I’m not sure if there’s a collective noun for a group of Lexus SC 430s. But I’d imagine the sound of 32 cars, together unleashing just shy of ten thousand horsepower, from a total of 256 cylinders, could give cause for the plural descriptor being a ‘thunder’, a ‘roar’ or perhaps a ‘shudder’.
The mere thought of so many cars each fitted with a huge V8 engine – the petrol head’s power-house of choice – arriving en-masse in a small Lincolnshire village, would have the lawn bowls team’s bowels in knots and parishioners at the vicar’s afternoon tea party fleeing for the hills in search of peace and sanctuary.
But thankfully, with no hills to run to in the flat-as-flat-can-be Fenland village of Little Hale, all was quiet when more than two-dozen members of the Lexus SC 430 Club UK wafted along a farm track for their second annual meeting on Sunday.
Event organiser and venue owner, Chris Fixter, 58, said: “Well looked after versions run almost silently – the fan from the aircon is the loudest thing you can hear, then it’s just a bit of tyre noise – it’s like you’re being towed. They may not be as sporty but they’re simply better built, more reliable, give better economy and are far more comfortable than the competition ever was.”
Club president, Juan Thornes, 47, who set up the club in 2018 arrived from Rotherham in his green 99,000-mile daily-driver which celebrated its 20th birthday last week. “My wife said, ‘Who’s going to join a club like that?’ But we already have 664 members. And there are only about 1,000 cars on the road in Britain!” explained car salesman Juan.
“I like everything about them, I feel like an 18-year-old kid again. It’s the excitement about getting in them – the further you turn the key the happier you get.
“There’ll be a website soon to help people with maintenance – a place for the SC 430 community to go”, he added.
Chris, who has three almost perfect examples of the cars, impressed the weekend’s judges winning silverware for Best Facelift, Best Original and Best Engine Bay, said: “There’s no other organisation that puts Lexus SC 430s together – we’re the only ones doing it.
“The cars, some now about 20-years-old, are just getting to the point of being collectable. They are the only convertible, folding hard-top, V8, rear-wheel-drive car out there. Once the roof’s up it’s like a regular two-seater car. They are increasing in value – last year they went up by about 30%. The average price is probably about £10K, with some tatty ones selling for about £6K and the best probably worth over £30k.”
The retired lorry driver, who was kept busy wiping raindrops from his paintwork after a couple of short showers dared to drop rain on his polished prize-winning cars, added: “I only bought my first one a couple of years ago. I’ve always liked them – it was a desire and dream to own one, but they were £52k new and I couldn’t afford one 20-years-ago”
The Lexus SC 430 was a grand-tourer manufactured between 2001 and 2010. It was sold in the UK in relatively small numbers until 2009. They were all fitted with the same front-engined 4.3 litre V8 producing 282bhp, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
The car-proud club members all judged each other’s cars, with trophies also being awarded for Best Pre-facelift, Best Wheels, Best Modified and Furthest Travelled (Glasgow). Juan also gave out his President’s Award along with a Best Detailed prize awarded by a car-care products stall-holder. Many Lexus dealers also donated raffle prizes.
It is likely the lawn bowls players would be bowled over by the cars’ quietness and the vicar would give them his blessing too. With so much care and attention being lavished on these cars, unheard of by many, perhaps their collective noun should be a ‘whisper’ of Lexus SC 430s.
Thank you to Lexus UK for all your support at the show. We had a fabulous turnout, and we intend to get better year on year. I hope this article makes each SC-430 owner proud of their cars. I personally thank all members that made the effort in joining us at the show. Thank you!
Hello Juan,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
We are glad to hear about the positive turnout and look forward to hearing about further events.
Thanks.
Hi Juan
How can I join the lexus membership ??
Hi Andy,
Thank you for your interest in the Club!!
Join the club go to http://www.lexus-sc430club.co.uk and click on the Facebook icon that will take you directly to the groups home page. Request to join and I will approve you.
Looking forward to welcoming you onboard.
Best regards
Juan Thornes
What a fabulous day you all had and a pleasure to see so many beautiful cars on display.
A real enthusiasm for these enigmatic vehicles!! Pure joy lucky owners.
Hi guys. Wonderful website. I am the proud custodian of a bright red year 2002 SC430. Just topped 17,000 miles and still going like a dream. Can I please join your owners’ club?
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your interest in the Club!!
Join the club go to http://www.lexus-sc430club.co.uk and click on the Facebook icon that will take you directly to the groups home page. Request to join and I will approve you.
Looking forward to welcoming you onboard.
Best regards
Juan Thornes
Was a great day and a great turnout , hopefully the momentum will carry on and even more people will go next year , it appears to be the envy of a lot of people around the globe .
Hello Paul,
Thank you for contacting us.
We are glad to hear that the event went well.
We wish you all the best for future events.
Thanks.
Good meeting you Paul on Sunday. 2022 Show will be even better!!!!!
Please can I join the lexus sc 430 club please ,I own a early 2001 lexus sc 430 , blue in colour, but dont see many on the road in Devon .
Hi Andrew,
Thank you for your interest in the Club!!
Join the club go to http://www.lexus-sc430club.co.uk and click on the Facebook icon that will take you directly to the groups home page. Request to join and I will approve you.
Looking forward to welcoming you onboard.
Best regards
Juan Thornes
What a great day ! Even better than I imagined and what a great bunch of people with a wide variety of sc’s.
Looking forward to next year .
Thanks Chris and congratulation on your SC430.
hi i have a Toyota 430scv it 2001 may i come to your events thanks jim
Hi James,
Sure, we have other Soarer’s in the club also there was one at the 2020/21 live Show.
Regards
Juan
Where to start! I wish to thank Lexus UK for covering our Lexus SC430 CLUB UK club show. Lexus UK provided some fantastic prizes for our raffle. Along with Lexus dealerships from Bristol Coventry Glasgow Lincoln Liverpool and Sheffield all giving prizes. We had extensive support from local businesses including Wheelcraft of Heckington, Anwick car sales, Bomber County speed shop, Heckington MOT, Billingbough car and commercials, Russell’s Cars, Croftgate East Midlands (Ann & Pete), Millers Motors (Juan Thornes) club president and Kandy Kane. Thank you to Little Hale parish council for the marquee.
The show was a huge success thanks to all the club members for attending.
The profit made will go to the maintenance of the local defibrillators.
We smashed any “known” record for the most SC430 cars in one place world wide. We will be back next year with a bigger better show.
I must include Scott Trailers Ltd for there generous donation towards our cause.
I have recently purchased an immaculate 2006 Sc 430 and would like to join your club
Please send details to address below
Hello,
I hope you are well.
I’m looking to replace the driver’s side door (and hinge parts) of my 51-plate Lexus SC430 convertible. Do you, or anyone you know, have any available by any chance? Preferably red.
Hello Chloe,
Thanks for your comment.
Your nearest Lexus Centre parts department would be best placed to assist you with this query.
Thanks.