5 Reasons Why the First-Gen Lexus SC Is a Surefire Collectible

Modern Classic

The first-generation Lexus SC is truly a unique model by the luxury brand's standards, a sporty, two-door vehicle based on the Toyota Supra of that era that was quite the performer as well. Today, enthusiasts who are well aware of this fact flock to the early SC thanks largely to how well it responds to modifications, but there are also quite a few reasons why the SC looks prime to become a surefire collectible, too. 

Photos: Lexus

Timeless Style

For starters, the SC is a vehicle that won't offend anyone with its exterior styling, which in this case isn't necessarily a bad thing. Many automotive styles simply don't age well, but that isn't the case with the early SC - in fact, its clean, simple lines have held up quite nicely over the years, and it's still an attractive machine by most peoples' standards today, too.

Photos: Lexus

Proven Powertrain

Of course, one of the most appealing things about any Lexus vehicle is the brand's stellar reputation for quality, and the SC lives up to that as well. Much of this stems from its proven powerplants, which consisted of the 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE I-6 used in the SC 300 and the 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8 from the SC 400, both of which are excellent choices in terms of both reliability and tuneability.

Photos: Lexus

Manual Transmission

Another truly compelling feature one could get in the early SC is, surprisingly, a manual transmission - something that is becoming far less common in new vehicles, yet is also highly coveted in collector models at the same time. The only downside? The five-speed manual was only available in the SC 300 - not the SC 400 - though it was offered all the way up until 1997.

Photos: Lexus

Famous Sibling

As most are well aware, the Toyota Supra is one of the more coveted - and valuable - Japanese sports cars of this generation, thanks to its tuning prowess and appearances in some notable films. At the same time, that fame hasn't quite trickled down to the SC, though such a famous association certainly won't hurt its value in the future - particularly as Supra prices continue to climb to new heights. 

Photos: Lexus

They're Getting Rarer

As time goes by, we're starting to see fewer and fewer early SC models out and about, which is typical of even the more reliable older vehicles. The same goes for well-kept, low-mile examples, which just aren't nearly as common as they used to be. But if you can find one, we'd certainly scoop it up for the right price, as it certainly seems as if the SC is destined to one day become a coveted collectible. 

Photos: Lexus

>>Join the conversation about the Lexus SC right here at ClubLexus.com.

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