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P-Type Survivor: 1982 Toyota Supra

This 1982 Toyota Supra is described as being a sharp driver that runs strong and presents well from 15 feet away. Basically a driver with an older respray, it isn’t perfect, but it’s also one of those cars that looks fast standing still so some flaws in the paintwork can be forgiven considering it’s not presented as a concourse example. This generation of the Supra is an ideal choice for an entry-level collector car, featuring rear wheel drive and a torquey DOHC inline six engine paired to a manual gearbox. The seller notes recent maintenance and no serious rust issues as highlights. Find the Supra, a “P-Type” example, here on eBay with bids to $7,500 and the reserve unmet.

I have reason to be paying a bit more attention to Toyotas from this era, as my latest project shares several major mechanical components with the Supra but with an extra set of doors – more to come in the next few weeks. The Supra looks tough with its wide alloy wheels and aggressive stance, helped by the fender flares that came standard on Supras from the middle 80s. The paint job looks to have been done correctly, with the two-tone appearance and blacked-out tailgate, but I’m guessing the comments about it being a 15-footer would indicate some visible flaws up close. I have a car that I’m selling with a similar description, and really, the minor details that weren’t executed to an exacting standard aren’t significant enough to overlook the eyeball appeal of a sports car with fresh red paint.

The inline six cylinder was good for around 160 b.h.p., and while it didn’t exactly emit sports car like sounds in stock configuration, the addition of an aftermarket exhaust enhances the “bark” effect nicely and makes it sound like the performance model that it is. The seller reports that the entire fuel system has been gone through without detailing what that entailed, but if I had to guess, it would mean that the Supra was sitting for many years and needed to have fuel lines replaced and the gas tank dropped and cleaned; a new fuel pump was also likely deemed necessary. Those are just guesses on my part, so message the seller for more details. All four tires have also been replaced.

The P-Type cars came with sport seats and a limited slip differential, rounding out an attractive package for an affordable, rear wheel drive sports car. The buckets look to be in good shape with no major damage to the upholstery. The same goes for the door panels, carpeting, dash, and center stack. The odometer shows the Supra as having just over 44,000 miles which would seem to be quite low, but the seller doesn’t acknowledge it either way – which one would think is a highlight of a car this age. The rear cargo bay and backseat do appear to be largely unused, so it’s worth asking the seller to confirm if you’re serious about this Supra. A great example of a Radwood-era classic that will be a treat to drive without breaking the bank. What do you think a fair reserve price would be?

Comments

  1. Avatar Moncton(was Winnipeg)carnut Member

    IIRC the first year cars only were rated at 145 hp. My father had a 1982, followed by a 1984 that did have 160 hp.

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Fahrvergnugen Member

    I recall a client that wanted one of these but because it couldn’t be ordered with a leather interior, went with a standard Celica with leather instead.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar karl holquist

    My dad had a 1984 ford van with a 351-V-4 that ate these for lunch!!!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Skorzeny

      Hmm, 1984 Ford Van, the Ultimate Driving Machine?

      Like 5
    • Avatar Steve R

      It takes two to make a race. I knew a guy that used to brag about beating better cars with his hooptie, until one of his friends let it slip that the driver of the other cars were unaware they were “racing”.

      Steve R

      Like 5
  4. Avatar angliagt Member

    It’s located in Johnstown,Pennsylvania.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar BRAD DEDMAN

    When considering to bid… This car is a Long Beach Grand Prix edition. Rather unique. My folks had the identical car.

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Bruce

    I had this exact model and year, w/out a sunroof. Fabulous car, superb engine and transmission. I drove it for 10 years, totaling 160,000 miles. A head gasket and brake pads, a muffler or two, tires twice. I never had to replace the clutch, honest. IMHO, the sexist looking car I ever owned, in a lifetime fleet of a 66 mustang 2+2, a Datson 510, two Capri II’s, two Subaru SVX’s and a Focus 5 door Titanium and others…….
    I see the lumbar inflating bulb is missing, I saw one of these cars recently, I forgot they aren’t that big of a car.
    One thing I never had to buy was rust, especially the underside of the hatch and aft of the rear wheels. This one sure looks nice however.

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Dakota

    I ended up buying this car and it’s now happily residing in Florida :)

    Like 0

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