Lexus SC300 and SC400: Better than a Supra?
Fitment Industries has the low-down on the history of the Lexus SC300 and SC400 coupes. These really are do-it-all Japanese classics.
The Lexus SC300 and SC400 are coming out of the shadows as pretty desirable Japanese classic cars. There is a lot to like about them, not least of which is their connection to the much more famous Toyota Supra. Of course, the fact that the SC300 and SC400 are pretty awesome isn’t news to enthusiasts who have already figured out that the car is unique and has a lot of potential. These ’90s-era coupes can be daily driven, tracked, drag-raced and drifted. They’ve also extremely reliable and well-built thanks to that legendary Lexus build quality. Fitment Industries’ YouTube channel has the low-down on the SC300 and SC400 in an informative video narrated by Alex Martinez.
“There are cars out there that have attempted to do it all, and there are ones that have,” says Fitment Industries. “Be luxurious, yet reliable. Fast, yet comfortable… and while a lot of cars have tried to do it all, the SC300 and SC400 actually got it done.” Unlike most cars, at the time the SC400 and SC300 featured curvy styling with almost no sharp edges. “Working on a car that didn’t have any angles or lines was tough not only for the Japanese company to deal with,” says Fitment Industries. “It would also require retooling and an entirely new manufacturing process for the metal.”
Fitment Industry goes on to explain that Lexus relied on Toyota’s CALTY Design Research studio in Southern California for the final design. The final production design of the luxury coupe was cutting edge and unlike pretty much anything else on the market at the time. “The inboard high beams would be separated from the rest of the light assembly, for instance, something that companies just didn’t go back then,” says Fitment Industries. “The lower valance intake was minimal at best, versus installing a typical grill, something which most cars opted for at the time.”
The SC300 and SC400 also handled well. “Lexus took a note out of the Honda playbook and had the legendary driver Danny Sullivan help fine-tune the suspension so the car was not just another big, fancy sports coupe car.” Unfortunately, the SC300 and SC400 did not sell as well as Lexus was hoping, despite how much money and effort they poured into the development of the coupe. “The inline-six powered SC300 which shared the components from the iconic Supra, on the other hand, would help Lexus in the U.S. market but the car didn’t just inherently take off.” This despite the models winning multiple awards. “The SC400 had about 250 horsepower in the first few years and the SC300 came with a little under 225.” But more importantly, the SC300’s 2JZGE put out five more horsepower than the same engine did in the Supra. And unlike the auto-only SC400, the SC300 could be equipped with manual transmission from 1992 to 1997. “If you want to snag a manual those are the years to go for.”
Thanks to the fact that the SC300 and SC400 share so many components with other Lexus and Toyota models the aftermarket has plenty of options. Everything from coilovers to the proper set of wheels is readily available. “The platform for engine modifications is incredibly strong and the community loves making these cars look brand new,” says Fitment Industries. “The period correctness of a Lexus SC300 cannot be understated.” These 1990s Lexus coupes really offer a lot. The styling is terrific thanks to the short trunk and long front hood. And the legendary Lexus build quality really shines through as the miles get piled on. “The Lexus SC300 and SC400 are a diamond of a car in the right hands,” adds Fitment Industries. “They can be built like a period-correct JDM car… or you can throw it around the track, it can be daily-ed, drifted, dragged, or cruised, If you can find a way to find one that hasn’t been drug through a few rough decades you’ll have one hell of a car.” Great. Now I need to go search Craiglist for a manual SC300 to park next to my 1985 BMW 635CSi coupe.
Screengrabs: Fitment Industries/YouTube
