First off, we are in central Illinois and looking for some advise.
My son came upon a 2nd SC400, a 1995 in good condition with about 133k on the ticker. Engine is tight, no leaks, power steering pump is tight, water pump is tight and timing belt isn't due for another change for a while. We've been through all those nightmares on his '93 so we know the common issues to watch for.
He has been restoring another 1993 model for several years now.and he bought the 2nd one since it was in good condition with original thoughts to modify it to use as a drift car.
Anyway, we found out the 1995 is one of the "Limited Edition" versions that was available in "Baltic Blue Metallic".
We originally didn't see the label on the console and after I could not find the body color code (752) in the standard Lexus color charts for that year, I found it was used on the "Limited Edition" models. It has minor dents in both front fenders. All remaining body lines and margins are all still very clean and straight.

My question:
From a collector's standpoint, how REALLY "collectable" are these? It wouldn't take a lot to straighten the dents and respray the fenders, but we didn't want to sink a lot of time & money into it if these are actually very common. I found links that said they made only 500 worldwide, but who knows if that is accurate and meaningful? If it has REAL value, we might consider straightening the blemishes and flipping it for resale. Other than the dents, I can find NO indication of any body work or repair (and I look VERY closely at that stuff). No body rust and the interior is in pretty fair condition considering the age. In fact, I believe the Nakamichi CD player (usually in the trunk "flood zone") would work if the previous owner hadn't pitched the CD carrier. I'd hate to have my son beat it up drifting if it has significant resale value. I'm aware it needs the "right" buyer and the "right" place and the "right" time for any sale. I'm just talking generalities here. Is it a diamond in the rough or a really nice looking piece of coal?

 

SC's in general arent very common to begin with, I wouldnt put it past being 500 world wide for that specific color/year combo but you have to keep in mind that these cars becoming colletables is going to take a very long time if it ever even happens. When it comes to the V8 models i always say to keep the engine stock and do whatever you fancy to the rest. I focus my SC400 towards comfort and luxury as opposed to performance and power. I also never understood why people make these into drift cars. get an s13 or s14 and drop a 2jz into it. These things were build for luxury and im always a bit dissaapointed when i see thse things gutted and stripped to become drift cars. But thats me, everyone has their own tastes and wants and im not here to push my view on others.

Now back to the collectable thing. I would suggest making the original 93 model into the drift car and restoring the 95 just from the fact that its got a more rare color combo and is a bit newer than the other one. 95 was a transition year for these cars so depending on which half of 95 it was manufactured in you might have OBDII with some other goodies. The 1UZ is a really nice engine for every day drive so id focus on that the most and restore the one that has the engine in better condition.
Also pictures of both cars would be nice

 

You definitely have a diamond in the rough, but collectible and valuable are two very different things. It seems like you want to resell for more, which imo is not worth it because it's going to take quite a few years for this car to be worth more then what you paid for it. Every car is different, and this car is awesome, but for it to reach high value numbers it's going to require some key elements. Rare color, excellent condition inside and out, low mileage, possibly 5 speed, etc... And even then we've seen some excellent manual SC's that are basically brand new with low mileage going for $6-9K. I'm talking show room floor condition. I wouldn't sink money into the body work unless you plan on keeping it for personal use. I also wouldn't drift it. While an SC drift car is cool, and unique compared to others, it's heavy, and requires more money to become a drift car in comparison to a Nissan. I'm guessing the SC is what 700lbs heavier?

 

I really love our first Gen SCs and have owned one when they first came out and assessed "keeping it stock" versus going down the modification path. Based on the many CL build threads and pictures I decided to go down the "mod road" but more for show than "go" (no engine mods to obtain that +450hp goal - stayed with the stock I6 225hp). This to establish point of reference.

My opinion is these cars will never be a "collectable" in the same class as American muscle cars or imports like the Supra. I wish it was different but the love for these cars is a narrow band of followers and as has been stated above and many other debates on this topic before the SC has always been a "luxury cruiser" and unless modified can't compete in the "sports car" realm. Once modified, the collectability comes into question.

Will your very rare color command a "collectable" price - maybe. Maybe not. Most advise to restore the car to the level you aspire to and enjoy the car.

 

These cars are not collectables. 20+ years from now? Maybe... but they will never command prices like what you see now with American muscle cars from the 50-70s.

I agree with Duck05. These cars targeted a narrow market when they were new, and the majority of people now know them from the Vertex drift car. They just don't have the appeal as the other Japanese "muscle cars" of the 1990s.

I say fix the imperfections and try to sell the car. Worst that can happen is no one buys it and you guys get to keep it.

 

Any pics of that "Limited Edition" badge or the SC?

 

You mean it dont have the appeal as other Japanese "muscle cars" because its not JDM fan racer boy look? who put JDM stickers on there car? Honestly who wants to be in that bracket.

 

Having a lifelong affection and a variety of performance and luxury automobiles, I believer the SC a very personal car -- the true value is the unique and rare nature of the car. It is not a conventional "collectable" in traditional terms. But, there is real psychic satisfaction having and driving a vehicle few people have seen before. It has universal graceful lines that are subtle, but highly appealing to the average person that admires wheel art! Gives me a great feeling when I can see others admiring my SC or when strangers approach me to ask questions about it! Like my car, I have a stealth ego that is fed every time I drive it! As a lifelong gearhead, I share in the pride of a beautifully engineered mechanical work of art!

Lexcalibre

 

First, the car will never be collectable. No SC 300/400 they weren't fast, they weren't desireable, they weren't low production, and they have never appreciated in value for any reason. They are as collectable as a dead bug. That said, enthusiasts may want very particular models of them, but those enthusiasts don't give a rats about color. They want the fully stripped no leather, no sunroof, nothing added version due to weight because they are going to modify it, so collector status goes out the door. The only ones that are desireable are getting chopped and screwed through the horsepower blender.

The question of desireable, yes some are. Collectable, no. Not now or ever.