LS400 Body Kit Builds: Why This Classic Sedan Is Still Popular
The Lexus LS400 has earned legendary status among automotive enthusiasts for its smooth ride, bulletproof reliability, and timeless luxury. Introduced as Lexus’ flagship sedan, the LS400 challenged established European luxury brands while setting new standards for comfort and engineering. Decades after its debut, this iconic sedan continues to attract a loyal following, with many owners investing in an ls400 body kit to modernize its appearance and create a unique custom build.
Whether you’re restoring a classic luxury sedan or building a head-turning show car, the LS400 offers an excellent platform for customization. This guide explores why the LS400 remains popular and how the right body kit can completely transform its look.
The Legacy of the Lexus LS400
When Lexus launched the LS400 in 1989, it redefined expectations for luxury sedans. It offered exceptional build quality, advanced technology for its time, and one of the smoothest V8 engines on the market.
Even today, many first- and second-generation LS400 models remain on the road thanks to their dependable engineering. Their clean design and strong aftermarket support make them an attractive choice for customization projects.
Why the LS400 Is Still Popular
The enduring appeal of the LS400 comes from a combination of reliability, comfort, and customization potential.
Legendary Reliability
The 4.0-liter V8 engine is known for its durability, with many well-maintained examples exceeding 300,000 miles. This reliability gives owners confidence to invest in cosmetic upgrades like an ls400 body kit.
Timeless Design
Unlike many vehicles from the 1990s, the LS400 features elegant styling that has aged remarkably well. Its clean body lines provide an excellent foundation for both subtle and aggressive modifications.
Comfortable Daily Driver
Even by modern standards, the LS400 delivers a quiet cabin, comfortable suspension, and premium driving experience, making it suitable for both daily use and weekend car shows.
Affordable Luxury
Compared to newer luxury sedans, used LS400 models remain relatively affordable. This allows enthusiasts to allocate more of their budget toward modifications.
What Is an LS400 Body Kit?
An ls400 body kit consists of aftermarket exterior components designed to enhance the vehicle’s appearance. Depending on the style, a body kit may include:
- Front bumper
- Rear bumper
- Side skirts
- Front lip
- Rear diffuser
- Spoiler
- Fender flares
- Wide-body panels
Some owners choose subtle upgrades that maintain the car’s original elegance, while others opt for complete wide-body conversions.
Popular LS400 Body Kit Styles
Different body kit styles appeal to different types of enthusiasts.
OEM+ Style
OEM+ builds focus on enhancing the factory appearance without making drastic changes. These kits often include:
- Front lip spoiler
- Side skirts
- Rear lip
- Small trunk spoiler
This style preserves the luxury character of the LS400 while giving it a more modern look.
VIP Style
VIP styling originated in Japan and remains one of the most popular customization trends for luxury sedans.
Typical features include:
- Low ride height
- Deep front bumper
- Extended side skirts
- Large polished wheels
- Elegant exterior finish
VIP builds emphasize sophistication rather than aggressive performance.
Widebody Builds
Widebody kits dramatically alter the vehicle’s proportions by extending the fenders and allowing wider wheels and tires.
These builds are ideal for enthusiasts seeking maximum visual impact at automotive events.
Sport-Inspired Styling
Some owners transform the LS400 into a performance-inspired luxury sedan using aggressive front bumpers, carbon fiber splitters, diffusers, and larger rear spoilers.
Best Materials for an LS400 Body Kit
Choosing the right material affects durability, fitment, and overall cost.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane offers flexibility and resistance to minor impacts, making it a popular option for daily-driven vehicles.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is lightweight and affordable but requires careful handling because it can crack under heavy impact.
ABS Plastic
ABS plastic provides excellent fitment and durability while maintaining a factory-like appearance.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber delivers premium styling and weight savings, making it ideal for high-end custom builds.
Wheels and Suspension Complete the Look
Installing an ls400 body kit is only part of the transformation. Most successful builds also include suspension and wheel upgrades.
Popular modifications include:
- Adjustable coilovers
- Air suspension systems
- Larger alloy wheels
- Low-profile performance tires
These upgrades improve stance and create a more cohesive appearance.
Interior Upgrades for a Modern Feel
While exterior styling receives the most attention, many owners also refresh the cabin.
Common interior upgrades include:
- Leather seat restoration
- Modern infotainment systems
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Digital audio upgrades
- Ambient interior lighting
- Premium steering wheels
These improvements maintain the luxury experience while adding modern convenience.
Performance Modifications
Although the LS400 is primarily known for comfort, many enthusiasts add performance upgrades.
Popular options include:
- Cold air intake
- Performance exhaust system
- ECU tuning
- Suspension bushings
- Brake upgrades
These modifications improve driving dynamics without sacrificing reliability.
Things to Consider Before Buying an LS400 Body Kit
Before purchasing a body kit, consider several important factors.
Fitment Quality
Choose kits designed specifically for your LS400 model year. High-quality fitment reduces installation time and ensures professional-looking results.
Professional Installation
Most full body kits require:
- Test fitting
- Surface preparation
- Painting
- Proper alignment
Professional installation typically produces the best finish.
Paint Matching
Matching the original factory paint color is essential for a seamless appearance. Many owners repaint the entire vehicle when installing a complete body kit.
Budget Planning
Remember to account for:
- Purchase price
- Shipping costs
- Paint
- Labor
- Wheel alignment
- Additional suspension modifications
Is an LS400 Body Kit Worth It?
For many enthusiasts, the answer is yes. A quality ls400 body kit enhances the car’s appearance while preserving everything owners already appreciate about the LS400—its reliability, comfort, and refined driving experience.
Because the LS400 continues to enjoy strong aftermarket support, finding compatible styling components has become easier than ever.
Final Thoughts
The Lexus LS400 remains one of the most respected luxury sedans ever built. Its legendary reliability, timeless design, and affordable ownership make it a favorite among car enthusiasts worldwide. Installing an ls400 body kit allows owners to personalize this classic sedan while maintaining its sophisticated character.
Whether your goal is a clean OEM+ look, a VIP-inspired luxury build, or a bold wide-body project, the LS400 provides an outstanding foundation for customization. With the right combination of body styling, suspension, wheels, and interior upgrades, this iconic sedan continues to prove why it remains a standout in the automotive world decades after its original release.
