Performance

The combination of its 4.3-litre, 282bhp V8 and five-speed automatic gearbox is one of the most refined to be found in any car. With variable valve timing it produces a near-silent blast to 62mph in 6.4 seconds, and continues to an electronically limited 155mph.

Driving

Alongside the likes of a Mercedes SL, it's as graceful as a wheeled hippo. Despite the springs and dampers having been recently changed, and that conventional rather than stiff-walled run-flat tyres are now fitted, the ride quality is still jarringly unsupple for a £55,000 cruiser. It is still readily unsettled by the sort of small ruts that a Jaguar XK's suspension would smother. Not that this is a solidly agile sportster either. It feels bulky through bends, with a fair helping of body lurch. And the steering is a bit vague.

Space

Even with our own Mr Diminutive, Top Gear TV's Richard Hammond, at the wheel, there would still be no legroom in the rear. Really, none at all. Plus with the roof retracted, there's only sufficient bootspace left over to store a carefully-folded newspaper.

Build quality

This is where the SC430 scores. Traditional Lexus build quality means that even though it feels a bit plastic, the way it's put together is peerless - although the dashboard trim is a rather icky orange colour. To make up for that, the nine-speaker Mark Levinson hi-fi is one of the sweetest sounding you are likely to set ears on in a car. It's like having the London Philharmonic Orchestra in the car with you. Remember it's a Lexus, so the engines and running gear will be running long after you are.

Safety

Obviously that folding metal roof is a handy safety feature, but the SC also gets four standard airbags as well as traction and stability control.

Owning

If you can deal with the 'interesting' design of the thing there's no reason why this shouldn't be a delight to own - it's unlikely to blow up for a start. But be warned, the fuel costs are through the roof at 23mpg combined and the servicing will be pricey too. And if anyone is dumb enough to choose it as a company car then they're looking at the full 35 per cent tax. And as for private owners, as already discussed this thing ain't no Mercedes-Benz SL so the residuals are pretty appalling for such an expensive piece of metal.

Value

Much cheaper then a Mercedes-Benz SL, and only slightly cheaper than a Maserati 4200, but either way, it's still one of the cheapest large cabriolets around and has every conceivable piece of equipment you could ever want. Not only that, but it's about to be replaced, so a new one needs a very stiff deal from the man sat opposite you in an ill-fitting shiny suit. Ultimately, though, it makes much more sense as a secondhand buy since you get a lot more for your money.

Verdict

Was on the pace about seven years ago, but not any more. Does most things you expect it will with some aplomb, but the SC430 just hasn't got the image these days and the handling is all over the place. Play it safe and buy an SL instead. Or get a nearly new bargain.

Lexus SC rivals
Mercedes-Benz SL
Porsche 911 Cabriolet

Lexus SC road tests
Lexus SC430 - March 1, 2005
Lexus SC430 - July 4, 2003