Is the Lexus SC 430 a convertible?
Yes. The Lexus SC 430 is a two-door convertible equipped with a power retractable hardtop, and it was produced by Lexus from 2002 to 2010.
What is the SC 430?
The SC 430, short for Sport Coupe 430, sits in Lexus’ lineup as a luxury grand tourer with open-air capability. It combines a refined interior, a muscular V8 under the hood, and a roof system that lets owners switch between coupe and convertible modes. The model is known for its comfortable long-haul sailing feel, with a focus on cruising refinement and quiet cabin ambience when the top is up.
Body style and seating
Designed as a two-door vehicle with seating typically described as 2+2, the SC 430 offers two front seats and modest rear seats that are usable for small passengers or extra cargo. The coupe-like silhouette remains, even when the roof is down, thanks to a folding roof that preserves the car’s long, sleek profile.
Roof mechanics and operation
Below are the key roof-related details that define the SC 430’s convertible experience.
- Power-retractable hardtop (RHT) folds into the trunk to convert from coupe to open-top.
- Roof operation is designed to be smooth and relatively quick, typically completing in about 25 seconds.
- The folding mechanism reduces trunk space when the top is stowed, affecting cargo capacity with the roof down.
- Some models include a glass rear window and a wind deflector to minimize cabin turbulence when the top is down.
- Top-down operation is permitted at modest speeds, enabling open-air motoring on short trips or slower drives.
In practice, the retractable hardtop gives the SC 430 a genuine convertible experience while maintaining a coupe-like silhouette. However, owners should anticipate reduced cargo space when the top is down and consider the impact on daily practicality.
Performance and specifications
The SC 430 blends luxury features with a capable V8 engine and rear-wheel drive. The following specs capture the core performance profile of the model during its production years.
- Engine: 4.3-liter V8
- Power: roughly 288–290 horsepower (depending on year) and ample torque for smooth highway acceleration
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic with manual-shift mode
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Seating: 2+2 seating with limited rear-seat practicality
- Top speed: around 150 mph (varies by year and condition)
- Fuel economy: typically in the low-to-mid teens in city driving and low 20s on the highway, depending on year and configuration
These specifications position the SC 430 as a refined grand tourer with open-air capability, prioritizing comfort and long-distance cruising over outright sporty aggression.
Current status and legacy
The SC 430 was Lexus’s flagship convertible during its run from 2002 through 2010. Production ended in 2010, and Lexus did not produce a direct successor in the SC line. In more recent years, Lexus has offered other open-top options, such as convertibles under different model names, but there is no direct SC 430 replacement in current production. Used examples remain sought after by enthusiasts for their comfortable ride and classic early-2000s design.
Summary
In summary, yes—the Lexus SC 430 is a convertible, featuring a power retractable hardtop that enables open-air driving while preserving a coupe-like look when the roof is up. Produced from 2002 to 2010, it remains a distinct, time-specific open-top luxury grand tourer with a loyal following among collectors and enthusiasts. If you’re considering modern open-top Lexus alternatives, look to the brand’s newer offerings, such as the LC family, to explore current convertible options.
What is special about the SC430?
In a single car with a drop. Top. It represented Lexus's first series for into the grand touring. Market replacing the SC 300 and 400 models.
Is the Lexus SC 430 a convertible?
The second-generation model, the SC 430, went into production in 2001, as a retractable hardtop convertible coupe with a V8 engine.
What does SC stand for in Lexus SC 430?
Lexus SC. Aimed at targeting the mid-size luxury coupe market, the SC stood for Sports Coupe. It also has the unique distinction of being one of the few models produced by Lexus without an S or X at the end.
Which Lexus is convertible?
Lexus's current convertible model is the LC 500, a high-performance grand tourer. In the past, Lexus also produced convertibles like the SC 430 and the IS 250C/350C.
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2025 Lexus LC 500 Convertible: 55sTopherDrivesYouTube · Sep 14, 2025
Current models
- Lexus LC 500 Convertible: This is Lexus's current convertible, featuring a 471-horsepower V8 engine. It is known for its luxury and performance, with a soft top that can be opened in about 15 seconds. For 2026, a limited-run LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series is available.
Past models
- Lexus SC 430: Produced from 2001 to 2010, the SC 430 was a two-door hardtop convertible with a 4.3-liter V8 engine.
- Lexus IS 250C/350C: These were coupe-convertible versions of the IS sedan, produced starting in 2009. They featured a folding aluminum roof that could be opened in 20 seconds.
