1999 Lexus LS400

“Luscious Lex”

Owned by: Josh Turner

Photos by: Jason Carroll

For the March 2026 Issue, we spotlight a build that perfectly blends Japanese luxury with lowrider-level artistry. Owned and built by Josh Turner, this 1999 Lexus LS400 isn’t just a car — it’s a six-year evolution of vision, friendship, and relentless attention to detail.

Originally purchased for $5,800, Josh’s LS400 has transformed into a $44,600 rolling work of art that commands attention from every angle.

The Inspiration: JDM Roots Meet Lowrider Art

Josh has always had love for JDM cars, but his appreciation for lowriders — especially the intricate paintwork — pushed this build into another dimension.

After forming a friendship with a local lowrider crew, Josh connected with painter Paulo Barajas of Polos Custom Paint. What started as a simple idea to paint just the roof quickly evolved into a full exterior transformation layered with patterns, candy finishes, and detailed graphics.

The result is a luxury VIP-style Lexus finished with the craftsmanship and presence of a show-winning lowrider.

The Build Journey: Six Years of Evolution

Josh has owned the LS400 for seven years and spent six of those refining it into what it is today. With a background in electronics and wiring, he handled much of the detailed lighting and tucked wiring work himself, making this his most in-depth project to date.

When he first bought the car, it was already lowered on coilovers and sitting on the same Work GR Esfidas wheels it wears today. In fact, he admits the wheels were the main reason he purchased it. After driving it slammed for about a year, he decided the stress of daily driving that low wasn’t worth it and upgraded to Airlift Performance suspension.

That change sparked a bigger vision. Over the next five years, parts were sourced, bodywork was refined, and the LS400 steadily transformed into a fully realized show build.

The paint is where this Lexus truly separates itself. The base color is Chrysler Delmonico Red Pearlcoat, layered with House of Kolor Kandy Apple Red. Airbrushed patterns combined with turned silver leaf give the car depth and dimension under different lighting.

All paint and graphics were completed by Paulo Barajas of Polos Custom Paint, with bodywork contributions from Josh’s brother Jason Turner and Chris Collins.

The exterior features an Aimgain PureVIP body kit, K-Break slotted grille, Artisan Spirits fender vents, and a factory Midnight Style roof wing. The rear trunk has been shaved with custom swing hinges, the roofline has been smoothed at the rear window, and the fenders have been rolled, pulled, and shaved. Even the strut towers were shaved for a cleaner engine bay presentation.

The attention to detail extends to the air tank, which was painted to match the exterior finish and patterns for a cohesive show look.

Suspension & Stance: VIP Presence

The LS400 lays out with approximately a six-inch drop when aired out. The setup includes Airlift Performance struts and bags, Airlift 3P management, and a VIAIR 444C chrome compressor. Custom front and rear crash bars with integrated jack points add both functionality and structural refinement.

The stance is dialed in with 18×10 +10 wheels up front and 18×11 +5 in the rear, wrapped in 215/40/18 and 235/40/18 tires. The fitment is aggressive yet refined, perfectly complementing the VIP aesthetic.

Under the hood sits the original 4.0L Toyota/Lexus V8. While mechanically stock, the visual presentation matches the rest of the build. The intake manifold has been carbon fiber hydrodipped and powder coated, engine covers are candy painted with matching patterns, and the wiring has been tucked for a clean display. A custom dual catback exhaust enhances the sound while maintaining the car’s luxury character.

Inside, the red and gray theme continues with red leather outer panels and gray leather inner sections accented by red stitching, completed by LTide Japan. Diamond-stitched floor mats and door cards elevate the interior presentation.

A custom switch panel controls underglow, the star headliner, trunk lighting, and taillight show mode. The audio system includes a Kenwood BT332U head unit, Alpine S-A60M amplifier, Infinity Kappa interior speakers, and a 12-inch Infinity Kappa 1200W subwoofer housed in a custom enclosure. The stereo and wiring were installed by Josh and his father, Les Turner.

Additional touches include a Rodak Knobs fusion wood and candy paint shift knob, InfluencedVIP window curtains, and 35 percent tint all around.

Built on Family and Community

Josh credits much of the build’s success to his brother Jason Turner, who played a major role throughout the project, and his father Les Turner, who assisted with wiring and lighting. Paulo Barajas brought the paint vision to life, while PMD_VIP out of Florida sourced the body kit and Kaizen VIP Parts helped track down rare and discontinued components.

This LS400 is not just a personal achievement — it’s the product of collaboration and shared passion.

While Josh considers the original build list complete, there is one future goal: a six-speed manual swap. The LS400 never came factory with a manual transmission, but enthusiasts have proven it can be done. If it happens, it would add another layer of uniqueness to an already standout build.

Josh Turner’s 1999 Lexus LS400 represents a seamless blend of JDM influence and lowrider artistry. It’s bold yet refined, detailed without being excessive, and built patiently over six years.