Vehicle Description
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
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.