Low-Mile Original: 1983 Toyota Celica Supra

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From the time Ford first made the Mustang, helping to create the “pony car” genre, it became a competitive target for other car companies. Toyota’s entry in the niche was the Celica, a sporty body dropped onto a sedan chassis. The Celica’s economical little four-cylinder engines performed well but were no match for the Mustang’s power band. By 1978, an upgrade arrived in the form of the Supra. Based on the Celica, the Supra was longer, wider, and more powerful from the get-go. The design was wedge-shaped with pop-up headlamps and the motor was an in-line six-cylinder. The car retained the lively handling characteristics of its predecessor. Here on craigslist is a 1983 Toyota Celica Supra L-type, a very original example with an asking price of $17,500. Located near Milton, Georgia, the Supra might get you home under its own power. We have PRA4SNW to thank for this great tip!

Early first-generation Supras sent to the US were equipped with a twin-cam, fuel injected, 2.6 liter in-line six which was quite peppy; making a good thing even better, the displacement was increased to 2.8 liters in 1980. Horsepower rose steadily as well, and by the time this car came off the line, output was 150 bhp and zero to sixty time was down in the eight to nine second range. Transmission options included a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic; this car is equipped with the automatic. This car has just over 59,000 miles accumulated by a single owner. After a time in storage, an oil change, fuel clean-out, and a new fuel pump made her run like new again. The seller installed brand-new tires as well.

The interior is slightly faded here and there, but the dash is free from cracks and the seat fabric is intact. Supras came in two flavors: the P-type (performance) and the L-type (luxury). Certain options were only available on one or the other, but other than a limited-slip differential offered on the P only, these amounted to trim and accessory items. This car features digital instrumentation available only on the L-type. The air conditioning does not blow cold though it will turn on; everything else works as it should. Even the trunk is tidy.

The seller notes that the car’s rubber headlamp bucket trim is deteriorated on one side, and missing on the other. Other than this issue and the AC, virtually everything else about this Supra broadcasts that its mileage reading is likely correct. The seller even has all of the car’s original paperwork including its first title. Japanese cars have grown more popular with collectors in recent years. The automatic transmission will score against this one, but the low miles, overall condition, and documentation tell me that this Supra is likely to sell close to the ask.

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Comments

  1. Gregory PattersonMember

    Hi, what kinda of coverage does these ad get? Bill9⁹

    Like 0
  2. Moncton(was Winnipeg)carnutMember

    First generation Supras from 1978 to 1980 or 1981 were stretched Celicas, and came with a SOHC 2.6L inline 6 making 110 hp. These Supras retained the live rear axle of the Celica.
    Second generation began in 1982 with the wedge shape and 2.8L engine. The Celica GT-S ( 4 cylinder ) and the Supra had IRS while the base Celica continued with the live rear axle.

    Like 2
  3. Craig Baloga Craig Baloga

    These have been coming on strong for some years now….cool cars.

    👍🤓

    Like 4
    • Smokey Smokerson

      Go check out prices on mid 90s Supras. NA versions with RH drive (true JDM cars) are in the 50k range….get a turbo one and it’s double that.

      Like 1
  4. CarNutDan

    As a toyota loyal fan I love these and if it were closer to home and if I could source the headlight bucket parts this would come home with me.This checks all the right boxes BLUE yes AUTOMATIC yup TOYOTA yes sir! 80s classic thank you!

    Like 3
  5. Connecticut mark

    I can not believe this car is 40 years old now, very nice.

    Like 3
  6. JBD

    Probably one of the best cars I’ve ever owned. These were quick for the day and still got good gas mileage, range and comfort for the era.

    Most of these have 150300k miles so a barn find is a rare find indeed.

    Like 1
  7. Grant

    I drove one with a 22R and five speed once. I really liked it, quite comfortable inside. Plus, more than enough get up and go, saw no need for the six.

    Like 0
    • JohnR

      If here in the States that was probably the regular Celica, in the US Supras had sixes exclusively since day one (until the current gen Toyo/Bimmer Supra/Z4, which offers a turbo-four base car). But you are correct, a Celica with the 22R was a peppy, fun and reliable car!

      Like 1

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