Rare 1996 Lexus SC300 with Manual Transmission Added to DFW Car & Toy Museum Collection

A 1996 Lexus SC300 equipped with a five-speed manual transmission has been added to the Ron Sturgeon Collection at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, representing a significant acquisition for automotive enthusiasts and collectors. This black SC300 features the highly desirable manual gearbox configuration, which enhances its status among collectors of Japanese grand touring vehicles. With only 51,000 miles on the odometer, the well-preserved car showcases Lexus's renowned craftsmanship and engineering excellence.

The vehicle is powered by the iconic 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six engine that produces 225 horsepower and 210 lb-ft of torque, delivering power to the rear wheels through the manual transmission. This specific configuration has become increasingly prized by automotive enthusiasts in recent years due to its rarity and performance capabilities. The car's engineering includes four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, providing a refined and controlled driving experience that characterized Lexus's approach to luxury performance vehicles.

Inside the cabin, the SC300 combines luxury with functionality through features including wood trim, driver-seat memory, cruise control, cassette stereo, and automatic climate control. The instrument cluster features a four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel framing a 160-mph speedometer, 8,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for coolant temperature and fuel level. These elements represent the premium amenities that helped establish Lexus as a serious competitor in the luxury automotive market during the 1990s.

Ron Sturgeon, owner of the DFW Car & Toy Museum, emphasized the vehicle's significance, stating that the Lexus SC300 quietly became a legend by combining Toyota's reliable engineering with Lexus-level luxury. The museum, which houses over 200 classic, exotic, and rare vehicles along with more than 3,000 collectible toys, continues to expand its collection throughout the year. Visitors can explore the museum at its North Fort Worth location at 2550 McMillan Parkway, with hours of operation Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Additional information is available at https://dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.

The addition of this rare manual transmission SC300 to the museum's collection underscores the growing appreciation for Japanese performance cars from the 1990s era among collectors and automotive historians. As these vehicles age and well-preserved examples become increasingly scarce, museums like the DFW Car & Toy Museum play a crucial role in preserving automotive heritage for future generations. The museum's climate-controlled facilities and commitment to showcasing automotive history make it an important cultural institution for car enthusiasts and the general public alike.