexus LS400 is one of those rare machines that blends refinement with raw character, a proper land yacht that’s floated through South Africa’s streets with unmistakable presence. Now, after years of careful upgrades and deep attention to detail, Stefan is ready to let someone else enjoy the ride.
The LS400, affectionately known for its bulletproof V8 and bank-vault build quality, has been transformed into something far beyond its original executive intent. Sitting low and purposeful thanks to a full Airlift Performance air suspension setup, it commands attention with a presence that’s both elegant and menacing. Tucking a set of 19-inch two-piece Riverside Trafficstar STR wheels wrapped in fresh tyres, it glides with that unmistakable VIP authority.
The exterior wears a custom paintjob that highlights the car’s flowing lines and low-slung silhouette, while the interior has been overhauled to reflect the same level of bespoke care. Inside, it's more than just comfortable—it's a space built to impress, whether you're behind the wheel or stretched out in the back.
But this car isn’t just about the look. Open the boot and you’ll find a custom Rockford Fosgate install that turns the Lexus into a rolling sound studio. Two P2 10-inch subs handle the low-end punch, driven by a dedicated Rockford monoblock amp. A four-channel RF amp feeds Punch component speakers front and rear, and everything is controlled via a Sony double-din CarPlay head unit up front. The sound system is as crisp as the car’s stance—clean, deep, and seriously dialed in.
Underneath, the custom stainless steel exhaust adds just the right amount of rumble to the LS’s smooth V8 note. It’s subtle when it needs to be, but never boring. It all ties together into a build that balances luxury and aggression with surprising ease.
With 283,000 km on the clock, the car still runs strong, a testament to both the Lexus engineering and Stefan’s careful maintenance. Included in the sale are the original Lexus wheels and tyres, along with the full stock suspension setup for anyone looking to return it to a factory ride—though, let’s be honest, once you’ve seen it laid out, there’s no going back.
The asking price is R250,000, and considering the quality, the rarity, and the level of detail that’s gone into the build, that number makes sense. Stefan is open to negotiation, but if the right buyer doesn’t come along, he’s ready to part it out and return it to stock—which would be a loss for the scene, no question.
