• This year 1995 Lexus The SC400 has us seriously considering a new daily driver.
• Not only does it have a silky 4.0-liter V-8 engine and a comfortable ride, its graceful styling hasn’t aged a day in the nearly 30 years since its launch.
• This well-maintained example has less than 120,000 miles, with no-reserve auction ending Bring Trailers through Thursday, January 26.
The 1995 Lexus SC400 up for auction at Bring a Trailer has us pondering what it takes for a work to be classified as fine art. Clear Mona lisa make cuts, and no one has seen Starry night would argue it didn’t work—but what about a V-8 sports coupe? Surely the SC400 line is elegant, because cars are utility? While its performance lags behind modern cars, the SC400’s superb styling looks as good today as it did when it launched in 1992. We’re not art critics here, but we have strong opinions about the car’s style— and this 1995 SC400 has us considering our daily driver. next.
The coupe sold at BaT now comes in a boring beige option, but even that isn’t enough to darken our thoughts about this car. It spent most of its life in Virginia, and sells for $7400 in Take Trailers to current owners in June 2022. The 4.0 liter 1UZ-FE V8 is rated for 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque when new. The car had logged just under 120,000 miles, and had an oil change done in preparation for sale.
It’s not just looking; a pleasure to drive, and an impressive performer for its time. Everything in the name of “sport coupe”. Nearly any new car these days can put out better numbers, but a 6.7-second launch to 60 mph and a top speed of 145 mph is more than adequate performance for the daily driver. We recorded 0.86 g of lateral grip when we first tested the SC in 1991. The modernized Hankook Ventus V2 tires, installed in April 2022 will likely improve on the already impressive grip.
In terms of amenities, the cabin features heated and power-adjustable front seats covered in cream leather, while maple wood trim in a bird’s eye shape accents the dashboard and door panels. Automatic climate control, cruise control, power accessories and a boot-mounted Nakamichi premium audio system with 12-disc CD changer complete the kit. List refers to paint stains, which can be seen up close. They may spoil this car’s shots on future concours, but they do little to detract from its overall beauty.
