What are the next collectables? What should we keeping?

[Dr Terry]

A Lexus is made by Toyota but is not part of the Toyota model range. It was never an improved/modified production model.

This is only true for some model Lexus. An ES300 for example is a Camry, it even uses the same model number on the body ID plate. It was like this for all 3 generations so far: VCV10, MCV20 & MCV30. The RX330 is just a Kluger (model numbers MCU28 & GSU35/40), & The Lexus GS300 & SC400 are Toyota Soarers. The LX470 is a fancy Landcruiser V8 (UZJ100). I can go on.

There are some Lexus models that are not made as a Toyotas, but many are. It depends what you call improved/modified. HSVs shared virtually all body panel with regular Holdens, but Lasers & Mazda 323 in the 90s were very different to each other.

The whole badge engineering thing has been done to death forever. Look at 1950 Yank & Pommy cars, BMC in particular were masters at it & have a look under US market Buicks, Oldsmobiles & Pontiacs in those days, they shared a lot of stuff with Chevs, except the engines of course.

Have a close look at an 1959 Edsel, it's just a tank Fairlane with different grille & tail-lights.

Dr Terry