Toyota has a well-earned reputation for producing fuel-efficient and reliable vehicles that serve admirably as daily drivers. However, the company occasionally lets down its hair to create something genuinely interesting. Such is the case with the 1986 MR2. It is a mid-engined sports car with performance that punches far above its weight. This car has sat for years but is a solid vehicle that might return to active service with a spot of TLC. Adding to its appeal are a couple of aftermarket additions that would undoubtedly turn heads. The seller listed it here on eBay in Elgin, Texas. Bidding sits at a mere $1,550 in a No Reserve auction.

The styling of the MR2 is typical of the period, with straight lines and sharp edges. The car is distinctive, and its overall shape hints at what hides below the surface. It has spent its life in Texas but has hibernated indoors for the past two decades. UV rays have taken a toll on the original Black paint, although the seller admits the passenger-side door and front fender were repainted at some point. If the rest of the exterior is untouched, that suggests the car may have been involved in a scrape or a minor fender bender in the past. The exterior might respond to a wet sand and polish, although potential buyers should probably plan on a repaint to recapture the Toyota’s youthful good looks. A previous owner added a car bra to protect the front from chips, which was a wise period-correct addition. The plastic has survived remarkably well, while the original alloy wheels might present nicely following some work with a high-quality polish.

This Toyota’s interior is a surprise packet because upholstery and plastic can be prone to sun damage, with seats often appearing dirty and worn. There are no such problems here, although one fault requires explanation. The door trims are mismatched, which may be a consequence of the repainted passenger door. Perhaps the damage inflicted was more significant than it first seemed, requiring a trim replacement. The console armrest has split, but that is the only evidence of deterioration. The original stereo has made way for a more modern unit, while the MR2 features an oh-so-1980s carphone. This probably no longer functions, but retaining it as a conversation starter would be cool. The original owner ordered this classic with air conditioning, adding a factory moonroof and cruise control to the standard features of a sports gauge package, a rear defogger, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel. One disappointing aspect of this Toyota is the shifter, telling us that this beauty doesn’t feature the desirable five-speed manual transmission.

The seller supplies no engine photos, but the MR2 rolled off the line equipped with a mid-mounted 1,587cc fuel-injected twin-cam four producing 124hp. That figure sounds modest, but it provided impressive performance in a car tipping the scales at a mere 2,216 lbs. The mid-engine layout improved handling, while the four-wheel disc brakes stopped the car on a dime. If this MR2 featured the five-speed manual transmission, it would have stormed through the ¼-mile in 17.7 seconds. However, the four-speed automatic will add to that figure. The seller indicates the rebuilt engine had only clocked around 6,000 miles before the car went into storage. They haven’t attempted a revival, but the bulletproof nature of the Toyota twin-cam means it may not take much effort to have this motor singing.

A friend of mine purchased a new MR2 in 1986, allowing me the chance to slip behind the wheel. They are an engaging little car that provide impressive performance and handling. This car could allow the winning bidder to indulge in that experience for a modest price. My only disappointment is the automatic transmission because this will take the edge off the car’s outright performance. If the new owner isn’t worried about originality, scouring a pick-a-part might unearth everything to convert this to a five-speed manual. If they succeed, they will be on to a genuine winner. Do you agree?