By the 1980s, Toyota’s Parts Bin was full of components that it felt were ideal for producing a mid-engine, two-seat sports car. Rather than dreaming about what could be, it released the MR2 in 1984. Our featured MR2 rolled off the line in 1986 and is an exceptionally tidy survivor with a mere 27,000 miles on the clock. Barn Finder Chuck F. deserves credit for spotting this beauty listed here on HiBid in Ocoee, Florida, where the bidding has reached $16,550.
Toyota’s First Generation MR2 was on sale from 1984 to 1989. Penned by Naoki Nagatsu, it featured the sharp-edged “wedge” design that dominated vehicle styling at the time. Our featured car rolled off the line in 1986, and it isn’t the first time it’s crossed the auction block. It sold for $30,750 almost exactly four years ago and appears not to have seen much action since. The first owner ordered it in Code 204 Black, and its presentation remains extremely tidy. The paint retains a deep shine, and the panels are straight. Close inspection reveals minor chips, but as a genuine survivor, its presentation is mighty impressive. I see no evidence of rust, and the car earns extra points for its factory sunroof. Toyota was probably the leader in plastic technology development for the automotive industry during the 1970s and 1980s, so the lack of bumper and spoiler deterioration isn’t surprising. The alloy wheels are clean, and the glass is clear.
The MR2 wasn’t Toyota’s first attempt at producing a two-seat sports car, but it was its most successful. Unlike the 2000GT, which was hideously expensive, the company brought the MR2 to market as an affordable halo model, which was a noteworthy achievement. Affordability didn’t mean a sparse interior, because while it has vast expanses of plastic, the car also features Black leather trim, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, a leather-wrapped wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The driver’s seat shows minor wear on the outer seat bolster, which is almost inevitable. However, since no holes appear to be developing, a leather specialist might be able to address the problem and prevent further deterioration. The remaining trim looks excellent, and the wheel leather still looks soft and wear-free.
This MR2 is powered by Toyota’s 1.6-liter 4A-GE DOHC four, mid-mounted for excellent weight distribution. This motor will scream to a 7,500rpm redline, sending 112hp and 97 ft/lbs of torque to the road through a five-speed manual transaxle. Toyota took a “total package” approach when developing the MR2, equipping it with four-wheel disc brakes and four-wheel independent suspension for excellent braking and sure-footed handling. The motor may not deliver much power or torque, but the MR2’s curb weight of about 2,300 lbs means it has little mass to shift. These cars shine on twisting roads, delivering a genuinely rewarding driving experience. The listing indicates an odometer reading of 27,000 original miles, and the overall condition supports that claim. The car runs and drives, appearing to be a turnkey proposition.
The Toyota MR2 might be gone, but it isn’t forgotten. The company recently revealed it is considering producing a successor that carries forward the design philosophy of its First Generation model. It will once again be small and powered by a mid-mounted twin-cam four-cylinder engine. It has said it won’t embrace hybrid technology, focusing on bringing a new MR2 to market with a low curb weight for an entertaining driving experience. It is unclear when, or if, that will happen. Until then, classics like this immaculate 1986 MR2 will fill the void. The bidding action suggests enthusiasts want to embrace the rewarding driving experience these cars offer, but do you feel strongly enough to join the bidding?
My 86 had more miles on it and wasn’t in as nice a condition as this one, but still a great little car.
Street-legal go kart. *So* much fun. Man, I collected a lot of points against my license, over three years of ownership…
Great cars, came so close to owning one but just couldn’t close the deal.
I had an ’87 that I bought new, dark blue with black leather. It was used as my everyday car but a weekend autocrosser. It was stolen one day while at work and recovered but I never felt okay in it again. Sold it and bought a Miata R-Pkg.
Later, an ’86 which I basically restored, bought for $1,500 with 88K miles. Parts were readily available at the Toyota dealer at this time (2005-ish). Sold because, well, too many cars.
Those two cars are sorely missed! They were fantastic!
I have an ‘85 with 125k miles which I’ve owned for 22 years. Of the 100+ cars that have passed through my hands, it is one of two that I will never sell…just too fun and easy to own!
Sooo… don’t leave us hanging… what is the other car you’ll never sell? (I have my popcorn ready…)
Love that 80’s alarm claxon under the hood!
I’ve never driven one, but my daily driver is a 2001 MR2/5spd. This is the most well-designed, funnest and easiest car to dive I have ever owned.
Over 200K miles and 33mpg.
The Spyder model is my favorite MR2.
I’ve owned 7 AW11 1st gen MR2’s including my current 88′ Supercharged MR2. While heavy (for their era) they are brilliant little cars that are surprisingly capable as a daily driver. The frunk and trunk in these carry quite a bit… Costco runs are not out of the question… and the outward visibility is really second to none thanks to that raked front bonnet, thin A-pillars and expansive glass that surrounds the cabin. These cars allow you to hit the apex… Every. Single. Time. 1985 and 1989’s were the best handling of all Mk1 MR2’s thanks to being the only years rear anti-roll bars were offered and these cars just continue their upward value trajectory. Bear in mind, parts are getting hard to come by with things like drivers side power window switches and miscellaneous interior plastic trims becoming the unicorn parts. Toyota really needs to consider supporting their iconic legacy models like the Corolla GTS (Trueno), Celica and MR2.
I don’t now why America and everywhere else entertained Japanese cars, Japan doesn’t care about anyone else, they would put everyone out of business, just like the Chinese
I bought one new in 86 after renting one from my local Toyota dealer a couple of times.
I wrecked it twice in 2 years. Cool car. In a split with a girl friend, I took the new unpaid for Subaru Legacy S/W and she took the paid for MR2.
Once my mechanic had an MR2 on the lift for servicing, i ask him about it, he told me it is a cm by cm copy of the X1/9, without the back bonnet. To their credit they waited until the X1/9 was dropped by Fiat. It would be interesting to produce a follow up with a gas engine.
I had an 85. black w tan interior. would drive it in the snow in the midwest winters. the car was balanced perfectly. took it to chicago. highways. city. amazing. I ended up trying to pass someone on a 2 lane country road and they cut me off and we both flew into a ditch and that was it for the Mr2.