The RC might be the newest, hottest coupe from Lexus these days, but there was a time when the SC was in its position. Our forum members have done great jobs of taking the original L-badged two-doors far beyond their original capabilities. For instance, take a look at deputy865‘s Diamond White Pearl 1995 SC300.
His 1JZGTE-powered Lex had some cosmetic issues early on, but he got them resolved, as well as a fresh coat of paint on his ride. He’s not afraid to do his own work, though. He polished his valve covers and turbo until they shined, fixed his tach, and replaced his power steering reservoir. He even installed a set of train horns.
Some 1997+ SC side skirts, rolled fenders, new wheels and tires, window tint, and coilovers make deputy865’s SC look unbelievably good – even to him. He said, “Still can’t believe this car is mine when I look back at it.” Believe it, man. Enjoy it, too. You earned it. Best of luck with your future mods.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
Where do you go for answers when you have a Lexus with a gorgeous leather interior but are not sure about how to maintain that luxurious look? The "Club Lexus" forums, of course.