2002 Lexus SC430There's something mesmerizing about a hardtop convertible. When Ford introduced the '57 Skyliner, it was an instant hit, garnering loads of attention for...
2002 Lexus SC430
There's something mesmerizing about a hardtop convertible. When Ford introduced the '57 Skyliner, it was an instant hit, garnering loads of attention for offering the world's first mass-produced, electrically operated retractable metal top. It was a whiz-bang kind of innovation so emblematic of the Flash Gordon era. Today, the concept is still attractive: a solid top for security and poor weather coziness, with the full tanning bed treatment available at the touch of a button.
For consignment, a taste of some bell and whistle technology with this Lexus SC 430 and its retractable hardtop. Worth the price of admission just to watch it work, and then add in some 4.3 Liter V8 power and an abundance of creature comforts and welcome to the future Flash Gordon!
Exterior
Conceived by Toyota's European design center, the SC 430's curvaceous lines somewhat mimic those of the Audi TT, though on a slightly larger scale. To that, the designers added a bit of French Riviera style with sweeping fender flares, a sculpted hood, and a broad brushed rounded over grille. The wind formed tail resembles a slightly widened, previous-generation Acura CL, while the glinty-eyed trapezoidal headlights are very Toyota. Overhangs are short, with the wheels pushed hard to the corners. The look is dramatic, for sure, and it's all bathed in White Crystal Pearl. This paint is like the freshly driven snow looking fab on all the surfaces. A side view gives you a peek into the future with the rounded doors and the curvaceous top before it gently disappears into the rear of the vehicle. A small spoiler is on top of the trunk deck, and a single exhaust port is poking out on either side under the neoprene bumper. 18-inch starburst Lexus wheels are wrapped in 235/45R18's on all 4 corners completing the round mound of ground pound.
Interior
Lowering that top for the 10th time, (it's that neat-o to watch), reveals a rich warm cabin made up of saddle brown leather, wood burl panels, all intermixing with more round design for the black dash top. High back buckets sit in front and sport more of the rounded look, even for the headrests. In back a 2 plus 2 rear bench is crammed in behind the buckets. In the saddle and burl center console which houses a few sport modes, seat heaters, dual small pop up storage areas and the gear shift prior to it rising to the center. As it does this it meets up with some stitched padded saddle leather where the AM/FM/Cassette/6 Disc CD Changer with a digital display and a brushed aluminum finish, and just above the temp control center. On top of this center is a lineup of buttons which control a burl wood faced pop up screen for the navigation and other function displays. In front of the driver a trio of deep inset overlapping round gauges fronted by a burl and rubber rimmed steering wheel from which you can also control the radio. Clean dark tan carpeting covers the floors and a note to the back seat a glass window will pop up between the seats for smoother airflow.
Drivetrain
4.3 Liters of DOHC V8 are under the hood and they are awaiting to unleash 300hp at the touch of the accelerator. On the back is a Toyota Aisin-Warner A650E 5-speed automatic. The rear axle is a wheel spinning 3.266 ratio. All buttoned up and clean as a whistle under this hood.
Undercarriage
A bit of patina and an even smaller amount of some surface rust here and there, but otherwise all structurally sound with a reinforcing black frame making a V in the center for extra structural support when the top is down. Plenty of pressed aluminum panels for the floor pans, and framing. Independent MacPherson strut front suspension, and independent coil springs for the back along with power disc brakes on all 4 corners. A dual H pipe exhaust makes its way rearward from the mill.
Drive-Ability
A quick starter, and very nice smooth endless acceleration on the test track. Rail like handling, and bias free panic stopping give this Lexus an A+. I noticed the navigation system needs a disc to to operate. All else was working just great.
A sporty Japanese bean if you will, with that retractable hardtop and a nice warm interior of leather and burl. Not too bad on the convenience front either, so we can definitely call it a luxury sports car that can plant your body into those buckets nice and deep. After all, Lexus does mean Luxury!
VIN DECODE
JTHFN48Y320034710
J-Japan
T-Toyota
H-Lexus
F-2 Door Convertible
N-4.3L V8 300hp
4-Code Configuration
8-Manual Belts, Front & Side Airbags
4-SC430
3-Check Digit
2-2002
O-Higashi, Fuji Assy Plant
034710-Sequential Unit Number