In many ways, the 1990s weren’t that long ago. President Clinton is still alive, most people know what “Seinfeld” is (and many of them probably still quote the show), and several retailers have released clothing in updated versions of the decade’s oversized, baggy fit. Our Pick of the Day makes the ’90s look like they were only months ago—or however long it takes to drive 19,912 miles. You can find this one-owner 1993 Lexus SC400 listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in St. Louis. It comes with its original manuals, window sticker, and sales documents.
The six-cylinder SC300 and V8-powered SC400 sport coupes were among Lexus‘ earliest models, debuting in 1991, two years after the brand hit the market with the LS400 and ES250 sedans. Beneath the SC400’s smooth, rounded exterior was a 2+2 cabin lined with leather and satin-finish Bird’s-Eye Maple wood trim, and equipped with power windows and locks; power front seats; memory system for the driver’s seat, mirrors, and power tilt/telescoping steering column; cruise control; and automatic climate control. This particular SC 400 has the optional body-color rear spoiler and trunk-mounted 12-disc CD changer.
As its name implies, the SC400 has a 4.0-liter V8 under the hood. Thanks to quad cams and four-valve heads, the 1UZ-FE still seems relatively modern. When new, it generated 250 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm (90 percent of which was available from a low 2,000 rpm). An electronically controlled four-speed automatic helped deliver that output to the 3.92:1 rear end.
Back in the day, the 1992 SC400 was a hit with Car and Driver, which praised its starship-like styling, acceleration, grip, and comfortable interior. Given that this car presented here has less than 20,000 miles on the odometer, the driving experience should be very similar. This SC400 certainly looks as if it’s a new car. The Garnet Pearl paint still shines like a jewel, the 16-inch wheels gleam, and the tan seats appear to have thousands of road-trip miles left in them. An oil change, new timing belt, new water pump, and fresh coolant and brake fluid effectively bring down this car’s already-low mileage.
You don’t see a lot of first-generation Lexus SCs out on the road these days. If you do see one, it’s highly likely that it’s not in pristine condition like the 1993 Lexus SC400 you see here. You can make this well preserved piece of ’90s automotive history yours for $30,000 (OBO). Then all you have to do is decide which CDs to play in it. Just don’t plan on driving it to pick up a six-pack of Crystal Pepsi or check out a new release at Blockbuster Video.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
