In Japan, the related third-generation Toyota Soarer, with which the first-generation SC originally shared body design and multiple components, featured a separate line-up of vehicle configurations and different powertrains.

In the early 1990s,[6] following the début of Lexus, automotive press reports indicated a forthcoming Full-size Lexus coupé to compete with other luxury GT coupés of other marques, including the Mercedes-Benz CL, Acura Legend coupe and later the Acura CL, Mazda Eunos Cosmo, Buick Riviera, Cadillac Eldorado, Lincoln Mark VIII, Jaguar XJS, Bentley Continental, Maserati Shamal/Ghibli, Ferrari 456 and BMW 8 Series coupe.

[6] As described by design chiefs Denis Campbell and Erwin Lui,[6] the result was a car that was based on "emotion and feeling" rather than linear aesthetics.

[13] The first-generation SC lasted in production until 7 July 2000, over nine years,[2] with only minor exterior changes, including revised tail lighting and a modified spoiler as part of the mid-cycle refresh.

By the end of the decade, North American SC sales began dwindling due to the lack of significant design updates since the car's introduction and marketplace changes that led to loss of interest in coupes.

With the replacement of the five-speed unit those models also got a new differential with a final drive of 3.27 improving both fuel economy and top speed.

[17] The Lexus SC 400 was never officially sold in the British Isles, but many examples found their way across the Atlantic as personal imports.

[18] At the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus displayed its Sport Coupe concept, a V8-powered convertible, signifying its plans for a replacement for the first-generation SC 300/400.

Led by Kovos, designers travelled to the Côte d'Azur to develop the vehicle's exterior shape, and studied the region's architecture, lifestyle, and harbors.

[26] The vehicle's side profile, the product of extensive wind tunnel testing, was intended to channel air around the passenger compartment at high speed during top-down driving.

[25] The vehicle platform shared elements with the GS 430 sport sedan, including variable-assist power rack-and-pinion steering.

[25] Reviewers from Car and Driver magazine praised the SC 430 for 2002 as "an unqualified success", calling it "comfortable, fast, smooth, and quiet" with "all of the virtues expected in a patrician roadster.

The special edition SC featured a unique exterior and interior colour combination which changed each model year.

Each Lexus SC Pebble Beach edition coupe exhibited: unique colours (changed each year), special badging (featuring the "Lone Cypress" logo) on the front fenders, centre console, and floor mats.

Power and Associates' Initial Quality Survey awarded the SC 430 as the highest ranked premium luxury vehicle.

[34] The special edition SC 430 CH used a 'Testa di Moro' body color, with matching interior leather and carpeting, along with designer logos on the wheels and door sills.

In 2005 for the 2006 model year, the SC 430 was updated, with changes that included redesigned alloy wheels and the introduction of Bluetooth capability.

[40] In July 2008, Edmunds InsideLine had reported that Lexus had cancelled the next generation SC due to slowing sales.

[41] A company spokesman did not confirm or deny the rumors, but called the report in the possible replacement with the introduction of the Lexus LFA as "unfounded speculation".

Designated LF-LC for Lexus Future-Luxury Coupe, the concept two-door vehicle premiered in January 2012 at the North American International Auto Show.

[45] The interior features a remote touchscreen control system linked to two liquid crystal display (LCD) screens that measure 12.3 inches (310 mm) in width.

[46] The LF-LC was produced as a design study for a driver-focused vehicle at the direction of the Lexus Center in Japan, and work began on the concept in May 2010.

Introduced at the 2016 North American International Auto Show, it went on sale as the Lexus LC 500 in early 2017, based on the new Toyota GA-L modular rear-wheel drive platform and the fifth generation LS flagship.