What was the last year of the Lexus SC 430?
The last model year of the Lexus SC 430 was 2010.
From its 2002 introduction through a final run that ended in 2010, the SC 430 represented Lexus’s front-line two-seat grand tourer with a power-retractable hardtop. Its demise reflected a broader shift in Lexus’s strategy toward newer designs and different luxury segments.
Production timeline
Key milestones in the SC 430’s production history are summarized below.
- Introduced in 2002 as Lexus’s first two-seat grand tourer with a retractable hardtop.
- End of production occurred in 2010, marking the final model year for theSC 430.
The SC 430 therefore spanned the 2002 through 2010 model years, culminating in its 2010 send-off as Lexus shifted emphasis to other vehicles.
Context: why the line ended
Industry trends and Lexus’s broader product strategy played a role. After 2010, Lexus prioritized newer platforms, SUVs, and hybrid/different-fuel models, leading to the discontinuation of the SC 430.
Notable features
Several characteristics defined the SC 430 during its run, balancing performance with luxury.
- 4.3-liter V8 engine producing around 288 horsepower.
- Rear-wheel drive paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- Power retractable hardtop that folded into the trunk, delivering a true convertible experience.
These features helped the SC 430 stand out among luxury convertibles of its era, even as production wound down in 2010.
Summary
In summary, the Lexus SC 430 was produced from 2002 through 2010, with 2010 serving as its final model year. It combined Lexus luxury with a distinctive retractable-hardtop design, marking the end of an era for the brand’s two-seat convertible lineup.
