You’d think an affordable, good-looking, rear-wheel-drive sports car would be a global sensation. Sadly, the original Toyota MR2 only enjoyed a handful of years in the limelight before the Mazda MX-5 took the world by storm.
The MR2 (nicknamed ‘Mister Two’) was launched at the 1983 Tokyo Show, then made it to showrooms in 1984.
Japan’s first mid-engined production car was already substantially quicker than rivals such as the Fiat X1/9 and US-market Pontiac Fiero. The supercharged version that followed in 1986 – as seen here – only extended Toyota’s performance advantage.
Although the supercharger and related components increased the diminutive MR2’s kerb weight to 1,131kg, its uprated engine now mustered a punchy 145bhp. This was sufficient for 60mph in less than seven seconds: more than a match for the all-conquering Mazda MX-5.
The MR2 was critically acclaimed and well respected in its day. This Mk1 version made numerous ‘best of’ lists in magazines (this was long before the internet, remember), including eighth place in Sports Car International’s ‘Best Sports Cars of the 1980s’ roundup.
Like many other car manufacturers before and since, Toyota sought help from Lotus when developing the MR2’s suspension and handling – drawing directly from the Elan, Europa and Esprit. Ironically, the MX-5 was also inspired by the original Lotus Elan.
The MR2 lasted for three generations, spanning 23 years in production. This example has spent the majority of its 36 years in Japan, but was recently imported to the UK. It has clocked just over 104,000km (65,000 miles) during that time, and has some wear to show for it, but is in good condition overall.
Japan’s car-friendly climate, salt-free roads and careful owners have all been kind to this tastefully modified Toyota, so it’s ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian.
Car & Classic’s auction for the 1987 Toyota MR2 W11, in association with Retro Motor, is now live – and runs until 7 June 2023. The expected sale price is around £10,000. Would you choose this or the more obvious Mazda?
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