The MK2 Toyota Supra offers lots of visual appeal for anyone who digs performance cars of the 1980s. As an added bonus, its performance it respectable, too, despite not often being seen as a true performance car. Put in the context of the era, the Supra offered sport compact car shoppers a lot more than they’d find with other manufacturers, from a silky DOHC inline-six to fat fender flares. The market for the MK2 Supra hasn’t caught exactly caught fire, but pristine examples do command a fair price. This is a driver-quality example that was supposedly garaged for the last 25 years, and it’s listed here on eBay with bids to $6,200 and no reserve.
With pop-up headlights, a chunky air dam, integrated fog lights, and a generous rear spoiler, the Supra was hard to miss in 1980s traffic. There wasn’t much else out there like it, and Honda hadn’t yet begun pushing its street fighters. In addition, even when Honda did unveil the CRX and Civic in Si trim, they were still four bangers. They were fun as heck, yes, but there’s just a difference in the driving experience when you’ve got a straight six at your disposal. The Fox body Ford Mustang GT was still the preferred performance car under $30,000 at the time, but the Supra was a compelling choice if you preferred the imports.
I suspect the seller of this Supra snagged it from a long-time owner, hence the reference to being garaged for over 2 decades. He indicates he doesn’t have time to give it the love it deserves, but fortunately, the list of needs seems pretty short. Those amazing sport seats that came standard in Supra’s with the “P” trim – which stands for “Performance” – are a thing of great beauty and comfort. The support offered by these seats is amazing, and if you ever need a rest while in the junkyard foraging for parts, make a beeline for an old Supra. The maroon color was a popular choice for Supra shoppers, and it goes all the way from the seats to the carpet to the shift boot.
The DOHC I6 makes around 142 horsepower, but if you hold out for a 1986 model, it rises to 161. In all likelihood, it’s not a big enough difference to deter you from buying one that is as rust-free as this car appears to be, which is definitely a priority on this old Japanese tin. The seller notes a few issues, like a torn-up armrest lid, a faulty fuel level sensor, and a leaking A/C compressor and power steering system. The listing notes that he’s also pumped a lot of recent maintenance into this Supra, including the timing belt and tensioner, water pump and thermostat, fuel filter, fuel pump, front and rear brakes, and much more.
When our Granddaughter’s ’85 Celica GT blew a head gasket,
I thought about trying to get her to sell it & buy a different car.I was
disappointed in what it was worth,compared to other older Japanese
cars.
She’s got someone to fix it for her,& it’ll be nice to have it drivable
again.
I had a 1983 Celica Supra that I bought from the original owner. I loved it,but it also blew a head gasket. So I couldn’t justify the expense of repairing it,along with electrical issues. It had 150,000 miles on it when that happened. Sadly I junked it. It was fun while I owned it.
I’m glad you guys are fixing it, it’s well worth it! It will be a great car that will last her for decades after once it is fixed! 👍🏻
Make sure they replace the plastic timing chain guides while the head is off. In addition to the front main seal. Great cars , great engines. My old girlfriend bought a new Black 1985 Celica GTS . What a blast to drive. I miss the car but I miss her even more. Great time back in the 80″s
The engine is this car is junk. I was the lead mechanic at a toyota dealer from 85 to 92. The engine in this car, as with most toyota’s at the time had a problem with the oil getting back to the pan. This one in particular was so bad it would starve the cam bearings and wipe them out. The bigger problem is there is no cam bearings. The cams ride on the head saddles so when you wipe them out there are no bearings to replace. You replace the head. The average cost was $2500 in 80’s money. On one car I did 3 heads in a period of 4 years. The woman finally had enough and bought a Mustang.
I had an 86.5 NA Supra. I had problems with the valves and head gasket and burned oil. Was the engine in my Supra the same as this one? That would finally explain it.
I owned an ’83 GTS liftback, an ’84 GTS notchback, and an ’84 Supra P type. Loved all of them. The Supra was refined but nowhere near as much fun as the GTS. I do have to say that inline 6 was amazingly smooth. I loved the styling and practicality of the liftback. That said, the notchback was an absolute hoot to drive. Not only was the 24RE unbreakable, it worked that much better in the lighter notch. And talk about handling. I never once lifted off the gas going into a curve. Good memories.
These were beautiful cars, just not appropriately fast.
One of the best looking cars to come out in the 1980’s.
I installed seats from my old 85 Supra into my 87 El Camino. You are correct as to the comfort and support. The color exactly matches my Burgandy interior too. All i had to do was fab up some frame rails and mount them.
SOLD for $6,500.
31 bids.