The fourth-generation Toyota Supra and its 2JZ inline-six engine get the headlines, however the automaker launched a couple of different fashions with Supra underpinnings and the identical iconic powerplant. Amongst them was the unique Lexus SC, additionally identified in Japan because the Toyota Soarer, a two-door touring automobile that bought with both the inline-six or a V8 engine for a couple of magical years within the Nineties.
The ’90s had been an important decade for automobile fanatics, because the interval yielded a number of luxurious touring coupes just like the Acura Legend and Mercedes-Benz CL. Toyota’s younger Lexus model wanted a competitor, so the automaker tasked its California design crew with the undertaking, creating the unique SC within the course of. Although the automobile would evolve into a unusual convertible later in life, the first-generation fashions are already deep into trendy traditional territory.
Why is the Lexus SC a Future Traditional?
We now look again on the SC 300 as a stable tuning platform, due to its 2JZ inline-six, however its preliminary attraction relied closely on its styling. The automobile had virtually no straight strains, and it was impressively aerodynamic. Lexus additionally supplied the SC 300 with a five-speed guide transmission, which at present is probably the most fascinating and hard-to-find configuration. The V8-powered SC 400 isn’t fairly as common at present, however its Lexus LS engine and glossy touring physique model are onerous to disregard.
Lexus bought the first-generation SC for greater than 9 years, giving it an especially lengthy lifecycle by Nineties requirements. It remained largely the identical over that interval, getting solely minor updates to its exterior styling. Although it shared its naturally-aspirated engine with the Supra, the SC 300 model had a couple of extra horsepower and a extra luxurious inside. Lexus leaned into that positioning later within the automobile’s lifecycle, eradicating the guide transmission choice after the 1997 mannequin yr.
Whereas it loved an extended manufacturing run, unmodified examples of the SC 300, particularly fashions with the guide transmission, are onerous to seek out. As soon as individuals found that they might have 90 % of the Supra expertise with out the Supra price ticket, they started snapping up the vehicles for drifting, racing and different initiatives, leaving many examples in items or in any other case trashed. These vehicles had been additionally seemingly common on the company rental circuit, as many have exceedingly excessive miles with decent-condition our bodies.
Common costs for the vehicles range wildly relying on the configuration. Guide variations are significantly costlier than automatics, and the SC 300 is usually extra common than the 400 due to its inline-six-cylinder engine. An excellent-condition SC 300 might be had for as little as $2,000 with greater miles, and clear low-mile examples with automated transmissions go for between $5,000 and $10,000, relying on mileage. If you happen to’re hoping for a manual-equipped SC, put together for an extended search and be able to accept a automobile that may not be in your most well-liked specification or situation. Issues are much less irritating on the SC 400 aspect, however the identical caveats for circumstances apply.
What’s the very best instance of a Lexus SC 300 or SC 400?
There are not any dangerous years from the automobile’s prolonged run in the marketplace, however the guide transmission was solely supplied for the SC 300 and solely by means of 1997. The later vehicles bought extra energy and barely reworked options, however the mannequin line remained remarkably constant all through its time on sale.
Each the inline-six and V8 engines are usually thought-about dependable, although that may change if the automobile has been modified or abused. It’s vital to seek out one with one of the best inside attainable, because the alternative elements are troublesome to seek out and costly. If you happen to plan to change or compete with the automobile, the SC 300 with a guide is your greatest wager. It’s additionally attainable to retrofit a guide in vehicles outfitted with the automated, however the job is labor-intensive and greatest left to the professionals.
Make sure you take a look at our used car listings; they are often useful for locating a superb deal. You possibly can slim the choices down by a radius round your ZIP code, and you’ll want to take note of the deal ranking on every itemizing to see how a car compares with others in the same space.
Are there any good alternate options to the Lexus SC?
There are a number of wonderful alternate options to the SC, although all of them undergo from the identical age- and enthusiast-related issues. The Nissan 300ZX is a stable selection, however twin-turbo variants are uncommon and costly, and lots of examples have been closely modified.
The Mazda RX-7 from the Nineties is one other traditional with comparable challenges. Lastly, there’s the Toyota Supra, which simply outpaces the SC on worth and desirability, due to its starring position in a sure car-based film franchise.