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Collectible Driver: 1987 Toyota MR2

One of those iconic cars from the ’80s that has been perpetually cheap for years is the classic two-seater with T-tops, the Toyota MR2. Offered in a variety of flavors ranging from mild to wild, the MR2 is a lightweight, tossable sports car that offers mid-engined architecture with low-cost mechanical components. They’re easy to love, and this 1987 example is a driver-grade offering of the naturally-aspirated version with just over 84,000 miles on the clock. Find it here on eBay with bidding at $6,900 and the reserve unmet. The MR2 is located in New Jersey.

That’s already a strong number for a car that isn’t exactly a time capsule, but that’s also the era we’re in terms of ’80s poster cars becoming more coveted by the next generation of collectors. And given how many of these I’ve seen sacrificed to the junkyard gods due to rust or snapped timing belts, finding one with a solid body that’s obviously been maintained to some degree will always be a car that’s in demand. The listing is a bit short on details regarding its mechanical integrity, but the seller claims everything works as it should.

The interiors of the MR2 was a simple, driver-focused affair, and it also seemed quite durable. Many of the cars I’ve seen in the junkyard still look presentable inside, and the seats are downright fantastic. The interior of this car is a very period-correct blue cloth with matching dash and door panels. Not exactly sexy, but certainly period-correct. Despite having the T-top roof panels, the interior doesn’t show much in the way of sun fade and seats are not torn. There’s some wear on the shift lever and knob, but those are easily fixed/replaced.

The gauge cluster is indicative of the period in which the MR2 was made, and in an era of digital clusters just waiting to fail due to some electrical gremlins, it makes me nostalgic for clean, analog gauge faces. The seller reports no issues with the car, cosmetically or mechanically, aside from some dings and scrapes to the paint. I suppose the real story here is the stock, unmolested condition this MR2 is in, as many have slid down the slippery slope of young owners and cheap modifications. Will we someday consider this a cheap buy at $7K or just around that number?

Comments

  1. Avatar Cattoo Member

    I dated a woman who owned one of these and it was a nice getting where you wanted to go car that sat low to the ground. My mid twenty year old self didn’t mind getting in and out so much but my fifty some year old self sure would. Was dependable and more so than my friends Fiat X/19.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar sparkster

    I bought a supercharged 1988 model. five speed manual. Paid $1500 and had a blast for about 3 weeks. I figured I was going to into too much trouble (tickets) with it and sold it for $2300. I was such and idiot back then. I should have kept it

    Like 2
  3. Avatar UK Paul 🇬🇧

    How much? What have I missed?!
    Last time I checked these were less than $2k for a good one.
    Always liked these.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar DN

    This won’t go for cheap…. examples like this sell for 5 figures. Recently a 1989 SC model with 49k went for $23k on BaT

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jerry

      88 SC model was a 2nd gen model.
      These first gens are much cheaper with less hp.

      Like 0
  5. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Sweet looking car. I had a Toyota MR2 similar to this. Mine wasn’t as nice as this, but for a 1st car, it was fun to drive.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Eric_13cars Member

    A contractor who worked for me in the UK (whilst I was working for GlaxoWellcome, now GlaxoSmithKline) had one of these that he raced in the northern part of the country weekends. I was over the pond in Stevenage and he took me for a ride in it. Of course it was RHD. I’m not sure if it was NA or he had it boosted, but it was lightening quick. There’s an underpass on Gunnel’s Wood Road and he floored it as we entered and I swear all 4 wheels were airborne as we emerged on the other side. Lotta fun. Great guy. Very competent.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Claudio

    I have had 2 of the 2000-2005 era
    Full convertible, looks like a mini boxster
    Awesome ride and handling
    Had a 5 speed stick
    And
    6 speed smt
    Steering shift
    I preferred the 6 speed cause of my daily highway commute
    I got fed up of the underpowered mill and jumped for a boxster , then a boxster S
    Im close to 60 now and workout every morning to make sure that i can still slide down into these sportscars and have a blast !

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jerry

      I hear u!
      Ill be 60 in December and its a little chore getting in and out of my Pontiac Solstice!

      Like 0

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