The 2000 Lexus SC 430 Concept, introduced at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, marked Lexus's intent to replace the first-generation SC 300/400. The production version unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April 2000, featured a V8-powered convertible with a 4.3 L 3UZ-FE engine producing 288 hp and 430 N⋅m of torque. The car, designed as a convertible from the start, showcased a streamlined design developed by a team led by chief engineer Yasushi Nakagawa.
The SC 430's chassis incorporated a double-wishbone setup for both front and rear wheels, sharing elements with the GS 430 sport sedan. Safety features included traction control and vehicle stability control, with a ULEV emissions certification rating. The retractable aluminum hardtop, luxurious all-leather interior, navigation screen with a folding wood panel, and 18-inch aluminum wheels added to its premium appeal.
The interior featured Burl Walnut or Bird's Eye Maple wood trim, a Mark Levinson sound system, DVD-based navigation, and headlamp washers. The SC 430, marketed as the "jewel of Lexus," received positive reviews for its comfort, speed, smoothness, and quietness. It gained acclaim as the highest-ranked premium luxury vehicle in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey in 2004 and 2005.
Lexus also introduced the SC "Pebble Beach Edition" in 2004, a limited-production model with unique exterior and interior color combinations. This special edition garnered attention for its distinctive features and changing color schemes each model year. Despite its initial success, the Lexus SC 430 faced criticism in 2012 when Top Gear presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May labeled it as the worst car ever built, citing issues with handling, ride, and style.
Source & Images: Lexus; Wikipedia
