The recent spike in classic Japanese car prices has left many potential buyers in the dust. Blue-chip cars like the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7 are already out of reach for many people, but astute enthusiasts can find worthwhile alternatives. For example, consider the 1992 SC400 for sale on eBay.
The Lexus SC rides on the platform that underpins the fourth-generation Supra. But it was engineered for more sophistication and luxury.
The Supra came equipped with a 320-horsepower twin-turbo straight-six and a 6-speed manual. But the drivetrain’s construction was so stout that the aftermarket could extract two to three times that amount of power with a stock bottom end.
The Lexus SC400 is Over-Engineered and Over-Built
The Lexus SC, the Supra’s suaver cousin, came in two flavors. The SC300 had a naturally aspirated version of the Supra’s 3.0-liter straight-six in the SC300, mated to a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. The SC400, like the car for sale, came with the Lexus LS400’s 4.0-liter V-8.
No matter which powertrain, Toyota and Lexus over-engineered and over-built their high-end cars. No wonder modified examples can withstand so much power, and why unmodified examples run forever with only basic maintenance.
Furthermore, the rear-wheel-drive Lexus SC offers a supremely comfortable motoring experience. The doors close with the thunk of a bank vault, and the luxurious leather seats and sweeping dash provide a cocoon of calm from the world’s stresses. The cabin is almost unnervingly quiet, and the suspension is solid enough to carry you through the roughest city streets.
Gliding in a Spaceship
An extra set of OEM SC400 alloy wheels is included.
The Lexus SC400’s true calling is as a grand tourer on the open highway. It glides over long distances with the utmost poise. Occupants stay refreshed even after days of driving.
The Lexus SC400 for sale is located in Story, Wyo. We can only imagine the miles this gorgeous coupe has spanned across the great western US.
As you glide in the left lane, passengers in ordinary rides will wonder what kind of spaceship just passed by. The SC’s design was revolutionary for its time—so sleek and long that Toyota had to engineer special hinges that pull the doors away from the body as they open.
Finished in Garnet Red Pearl over gray leather, the Lexus SC400 for sale is a stunning example of the breed. It boasts only a hair over 70,000 miles, which by 1990s Lexus standards means it’s just getting started. The natural life on its timing belt is around 60,000, so buyers will want to check if the previous owner performed that service.
Dial 1 to travel three decades back in time.
According to the seller, the car comes with complete documentation and service records. And as the eBay listing notes, the headlights still shine as clear as day, indicating it’s been garaged for most of its life. It appears to be all stock, down to the optional 90s-era car phone. However, there is a welcomed aftermarket Bluetooth head unit.
Considering its asking price of $11,995, this first-year Lexus SC400 is a tremendous value. Buy it as an investment or for years of driving enjoyment. Either way, you won’t lose out.
