Imported Japanese cars often carry an air of mystery, but few are as striking as this 1993 Toyota Sera, now listed here on craigslist in Smithfield, Rhode Island. Built exclusively for the Japanese market, the Sera debuted as a concept at the 1988 Tokyo Motor Show and went into production with virtually no changes. While it shares its underpinnings with humble Toyota commuter cars like the Starlet and Tercel, the Sera’s futuristic styling—particularly its dramatic butterfly wing doors, makes it one of the most visually unique Toyotas ever built. This particular example has been well-traveled on the show circuit, with appearances at the 2023 Audrain Concours d’Elegance and display time at the Audrain Auto Museum in Newport, RI. It has even been featured in a YouTube segment with noted automotive historian Donald Osborne. Thanks for the tip Mitchell G.!

The Sera’s signature feature is its A-pillar–hinged, pivoting glass doors, which extend upward into the roofline to create a dome-like effect when open. Combined with the sweeping curved windshield and hatchback glass, the design allows light to pour into the cabin, giving occupants unmatched visibility. It was this glass canopy design that inspired Gordon Murray when creating the door mechanism for the legendary McLaren F1 supercar.

Inside, the car offers a surprisingly practical 2+2 layout, with rear seating and decent visibility uncommon in most compact sports coupes of the era. Toyota outfitted the Sera with modern touches for its time, including projector beam headlights (a first for the brand) and futuristic interior styling. This example comes equipped with the more desirable 5-speed manual transmission, making the most of the small but eager engine.

Power comes from a 1.5-liter DOHC 16-valve inline-four, rated at 108 horsepower and paired to front-wheel drive. While acceleration is modest, the car’s light weight and efficient design mean it is perfectly capable of highway cruising. The Sera was never officially exported to the United States, but it is now legal under the 25-year import rule, and cars like this one have become highly collectible among JDM enthusiasts.

Adding to its appeal, this Sera has already earned recognition on the concours and museum circuit. For collectors looking for something rare, futuristic, and conversation-starting, this car represents an opportunity to own a Toyota that stands apart from nearly everything else of its era.

Would you buy this rare piece of Japanese automotive design, or does the Sera’s unusual styling keep it firmly in the “collector curiosity” category for you?