Lexus SC History

The first-generation SC debuted in the US as the SC 400 (1992 model year, on sale June 1991) — a sleek rear-drive two-door using the same 4.0L V8 as the LS 400. The SC 300, with an inline-six, followed for 1992. The pair won Motor Trend Import Car of the Year and appeared on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for seven consecutive years (1992–1998), cementing Lexus as a credible sporting brand.

The second generation arrived as the SC 430 for 2002 — a retractable hardtop convertible powered by a 4.3L V8. Mechanically conservative but beautifully built, it sold steadily for nearly a decade before production ended in July 2010. Lexus did not immediately replace the SC; the LC 500 eventually filled the grand-tourer role when it debuted for 2018.