Fox Marketing Lexus IS F & IS-C Get Crushed


The last few days have not been kind to Lexus automobiles — first it was the Belgian hacksaw attack on a LS 400, and now we have two SEMA show cars built by Fox Marketing being destroyed due to federal regulations:

(For reference, here’s the 2009 Twin-Turbo IS F & 2010 IS-C in the good ol’ days.)

In talking with Brian Fox, I knew this day was coming — all show cars have a limited life and can’t be resold because to the legal ramifications. Still, it’s sad to see it end this way — nothing prepares you for the sight of two perfectly functional cars being crushed.

Update: The reasoning behind these vehicles being crushed is confusing at best, but TLE commenter JoeZ has a good explanation:

The reason is because the cars are brought into the country as “Manufacturer Tester Vehicles”. These cars were developed before production started on the assembly line and are mostly hand built. These cars do receive temporary registration, which allows them to be driven, but like the car themselves also have a “Time of Expiration”

Lexus allowed the use of these pre-production cars to “Showcase” how they can be modified in the hands of car builders… With the knowledge that within several years, they would have to be pulled of the road and also destroyed.

(Thanks to everyone who sent this in!)

AutoshowsLexus IS F: First GenerationLexus IS-C: First GenerationUSAVideos
Comments
Y
Fox Marketing said the car doesn't have VIN code , but I wonder why they can't sell those doors , roof & even interior or engine for spare parts ? Or those component also no code as well ? Anyway , because it's somehow reasonable , I'm still ok to see this .
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    Ljn71
  • May 28, 2012
I wish those colours would find their way to production cars. My only complaint with Lexus is a somewhat conservative colour palette.
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      leozno1
    • May 29, 2012
    Pssh if you think Lexus is conservative, go to BMW's website and check out the colors they offer the 3 series in.
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    Nomnu
  • May 28, 2012
Wow that's crazy
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    Joshd
  • May 28, 2012
What makes them illegal?
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    Clubae86
  • May 28, 2012
nothing illegal.  Just factory pre-production test vehicle (No VIN attached) being distroyed
    K
    • K
    • May 28, 2012
    What's strange is that Fox Marketing says there are VINs attached to the cars in the Youtube video description.
J
Yes, there are VINs attached to these Vehicles.... However these unique 17 digit VIN#s can never be registered legally with a local DMV. The reason is because the cars are brought into the country as "Manufacturer Tester Vehicles". These cars were developed before production started on the assembly line and are mostly hand built. These cars do receive temporary registration, which allows them to be driven, but like the car themselves also have a "Time of Expiration" Lexus allowed the use of these pre-production cars to "Showcase" how they can be modified in the hands of car builders... With the knowledge that within several years, they would have to be pulled of the road and also destroyed. Here is another Lexus IS-F "Tester Vehicle" used for Lexus / Toyota Technician Training, meeting the end of its useful life.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHiDOmFZO3A Sad to see them being destroyed.... But it happens for every car Manufacturer.. ~ Joe Z
    K
    • K
    • May 28, 2012
    Thanks for the explanation, my friend. I find the whole thing very confusing myself. I've added your comment to the original post. :-)
Y
Why can't they made it for ... erm ... race car ? Like drift car ?
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    Joshd
  • May 28, 2012
The IS F sadly got the worst of it.. that thing is as flat as a pancake.  Still confused on why they need to be destroyed completely and not just be used a show cars... Couldn't they at least save some of the body like the front/rear bumpers?  
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    leozno1
  • May 29, 2012
Wooowww that sucks!!! Btw...I live in York, Pennsylvania!! =)

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