2001 LEXUS SC 430 V8 5AT (286 HP)

Vehicle Overview

While the first generation of the Lexus SC was a luxurious coupe, its predecessor was transformed into an elegant coupe-cabriolet to compete in the premium segment.

In 2001, Lexus decided to leave its competitors behind and offered a luxurious four-seat coupe-cabriolet. Neither Mercedes-Benz nor BMW had something like that on their offer. Finally, Lexus had something unique against its main rivals. Its shape was unusual for its class and showed a different approach to the premium segment. Lexus aimed at the younger, wealthy generation that didn’t want to go for the old brands’ conservative styling.

Its tear-shaped headlights and the reversed trapezoidal grille were typical for the SC series. Lexus’ designers tried to make an aerodynamic vehicle, and they succeeded. But it looked like they were not very concerned about how the coupe will look when it was closed; the car definitely looked better with the top down.

Toyota understood that most of the owners would drive with a companion and only occasionally with someone on the rear seats. The carmaker admitted that it was a 2+2 coupe-cabriolet and not a proper four-seat vehicle. While the front, thick and comfortable seats were cushioned and spoiled their occupants with an excellent level of comfort, there was little legroom left for the rear ones. Moreover, there was hardly any headroom left for anyone taller than a teenager with the car covered.

Under the hood, Lexus placed its bets on a 4.3-liter V-8 engine that offered 420 hp, which it sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission. Despite the car’s weight, it was surprisingly quick. But it was more of a premium GT than a fast roadster or coupe.