INTRODUCTION

The 2007 Lexus SC 430 is a luxury hardtop convertible coupe that combines elegant design, refined comfort, and smooth V8 performance. Positioned as a premium grand tourer, the SC 430 catered to buyers seeking a sophisticated, stylish, and reliable open-air motoring experience. Its fully retractable hardtop and high-quality interior made it ideal for weekend cruising or daily luxury driving.

HISTORY & ORIGINS

The SC 430 was introduced in 2001 as the second generation of the Lexus SC series, replacing the SC 300/400 models from the 1990s. Developed with input from European design studios and tested on the Côte d’Azur, the SC 430 was Lexus’s first convertible and one of the earliest models in the luxury hardtop convertible category. By 2007, the SC 430 was nearing the end of its production run (which concluded in 2010), having gained a reputation for smoothness and build quality, though criticized for its aging design and soft handling compared to newer rivals.

ENGINE & PERFORMANCE OPTIONS

The 2007 SC 430 is powered by a single, well-tuned powertrain:

• 4.3L DOHC V8 engine (3UZ-FE)

  • Horsepower: 288 hp

  • Torque: 317 lb-ft

  • 0–60 mph: ~5.8 seconds

• Transmission:

  • 6-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode

  • Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

The V8 engine is lauded for its smooth delivery and refined character, ideal for cruising rather than aggressive driving.

DESIGN & FEATURES

The SC 430 features timeless, flowing lines and a luxurious two-door coupe body with a power-retractable aluminum hardtop roof that transforms it into a convertible at the press of a button. Design highlights include:

• HID headlamps, fog lights, and chrome accents

• 17-inch alloy wheels standard

• Dual exhaust with chrome tips

• Optional spoiler and chrome-finish grille elements

Interior features:

• Leather-trimmed interior with wood accents (burl walnut or ebonized maple)

• Power-adjustable heated front seats with memory settings

• Mark Levinson premium sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer

• Navigation system with touchscreen interface

• Dual-zone climate control and power tilt/telescoping steering wheel

TRIM LEVELS & VARIANTS

The 2007 SC 430 was offered in one fully-loaded trim, as Lexus opted for a unified package with nearly all luxury features standard. Optional additions included:

• Different wood trim finishes

• Wheel upgrades

• A few dealer-installed accessories like rear spoilers or trunk mats

There were no separate trims or performance packages, though a Pebble Beach Edition was offered in limited numbers (not every model year).

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

Standard safety features on the 2007 SC 430 include:

• Dual front and side airbags

• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist

• Traction control

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

• Front/rear crumple zones and reinforced cabin structure

Technology highlights:

• Navigation system with voice command

• Bluetooth hands-free capability

• Auto-dimming mirrors and rain-sensing windshield wipers

FUEL ECONOMY & EFFICIENCY

EPA-rated fuel economy for the 2007 Lexus SC 430:

• City: 16 MPG

• Highway: 23 MPG

• Combined: ~18–19 MPG

The SC 430 requires premium unleaded fuel and features a 19.8-gallon fuel tank, offering a cruising range of around 400 miles on the highway.

MARKET COMPARISON

Competitors to the SC 430 in 2007 included:

• Mercedes-Benz SL 500/550 – More powerful, more expensive, better handling

• BMW 6 Series Convertible (650i) – Sportier and more engaging to drive

• Jaguar XK Convertible – Sleeker design, but less reliable

• Cadillac XLR – American hardtop convertible with Corvette DNA

While not as dynamic as these rivals, the SC 430 was often praised for its build quality, ride comfort, and bulletproof reliability.

PRICING

• Original MSRP (2007): ~$65,455

• Common options could push this close to $70,000 with minor accessories

• Used Market (2025):

  • Fair condition: ~$12,000–$17,000

  • Good condition with lower miles: ~$18,000–$25,000

  • Collector-grade or rare colors: ~$25,000–$30,000+

NOTABLE AWARDS & ACCOLADES

• Named to J.D. Power’s Highest Initial Quality rankings multiple years

• Featured in Consumer Reports for long-term reliability

• One of Lexus’s most dependable luxury coupes

• Recognized for introducing the luxury hardtop convertible format to the mainstream U.S. market