Highlights
- Well maintained example
- Full dealer service history
- Rare late model with the 6-speed automatic transmission
The Appeal
There is a common misconception that for a vehicle to become a worthy classic, that it must be liked from the moment it hits the showrooms. Untrue. The SC 430 had a pretty rough time when it was launched in the early 2000’s, culminating with the Top gear boys famously labelling it as “the worst car in the world”. Despite their verbal thrashing, many motoring journalists actually came to adore the car, and with values recently appreciating we feel their word was certainly wrong.
Luxury was the name of the game for the SC 430, coming fitted with an impressive Mark Levinson sound system, a lavish leather interior and a 3-part folding hard-top convertible roof. An “affordable” alternative to the Porsche 911, Mercedes SL and Jaguar XK8 of the same era. The aim was to produce a luxury cruiser rather than a raucous racer, and Lexus executed it wonderfully.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered on the 29th of June 2009
- V5C is present in the current owners name and ready for transfer
- MOT is valid until the 24th of August 2023, previous MOT just listed advisories for tyres and a clean run of passes before this
- Full dealership service history displayed in the service book
- 2x original Lexus keys with keyrings
- Original Lexus booklets present with leather folder
- Sale invoices for mechanical work and services undertaken
- Vehicle sale invoice from the current owner in 2021 at the cost of £19,000, minus the credit of a part-exchange coming to £13,900
The Interior
- Black leather upholstery appears in well maintained condition, very little signs of wear on the driver's seat however little to note outside of this!
- Electronically adjustable front seats with configurable memory settings, all which function properly
- Rear seats appear to be virtually unused, although unless you’re ferrying some passengers who’re short of a set of legs then they won’t be much use other than storage space
- Lovely wooden veneer dash panelling in great condition, no signs of any damage or delamination throughout - probably one of the nicer specifications available on these SC’s
- All original carpets are well kept, no rips or tears just some gentle hints of use, and the floor mats are the same
- Leather and wooden steering wheel very well presented, the leather only showing gentle signs of use with no signs of damage
- Gauge cluster functions properly with no unwelcome warning signs on startup
- Folding roof in great condition inside with no damage to the roof lining
The Exterior
- Mercury Silver Metallic paintwork is presented nicely with expected signs of age, small stone chips but hidden well in the silver paint
- Brightwork appears in well maintained condition
- Headlight and tail light lenses are all clear and free of damage or water ingress
- Body panels are all original and all appear straight, with factory fitting panel gaps front to back
- Gentle marks on the rear bumper below the bootlid, and a scuff under the left side beside the exhaust tip, aside from that the rear of the car is pretty tidy
- Original wheels all nicely presented, there is some light damage on the front passenger side alloy and a small nick on the passenger rear
- Convertible hard-top remains in great condition and the electronic mechanism works as expected with no unwanted noises upon retraction or extension
- All of the wheel arches and both sills appear to be free from any worrying corrosion
The Mechanics
- 4.3-litre V8 engine producing a healthy 288 bhp, these V8’s are renowned for having excellent long-term reliability
- 6-speed automatic transmission is reported to be in good health - this is the desirable later model gearbox, earlier models have a clunkier 5-speed transmission
- Rear-wheel drive configuration
- Complete dealership service history, fully stamped with invoices to match
- Full pre-delivery inspection supplied with the vehicle from the purchase in 2021, shows the vehicle with no problems
- Brake are reported to be of good performance, slowing this luxurious cruiser with ease and no squeals
- Excellent MOT history with a long string of clean passes - a good telltale sign the vehicle has lived a spoiled life with no expense spared
Summary
Spotting an SC 430 in the wild is something that’s becoming a rare sight, especially the later models such as this as the car's sales tailed off heavily after 2006. It’s quite refreshing to see a lovely original example that’s been well cared for by its owners - they’re rather easy to get attached to.
This would make for an excellent mile-muncher for anyone in the market for a luxury convertible this summer, or even a nice piece to add to a modern classics collection.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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