Having owned a 1983 Celica GT, clearly one of my favorite cars, this similarly bodied 1985 Toyota Supra caught my attention, and that’s before even delving into its fantastic condition. I wish I had been able to make the financial stretch for a Supra instead of just the Celica, but I have no regrets and it’s always enjoyable to come across what was one of Toyota’s, IMHO, greatest hits. This Supra is located in Winter Springs, Florida and is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $21,500.
While I never got to own a second-gen Supra (’82 to mid-year ’86), I did eventually corral a third-gen in the form of a standard version 1990 model. It was OK but just didn’t do it for me the way a second-gen would have. An interesting note, the second generation went halfway into the ’86 model year and was then replaced in early ’86 with the third-generation model. The ’85 Supra sold pretty well in North America with approximately 23K copies finding new owners.
The seller claims that this 37K mile, manual transmission-equipped example is the finest ’85-’86 “that you’ll find on sale in the United States”. That’s a pretty big claim, and impossible to prove, but OK, it’s salesmanship of sorts. The six-digit odometer does indicate 37K miles and the condition of this car is not to be denied but there is no accompanying documentation included to support the claim and potential buyers should always judge for themselves. The seller adds that this Supra has been kept inside its entire life and has had its finish “retouched” in some places but has not experienced a complete repaint. It is also listed as being corrosion free, good to know as that is a problem that affected this generation Celica and Supra. Two changes have been bestowed upon this Toyota, the swap for aftermarket “white” headlights in place of the original halogen beams and the removal of the “SUPRA” billboard decal across the rear flank – a good move. This is a great looking car!
The interior is as nice as the exterior. The gray cloth interior is showing no sign of wear or age and the hard-edged plastics, so common in many makes from the ’80s, is showing no sign of degradation. Of course, it has all been “oiled-up” for the sales presentation. Even the cargo area appears untouched; I used my Celica’s hatch area as a pickup truck of sorts and after ten years of use, it looked it! This Supra is air-conditioned but the seller states that it is non-working due to a leak – a much more upfront claim as opposed to, “it just needs a charge” which is so frequently found in older car listings. This Supra does have a sunroof so non-A/C ventilation is available.
Power is delivered via a 160 HP, 2.8 liter, DOHC, in-line six-cylinder engine, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission (one of this Supra’s most import selling features per the seller). There is no included description referencing this Toyota’s operating prowess other than to say “everything works”. There is no reason to assume any motivation issues but it is always nice to get an affirmation from the seller.
This Supra takes me back to the ’80s, it is a sharply designed car in splendid condition. I always thought it odd that Toyota abandoned the Supra when it did in the ’90s and then went for years with no replacement. Tastes change of course but there should always be room for at least one hot-rod in the line-up. The price for this Supra seems a bit outsized but there is a lot of goodness going on here and while I can’t prove or disprove the seller’s assertion regarding the availability of a similar example, I’ll admit, I don’t see these second-gen Supras often, in any condition. It would be interesting to speculate where the value of Japanese cars like this Supra will go especially vs. their domestic counterparts where we have more familiarity. What do you think, will cars like the Supra be the next big-dollar collectible?
Judging by the photos the seller can rightfully stand by his claim of “finest ’85-’86 that you’ll find for sale in the United States”. This car is mint
That looks like my Supra. Was stolen from me the day I graduated college, when I was working full time 70 plus hours a week and taking 6 classes per semester, also had a 104 fever that day. Was the nicest Supra on the east coast, I was a professional detailer among other jobs. I would get 20 offers per month to buy this car when stopped at lights people would come running up, or leave notes on it, etc.there is still a police report on file in nassau county NY 6th precinct. No way my car was parted out, mechanics at the Toyota dealer among some of who offered to buy it, was too perfect. Would like to catch the people to this day
Wow…did seeing that beauty bring me back. In 1993 when I was 23 I lucked out and found a one owner 83 that looked exactly like this 85. It had 70k miles and had never seen a winter. Some rich kid in coastal Maine owned it. It had some very tasteful modes such as a k and filter,exhaust header,sticky of Goodrich tires. The car was immaculate and I drove the tires off it for two summers,sold it for 2k with 100k on it. Wish I knew what I had then. That car was way ahead of it’s time and was a blast to drive….
