When Toyota decided in 1978 to extract improved performance from its existing Celica, it did so by extending the body ahead of the windshield and slotting a six-cylinder engine under the hood. Doing so gave drivers more power and torque, though the additional weight led many to consider the Celica Supra a Grand Tourer rather than a Sports Car. This 1979 Supra presents beautifully, and the seller believes it could be one of the best left on the planet. It has no apparent needs, presenting as it left the factory. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Supra listed here on eBay in Lakeland, Florida. The seller has received no bids on an auction that opened at $18,000.
Toyota introduced the Celica Supra in 1978. By extending the body and sheetmetal ahead of the windshield, the company created enough space in the engine bay to slot a six under the hood. Surprisingly, the longer nose integrated well with the Celica’s original styling, because there was a risk the result could look ungainly. The first owner ordered this 1979 Supra in Code 128 Silver. Its presentation is extremely tidy, with the paint avoiding the patchiness and matte appearance that often develops with age. The panels are straight, and this survivor is rust-free. The trim hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure, and the Toyota rides on its original eight-spoke alloy wheels. The final piece of the puzzle is the factory sunroof, which appears to operate perfectly and shows no evidence of leaking seals.
I was initially excited by this Supra, but I admit that I am disappointed that the first owner elected to team the 110hp fuel-injected 2.6-liter 4M-E six-cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic transmission. The car would undoubtedly have performed better with the five-speed manual, but it should still be an effective weapon in most circumstances. The seller confirms that this classic recently received a thorough inspection, suggesting that any issues were addressed during that process. They fitted new tires, and it appears that this Supra is a turnkey proposition.
It is refreshing to open this Supra’s doors and discover an interior with no aftermarket additions. It is also lovely to find that the trim and plastic haven’t aged or been affected by UV exposure. The seats retain their correct cloth, which is free from wear and abuse. The same is true of the carpet, dash, pad, and the rear cargo area. This car wouldn’t have been cheap in 1979, but the buyer received all the bells and whistles required for a comfortable motoring experience. These include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a remote hatch release, a tilt wheel, cruise control, and an AM/FM stereo radio and cassette player with four speakers.
Japanese cars from the 1970s developed a reputation for cosmetic deterioration, with many looking tired by the end of the 1980s. Time and the elements weren’t their friends, with plastic and trim particularly prone to problems. This 1979 Toyota Supra has avoided those issues and any modifications that could have compromised its originality. The opening figure on this auction is realistic, but it is worth noting that this isn’t the seller’s first attempt to sell this classic. Do you think they will taste success this time, or will compromise be the key to this Supra finding a new home?
The UV sunlight comments are spot on for this car. This one must have been hiding in a garage all its life. My future wife was driving one of these when I met her. The interior literally disintegrated in the Florida sun, leading to selling it. Fortunately, our marriage is more durable, 41 years and counting.
Nice , but there are so many better ways to spend $18.000 these days.
I am a long time collector of 1st generation Celica Supras and have been watching this one for a long time.
This car has been listed for the same amount for nearly 2 years now. Prior to that, the original listing by this dealer had a BIN over $33,000. The listings never get more than 1 bid at the starting amount, end, then are renewed automatically. If the seller hasn’t worked out a deal with any bidder by now, it is clear that $18k is nowhere near what they will sell it for. My best guess is about $4-5k more than their starting price.
We stopped by to see the car while on vacation to Florida last Christmas break, but the dealership was closed. At least it wasn’t sitting outside, so probably still the same condition.
For comparison, the highest one sold on BaT was nearly $34k over 4 years ago, and that one was also pristine original condition and an automatic. But the market for this generation of Supra is just not there right now, and probably never will be. Very nice examples routinely sell for under $15k, and running/driving but needing cosmetic work are well under $10k. There is no doubt this is the ‘forgotten’ generation of Supra, and the interest in this car at this price will be a very narrow segment of the car collector population.
I will keep watching it every time it is listed, hoping it drops in price.
Really beautiful condition but personally I’d take a early / mid 80’s Supra over this. Find them much more attractive.
Lovely car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when the Toyota Celica Supra (later called the Supra) looked like this. At the time I found this the best looking car with the name Supra.