The series of personal luxury coupes, the Lexus SC, first debuted on June 1, 1991 as the SC 400. It featured the 4.0L V8 1UZ-FE engine that reportedly cost over $400,000,000 to research and design. The SC 300 was added a year later in '92 and featured a 3.0L I6 2JZ-GE engine. These were the two first generation models and were both produced until the year 2000. Beginning in 2001, the second generation Lexus SC 430, a hardtop convertible with a V8, went into production. It was California designers that brainstormed the first generation SC 300 and SC 400, while the 2nd generation SC 430 hails from European designers.

Japanese third and fourth generation SC models emerged, called the Toyota Soarer and the Lexus Marque respectively. These models were basically identical to the 1st and 2nd generation models respectively as well. It is notable that Toyota is the parent company to Lexus. Currently, the Lexus SC is the only coupe model presented by Lexus and carries a base price tag of around $70,000. Oddly enough, the same Lexus SC 430 in European countries costs about $115,000 US.

Lexus as a company, saw its world debut n 1989. Toyota desired to build cars that could compete with the luxury and style found in the Mercedes-Benz SLR and Acura vehicles. Toyota selected the Calty Design Research center located in California to design the first Lexus models because the cars were going to be marketed to a largely American audience. Duracluster molding design techniques were used by Calty to produce a revolutionary new car look. 3D imaging was also employed instead of the then-traditional 2D sketching approach to design. The technology of car design was changing quickly and it was the new Lexus leading the way.

The Lexus SC models were designed featuring almost zero straight lines. The bodies were based almost entirely on curves and the resulting drag coefficient was a mere 0.31. This revolutionized the concept of automobile aerodynamics and Lexus was an instant hit, especially in America. Other manufacturers started to "borrow" the Lexus standards almost immediately and continue to do so today. The SC 400 was the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1992 and also graced Car and Driver's 10 Best List every year from 1992 through 1998.

The SC 430 made its way into the international spotlight at the 2000 Paris Motor Show and became another instant Lexus sensation. Showing off a powerful and quick 4.3L V8 3UZ-FE engine, it would take its drivers from 0 to 60 mph is only 6 seconds. The sleek, aerodynamic styling of the Lexus SC 430 was designed by a combined team hailing from both Europe and Japan. The retractable aluminum hardtop, total leather interior and hardwood trim packages made the SC 430 synonymous with luxury itself. The original base price for the SC 430 was $63,825 in the US.

A limited production SC model, the SC Pebble Beach Edition was unveiled in 2004. Lexus, of course, is the unofficial car choice for all golfing enthusiasts today. The exterior/interior color schemes changed each year for the Pebble Beach Editions. In the years 2004 - 2006, production of these limited editions was restricted to 400 units.

The SC 430 has received the most prestigious awards possible from J.D. Powers and Associates and Kelly Blue Book for unmatched luxury and highest resell values respectively. The SC 430 continues to be one of the best selling luxury coupes on the planet rivaled only by the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Cadillac, Jaguar and BMW. Besides North America, the SC 430 is marketed in Europe, Asia and Oceania. There are no current plans to change the SC 430. There is talk of a redesign in 2010, but nothing solid yet.