The Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance is one of the last naturally aspirated V8 sports sedans on sale, and this example wears a rare, limited specification. Finished in Molten Pearl, it is 1 of just 150 built with the Special Appearance Package for 2023. It sits on Cars and Bids at $34,567 with six days to go.
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What it’s worth right now
The V8-powered IS 500 holds its value well and is drawing genuine collector interest. According to Kelley Blue Book and current listings, 2023 IS 500 Premium examples carry a fair purchase price close to $57,600, with private-party values in the mid $50,000s and dealer retail generally running into the high $60,000s.
The rare specification and low mileage support the upper end of that range. A limited Special Appearance Package car in a striking color with low mileage is exactly what enthusiasts and collectors want. Fair value lands at $52,000 to $64,000, with $58,000 the most likely close.
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Condition and details
The specification is the standout. This is 1 of just 150 cars built with the Special Appearance Package for 2023, finished in the rare and striking Molten Pearl over black, and equipped as a Premium with a Torsen limited-slip differential, F Sport adaptive suspension, and a Mark Levinson sound system.
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The engine is the heart of the appeal. The naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 produces 472 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic, a genuinely special powertrain that harks back to the original IS F and one that Lexus discontinued after the 2025 model year, giving it real future-collectible significance.
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The condition and history are strong. It shows just 12,800 miles, remains under factory warranty, and has been garage-kept, with only minor cosmetic flaws noted, though the Carfax lists two owners due to a dealership-to-dealership transfer before the seller bought it nearly new, and the tires carry 2022 date codes.
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The offer
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Make | Lexus |
| Model | IS 500 F Sport Performance |
| Year | 2023 |
| Mileage | 12,800 miles |
| Engine | 2UR-GSE 5.0-liter V8 |
| Power | 472 hp and 395 lb.ft of torque |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Exterior color | Molten Pearl |
| Interior color | Black |
| Current bid | $34,567, with six days left |
Interested in this 2023 Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance? View the listing here.
What makes the IS 500 unique
The IS 500 F Sport Performance is a wonderful anachronism, a compact sports sedan powered by a big, naturally aspirated V8 in an era of turbocharged and electrified rivals. Lexus dropped its 5.0-liter V8 into the third-generation IS to create a spiritual successor to the beloved IS F, and the result is a car with a soulful, high-revving engine, a glorious naturally aspirated soundtrack, and genuine muscle-sedan character. It prioritizes engagement and sound over outright specification-sheet numbers, delivering the kind of visceral, old-school experience that has all but disappeared from the class.
Cars & Bids
That combination of a naturally aspirated V8, rear-wheel drive, and Lexus reliability is exactly what makes the IS 500 so special, and increasingly collectible. With the model discontinued after 2025 and only a few thousand built, these are genuinely rare, and this car’s limited Special Appearance Package and striking Molten Pearl finish make it one of the more desirable examples, a car that looks set to be appreciated for years to come.
My take
This is a special and genuinely collectible sports sedan, and the specification is exactly right. The 1-of-150 Special Appearance Package status, the rare Molten Pearl finish, the low mileage, and the remaining factory warranty make it a standout example, and the glorious naturally aspirated V8 is the kind of engine the industry no longer builds.
Fair value sits at $52,000 to $64,000, with $58,000 the most likely result, and the appeal is a preservation-grade example of a future classic rather than any real drawback. Before bidding, confirm the specification against the window sticker, note the two-owner Carfax stems from a dealer transfer, and factor in the tire age. Handle that, and this is a rare, characterful, and appreciating V8 sports sedan.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.
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About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog