It’s time to investigate and examine what what makes the Lexus SC300 such a surprisingly underestimated vehicle.
You’d be excused if, when someone inquires about your opinions of the Lexus SC300, you replied, “Which one was that again?” It has two doors, a straightforward, streamlined appearance, and plenty of opportunity for aftermarket modifications, so at first glance it appears to be exactly like any other JDM car from the time.
The SC300, however, is unquestionably one of the JDM tuner market’s undiscovered jewels. This is especially true for the SC300’s 5-speed manual version, of which only 4,000 were produced. This makes it uncommon, especially in this day and age, and makes it challenging to locate in good shape. If you want to purchase a used SC300, you may still conduct some extensive research and screening. Fewer than ten remain on the market with fewer than one hundred thousand kilometers on the clock.
It’s time to dissect and examine what exactly makes the Lexus SC300 such an undervalued car, from sharing parts and components with renowned JDM cars to offering a superior performance experience than the other vehicles in Lexus’s fleet.
In This Article...
How many SC300 manuals were produced?
Between 1991 and 2000, Lexus produced 82,538 vehicles, all of which were left-hand drive two-door coupes. Of those, 33,000 were SC300 cars and 49,538 were V8-powered SC400 variants. Only 3,883 of the manual-equipped SC300s, which were sold from 1992 to 1997, were shipped with a 5-speed stick shift, making them highly sought-after by collectors. Only 324 of the most exclusive SC400 models from last year’s manufacture were made. Sales of the Lexus SC (Z30) took place in North America and a few other international regions. With decent manufacturing figures, it can be regarded as a success, especially considering that it was this brand’s debut model of its kind.
The cost of this vehicle at launch ranged from $32,000 for the base model SC300 in 1992 to more than $55,000 for the SC400 in 2000. Although this may not seem like a large expense, if we factor in inflation and apply those values to the year 2020, the base SC300 would cost $58,000, and the SC400 would cost $85,000. It’s interesting that this is close to the $92,000 starting price of the 2020 Lexus LC500, the newest Lexus luxury coupe.
Thanks to the miracle of depreciation, Lexus SC prices are much more accessible today. You can get good examples of the early model SC300 for under $3,000 today. The best SC400 you can find will cost little over $11,000, while well-kept autos with about 100,000 kilometers would cost you about $5,000. Of course, if you’re in the market for one of these automobiles, we advise that you spend your time and money wisely and avoid restoration projects, high mileage vehicles, or vehicles with salvage titles. Cheap automobiles may be alluring, but you may wind up paying more for labor, parts, and repairs.
A Supra is a Lexus SC300, right?
The initial version of the Lexus SC, sold in Japan as the Z30-gen Toyota Soarer, wasn’t particularly athletic. According to Hagerty, it made its debut in the SC400 variant with the 250-hp 4.0-liter V8 and 4-speed automatic from the modern LS400. To be fair, Car and Driver claims that the Mk4 Toyota Supra could also be bought with that automatic.
However, Lexus released the SC300 in 1992. According to Dust Runners Auto, it included leather seats, wood trim, and motorized adjustments for “everything,” just like the SC400. Additionally, traction control was an add-on option. But the Lexus SC300 has a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with 225 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque in place of a V8. It is effectively a Mk4 Toyota Supra engine because it is the same as the one found in the first-generation IS300.
What Lexus model is a 2JZ?
A 3.0 liter, six-cylinder engine known as the 2JZ-GE powers the Lexus IS300. Fans of the MkIV Supra ought to be acquainted with its engine code. Although it had a few internal tweaks and no turbos, the engine was fundamentally the same as the one in the Toyota Supra. An engine that, incidentally, the JDM Altezza never provided.
The Lexus IS300 produces 215 horsepower and 218 lb-ft less power than the Supra without turbos (alone). That is, at least, the stock production. Owners frequently install Supra turbos on their Lexus IS300s. According to Jalopnik, the 2JZ’s iconic status is directly related to how overbuilt it was. The Bubble Era, which gave the world the Skyline GT-R and Autozam AZ-1, came to a close at this time. According to Jalopnik, owners could theoretically triple the IS300’s output without any problems with the right tune.
Additionally, according to MT, there were the TRD-tuned Lexus IS300 L-Tuned versions. Stage I automobiles have a body kit, fog lamps, and an 8 horsepower stainless steel exhaust. New springs, bigger anti-roll bars, cast-aluminum wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport tires are added to Stage II versions. They ride one lower as well. Additionally, a limited-slip rear differential was a choice.
Can a SC300 be drifted?
Although the SC300 is an ideal prospective drifting platform due to its simplicity of upgrading and superb handling platform that it shares with the Supra, there is one major aspect to take into account.
Are SC300s all automatic?
The SC300 has a 5-speed manual transmission option, unlike its V8 sister, which only has an automatic transmission. The SC300 is a classy luxury coupe with a 4-speed automatic.
SC300 or SC400: Which is superior?
Toyota enthusiasts will recognize the 2JZ-GE 225-hp inline-six found in the SC300 as being found in the Supra. Not merely the engine is the most significant difference between the SC300 and SC400: Only the SC300, and only until 1997, was available with a manual transmission. The SC and the fourth-generation Supra both use the same platform. Supras have become much more expensive, particularly the 320-hp twin-turbo model. For many years, the less expensive option to a naturally aspirated Supra was the more opulent and polished SC, particularly the SC300 with the five-speed manual. However, as only about 4000 SC300s with manual transmissions were ever produced, they are now without a doubt the most costly SC.