RC

Make
Lexus
Segment
Coupe

Toyota is done with coupes, at least in the US. There was a time when the Solara, a re-bodied Camry sedan offered as a two-door and convertible, sold in fairly high numbers. But those days are gone. If you're looking for a front-engined luxury coupe, you'll have to pony up some cash for either the Lexus RC or LC. The second-generation Toyota GR 86 and reborn Supra are aimed more at enthusiasts. But Toyota North America never got a true luxury coupe to wear its badge, unlike in Japan.

The Toyota Soarer, a personal luxury GT coupe, was built from 1981 until 2005 and lasted for four generations, the last of which debuted in 2001. The first-gen model was actually based on the second-gen Supra. This formula worked so Toyota decided it was best for its successor to also share the A70 series Supra platform.

The third-gen Soarer was essentially a rebadged Lexus SC, a stunning coupe designed in California. The final generation, as you've probably guessed by now, was a rebadged Lexus SC 430, a hardtop convertible with a far less appealing design. But if we had to pick one Soarer generation to own, it'd be the Z20 series that arrived in 1986. Why? Because it just screams JDM. Available engines included a 2.0-liter inline-six, a twin-turbocharged version, and a 3.0-liter inline-six turbo. It was in 1989 when an ultra-limited edition version arrived called the Aerocabin.

This two-seater featured an electric folding roof. Only 500 examples were made, all of which came powered by turbo inline-six with 232 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. A four-speed automatic routes power to the rear wheels.

These fully-loaded versions are now attractive collector's cars in Japan but there's one currently up for auction right here in America. Currently listed on Cars And Bids is this 1989 Toyota Soarer Aerocabin with just under 60,000 miles. It's not completely bone stock thanks to an aftermarket intake and exhaust. There are also adjustable coilovers and forever cool BBS wheels. What's also interesting is the folding roof design itself. Toyota engineers wanted to ensure overall structural rigidity so they came up with a design to keep the C-pillars and roof cross-bracing intact.

Like all other Soarer Aerocabins, it has a white exterior and beige leather interior. As of this writing, the highest bid was only $5,300. There's still plenty of time to decide since the auction concludes on Wednesday, October, 13.