I always thought these were the most attractive of the Supras and this is a fine example. I think the price is very high but where are you going to find another one like this? It should sell to somebody who loves these and has money.
I probably wouldn’t buy this car but , man I’d love a chance to wear it out .
Great looking Supra, but $21,500 with no A/C ? Really ?
I’ve had enough. Screw A/C. I bought my first new car in 1987, and INTENTIONALLY did not get A/C. I drove that car for 14 years, and 229,000 miles and didn’t regret ONE DAY that I didn’t have A/C. You are gonna pass up on a car like this because it doesn’t have A/C? Are you crazy?
Nope, just practical no ac no sale. It is not a 67 Shelby, I would gladly drive a GT350 with no air, but not a “newer” car without air.
Professional photographer…. The images can be really made to pop and show the car favorably with massaging, so be careful here. I’d want eyes on, and for sure a good look at the underside.
If you are considering paying the top of the market, best be inspecting very closely, and knowing what to look for.
Considering its in Florida and at least the hatch and front bumper are repainted. None of the photos really show the problem areas of these cars. I’d be wary of rust here…
Buyer beware! This owner/car has been panned for months on the Celica Supra pages for buying this at a dealer in FL for about 1/2 of what he is asking now (It was $26,000 in the Supra groups at one point) with no proof of actual mileage, and anyone familiar with these cars can give you a long list of indicators why it actually has been fully repainted – one of the reasons he removed the hatch banner because it was placed wrong after the paint job. The Carfax on it shows no history prior to the dealer in FL earlier this year, but does show the seller had to spend a ton of money to fix things that should not be worn out or needing replaced at this mileage. The engine bay can be ‘oiled up’ all you want, but those are not 37k mile valve covers which have lost all their original paint. To be clear, this is a very nice example of a 35 year old car in good condition but has too many red flags for that price. The Gold Standard was set earlier this year on BaT with a perfect car going for well over $30,000. There are other good examples out there now for less money and with less questions surrounding them.
Nice car, but I hope he got free pictures, they did not come out that good. Was that done by a professional photographer?
The photographer’s signature is in the bottom right of each frame.
The saturation of these has been cranked way up. I’m no expert, but it is easy for me to see that the colors and sharpness have been manipulated. A lot.
The photographer is the owner
In ’84 I was very close to buying a Supra but was hesitant as it really had no back seat. The salesman pointed out a Cressida with the same engine and a 5 spd manual. Drove it and was sold, although due to the color opted for a white automatic. It truly lived up to the Toyota quality image. Drove that car for 20 years and 200K and never had an issue. When I put a For Sale sign on it finally, it sold in one day. Great cars!!
1) If you are going to ask top dollar for your car, please clean the brake dust from the inside of the rims.
2) If you are going to hire a professional photographer to take your EBay pictures in your front lawn, please mow your grass first.
LOL, so true and many more points on the pictures. I bet the car is not as nice as it should be for 37K, that’s why the horrible pics. Embarrassing.
Hello guys. Looking to break down this exact model and ship the parts to Kenya so i can rebuild my old jalopy.
Anyone whith leads?
try mikemkiisupra ebay store
I had an ’84 and loved it. No low end torque,but it wailed if you wound it out. Turbine smooth inline 6. The only ones I’ve seen in the past few years are either rust buckets, or have had a small block Chevy transplant. I guess the conversion kit for Toyota trucks works with this car too. What is this one worth, who knows? Whatever the market will bear.
I remember being about 13 when the 2nd gen came out… riding my bike around town and absolutely loving the look of them when I saw them cruising by. I wanted one! I got a pristine Silver 85 Supra in the 90’s. It was one of my favorite cars that I’ve ever owned and to this day I think they’re one of the best looking sports cars ever made in that price category. Certainly a fun and comfortable road car.