Al-Futtaim Motors, the exclusive distributor for Lexus in the UAE, has today revealed visitors to the Lexus stand at the 10th Dubai International Motor Show will witness the world’s first live transformation of a vehicle into ‘gold’.

Four expert craftsmen from the Paris based company Gold Emotion will apply 40,000 gold leaves to the luxury flagship SUV, the Lexus LX570 during the five day show. This is the first time such an event has occurred live at a motor show, marking the first commercial 24 carat gold car in the GCC.

Hugh Dickerson, General Manager, Sales and Marketing, Al-Futtaim Motors, stated: “There is a growing demand for custom design within the UAE automotive market and we want to explore this avenue for our Lexus customers. Gold Emotion provides a unique service that combines the traditional, elegant craftsmanship of gilding with modern day usage; a technique our customers will undoubtedly appreciate.”

Mr Dickerson continued: “The Dubai Motor Show is a fantastic platform on which to premier this new direction, and one that will be both entertaining and informative. Furthermore, it is particularly fitting to dress our Lexus flagship SUV with gold since we are currently celebrating the twentieth anniversary of the Lexus brand.”

Each leaf will be applied by hand in the age-old tradition of gilding; historically associated with the restoration of frames. Goldemotion continues this heritage through conservation projects at The Louvre, Paris and other prominent establishments within France, but has since developed its craft to encompass ‘event gilding’ abroad, providing decorative services for a wide variety of objects and special occasions.

Mr Dickerson confirmed that the special edition gold Lexus LX570 will be available for sale once the transformation is complete. Commenting on the durability of the gold application, Mr. Rousseau, Managing Director, Gold Emotion, responded: “The gold leaf is protected by a varnish which will allow the special edition LX570 to be driven just like any other vehicle. We are really excited about this unusual commission and delighted to bring this world premier attraction to Dubai.”

The Lexus Gold Emotion event will take place in Hall 4, at stand 450 alongside the main Lexus exhibition stand.