A ROLLS-ROYCE used to be regarded as the finest car in the world, even if it was primarily because the company made the modest claim itself and no one dared to question it.
Rolls went to great lengths to safeguard its image, including even arranging for covered lorries to transport stricken vehicles so that no one ever saw one broken down.
Families awaiting rescue by the roadside were assumed to be picnicking.
Buyers had to agree never to allow their vehicles to be towed and there were a string of other conditions of ownership to maintain the myths.
These days things are far simpler because everyone knows that BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and even Japanese company Lexus make much better motors and there is an independent World Car competition to reinforce the point.
This year's winner is the Lexus LS460, which is everything that a Rolls-Royce used to be, plus the added benefits of supreme reliability and real-world running costs.
It is quite simply a car that is impossible to fault although it may not be to everyone's tastes.
The usual clichés about magic carpet rides, whisper quietness, last word in luxury, epitome of engineering excellence and the rest of the well-worn accolades apply.
The Lexus has them all by the bucketful and for anyone who wants a car with all of the kudos of a Roller without the ostentation and prohibitive running costs, the Lexus is indeed the world's finest motor car.
It will not appeal to driving enthusiasts under the age of 50 but then there are BMW 7 Series, Audi A8s and Mercedes-Benz S-Classes to cater for them.
The Lexus is unashamedly aimed at those of a certain age who simply want the best but do not wish to act as though they were practicing for a Grand Prix every time they drive to the office.
True, there is a 4.6-litre eight cylinder engine beneath the bonnet generating 375bhp to enable the Lexus to nip to 62mph from rest in just over five and a half seconds.
And also true, it will glide effortlessly at the electronically-limited top speed of 155mph, at which point the discerning music lover will be able to hear every trombone and piccolo note of Beethoven's Fifth.
However, it is the overwhelming air of ultimate quality and perfection that will impress most of all, with the sort of attention to detail that a Roller can only dream about.
Equipment levels are of the highest possible order, as buyers might rightly expect for a car costing £71,000, which is even pricier than the rival Mercedes-Benz S500.
By way of justification Lexus is claiming eight world firsts for its flagship model.
They include an eight-speed automatic transmission and an advanced pre-crash safety system that activates the safety features in the instant before impact to maximise passenger protection.
There is an advanced obstacle detection system using radar detection for hazards ahead and a driver monitoring system that sounds a warning and primes safety systems if the driver dozes off at the wheel.
Emergency steering assist helps the driver steer the right way in a skid whilst the intelligent powertrain control system creates smoother, quieter, safer and more efficient engine power control.
The rear pre-crash safety system adjusts seatbelts and headrests just ahead of a rear-end smash to protect against whiplash and VVT-iE electric camshaft activation gives better engine efficiency over a wider speed range.
The road ahead is scanned by a radar and infra-red camera to warn of a potential collision with another vehicle or pedestrian, while another camera follows the driver's head movement and triggers an alert if the eyes are not looking ahead when a collision risk is detected.
If there is no avoiding an impact the brakes, front seatbelts and suspension are all primed to optimise performance.
The car comes in three versions: LS 460, LS 460 SE and LS 460 SE-L with prices of £57,000, £65,000 and £71,000, with all three attracting group 18E insurance.
The only problem with the Lexus is that for some drivers, including me, it is actually too perfect.
I would prefer the Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz S-Class ahead of it, although when I am another ten years older I may feel differently.
FAST FACTS
Lexus LS 460 4.6 V8 SE-L
Price: £71,000
Mechanical: 375bhp, 4,608cc, 8cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 8spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 5.7 secs
Combined mpg: 25.4
Insurance group: 19
CO2 emissions: 261g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust