Used 2007 Lexus SC

Although you’ll see numerous companies bragging about their all-new retractable hardtops, Lexus has been successfully building one of the best in the business for over five years. The elegant SC 430 convertible is a modern drop-top coupe that navigates the comfortable middle ground between luxury and performance. While it lacks the razor-sharp handling of a Mercedes-Benz SL or Cadillac XLR, the SC 430 is as equally at home cruising the winding turns of the Pacific Coast Highway as it is the shopping mall parking lots of Beverly Hills. Beyond its retractable hardtop, the SC 430 also boasts a set of wide and supremely comfortable front seats, as well as one of the segment’s loveliest interiors.

The SC 430 remains stable and balanced during most driving exercises, yet still remembers its luxury-car roots. The steering exhibits good on-center feel and response in the corners, and ordinary twists and turns are no problem for the SC 430. With the top down and stereo cranked up, you could spend hours traversing the winding back roads that lead home. With the top up, the SC 430’s interior is a pleasant reprieve from the usual wind rush and air leaks that accompany more traditional soft-top convertible designs.

The SC 430’s 4.3-liter V8 produces a healthy 288 horsepower – enough power to move the SC from zero to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds. The six-speed sequential-shift automatic is the only transmission available and does an excellent job of handling the SC 430’s power.

Lexus uses generous helpings of either Walnut or Espresso to contrast with the SC 430’s instrument panel and seating materials. The effect is eye-catching, to say the least. A set of wide bucket seats is among the most comfortable we’ve found in any class, though we must admit the rear seating is just short of useless. Some bits and pieces appear to have been borrowed from Toyota, somewhat diminishing an otherwise brilliant interior design. The SC 430’s small trunk becomes considerably smaller with the top retracted. Lexus, however, is proud of the 9.4-cubic feet possible when outfitted with the optional run-flat tires, which remove the spare from the trunk.

Seven years ago, Lexus sent its design team to the French Riviera, to observe how the other half lives, plays and dresses. From these observations Lexus created the SC 430, a classic hardtop convertible that distinguishes itself in many ways. Its look is a sophisticated blend of curvaceous lines, carefully-placed chrome trim and stylized headlamp and taillight treatments that all work together to create a form that appears to have been carved from a single block of steel.

Retractable Wood Audio Control Cover
The retractable wood cover over the audio controls keeps the Mark Levinson system hidden from view.

Mark Levinson Audio System
You’ll find that the Mark Levinson audio system sounds superb, with the top up or down.

The SC 430 features a 4.3-liter V8 engine, six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission, power-retractable hardtop roof, automatic air conditioning, illuminated keyless entry, fog lights, garage door opener, HID headlamps with washers, dual-heated power mirrors with auto-dimming feature, DVD navigation, front side-impact airbags, driver and passenger knee airbags, heated leather seats, cruise control, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, tire pressure monitor, Vehicle Stability Control, traction control and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Options include the Pebble Beach Edition, Lexus Link, run-flat tires and a rear spoiler.

The 4.3-liter V8 won’t disappoint anyone except perhaps the most hardened performance enthusiast. It’s supremely smooth at idle and quick as a flashbulb when set loose, and is exactly why Lexus engineering is held in such high regard.

4.3-liter V8
288 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
317 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/25