I’ve always had a “thing” for this generation of Toyota’s famed Supra. I owned a Celica from this generation, and then, they were similar cars – more on that to follow. I think it was the “Darth Vader” look of these that drew me in. So, with that thought, let’s review this Clermont, Florida resident and see how 40 years has treated it. Those with an interest will find it here on eBay, where it’s available for a current bid of $6,900 with the reserve not yet met.
Starting in 1978, Toyota’s Supra was Celica-based but included some substantial mechanical and aesthetic differences. Our 1985 subject is a member of the second generation (’82-’86), though the ’86 edition was only produced for the first part of the model year and then replaced in February with the first of the third generation models. In ’85, a model year that saw approximately 25K copies produced, the mechanical differences between the Supra and the Celica were a six-cylinder engine vs. a four, and independent rear suspension vs. a live axle. Cosmetic differences primarily consisted of a different front clip and wheel opening flares, although these were also available on Celica GTS models.
The seller describes this Supra’s exterior by stating, “The body is in excellent condition, & still has all of its original body panels. There is no rust anywhere on this car,” and that’s good to know, as rust was a notable issue with my Celica. The finish appears to have nice depth and is free of any obvious repaired crash damage. If you note the trim around the passenger-side quarter window, you can see where the black coating has peeled off of the underlying stainless trim – my Celica did the same thing. My only adverse takeaway with this ’85 Supra is the huge block letter decal announcing this as a “SUPRA” spread across its lift gate, but OK, it’s a minor matter.
That non-Celica engine referenced earlier is a 161 net HP, 2.8-liter, in-line, DOHC, six-cylinder powerplant, and in this case, it’s connected to a four-speed automatic that takes a bit of wind out of its sails. The seller claims, “The running condition of this car is excellent. I wouldn’t hesitate to get in this car and drive it across the country in its current condition. This car was maintained and serviced regularly, ensuring the motor fires right up with no hesitation.” I owned a third-generation, 1990 Supra for a few years, a car that I never warmed up to and it was equipped with an automatic transmission too. I’d suggest that its acceleration was “leisurely” compared to a manual transmission equipped version.
Another standout difference between this Supra and its lesser Celica was the front seats – they are much more robust and form-fitting, what I would call a “driver’s seat” as opposed to the Celica versions, which were non-descript buckets. In this instance, we have leather upholstery, and it still looks sharp, other than some obvious wear on the driver’s seat bottom rest. The seller claims that everything “works” on this 97 K-mile subject except “The AC needs to be serviced for cold blowing A/C.”
Compared to a modern Supra, this example would be considered quite a throwback, and that’s probably the reason that I like it; it’s from a simpler time and isn’t trying to project itself as over the top. And of course, that Darth Vader vibe is still appealing to me. This car isn’t my thing today, but I’m sure there are those who will appreciate Japanese performance from this era. Tell me, did any of you own a second-gen Supra, and if so, how did you like it?
Craving some tasty licorice. Wonder what the date code is on the tires.
Consider this a very comfortable cruiser or GT if you will w the autoloader. Those Toyota automatic units.. Aisin ? are extremely durable.
Yes and I think with auto you get LSD?
I was hovering over the bud button, but the slush box is a bit of a bummer for me. Otherwise a great example. My favorite generation of Supra.
Something about this style I really like. It looks together, and the price is fair also
I believe they owe a little to Lotus for this styling. Or maybe vice-versa. At the time lotus was owned in part by Toyota so many drivetrain and some interior parts were sourced from the Toyota parts shelf to fit out the Excel post ’86. The two cars share very similar lines.
These Supras always make me think these are the younger cousin to the Lamborghini Jarama
Sold these in the ’80s … loved driving them … the manual was great to drive …
I loved these back in the 80s, so much so that tried to trade in my ‘79 10th Anniversary Trans Am with the L78 400/4-speed combo for a black on black 5-speed like this. Unfortunately I was in Tallahassee at the time with only one Toyota dealer and he was not interested in giving up an in demand Supra. I ended jp with a 280ZX instead. The Supra lettering across the back hatch was factory, replacing a smaller logo on the left side of the hatch. I liked it, kind of the reverse of the windshield header billboards that even my Pontiac had. Beautiful car, wish i was in the position to make a bid.
There are a few cosmetic issues with this car, but nothing that can’t be replaced, repaired or refurbished to make it a show winner. The biggest problem isn’t with the hatch banner, whether you like it or not, it was original equipment. And this one appears to be the one that came with it, not a reproduction that are often wrong font or placement meaning the hatch was painted at some point. The biggest problem is with the replacement hatch lock someone used, probably because of an attempted (or successful) break in. These were at the top of stolen car lists in the late 80s/early 90s, primarily for their fantastic seats – made in cooperation with Recaro. That hideous lock probably means the whole hatch has to be replaced, and finding a rust-free replacement is next to impossible, but carbon fiber replacements are being made.
I am more curious about the 2 add on electronic items on the dash. One appears to be an old school Clifford alarm number pad like I used to have on my 4Runner. The other red/yellow button item is a mystery to me.
Overall, this is a good driver quality car that I’ll be bidding on up to a certain point. My wife has been wanting a 2nd gen Supra like mine to go to car shows with me, but can’t drive my ’85 5 speed so auto trans is for her.
I always liked these, but back then they were high priced used cars. I did get a 1985 Celica GT-S 5 speed, which was a fun car, and finally did get a project 1986 made Supra. It’s sitting in Florida with my junk collection awaiting my return.
I also liked the idea of swapping the Supra engine, flares and front doghouse onto a Celica convertible for a one of a kind. That may still come to pass, but I doubt it with all the cars I’ve accumulated. https://www.flickr.com/people/115986104@N05/
Nice collection, love that yota truck and the yamaha oil burner
I golfed with a friend that had a dark burgundy ’83. His had an auto as well but it was such a well planted GT that I didn’t mind not shifting it. Gen 2 and 1s will always be my favorite Supras. This is on my top 3 bucket list must haves, just don’t tell my wife.
I went to Longo Toyota in ’84 to buy an identical Supra. It drove great and I loved it. As we were returning to the lot, I mentioned that I was getting married soon. The sales rep asked if we wanted a family. I thought this a strange question to ask. When I replied yes, he said that I should really test drive a new Cressida that was parked next to the Supra. He said he’d hate to see me have to sell a Supra in a couple of year. I test drove the Cressida and he was right! With the same engine and suspension, it drove just as nice as the Supra with just as much power. I bought a new ’84 white Cressida with brown velour interior that day, I had that Cressida for 20 years and over 200K miles without one issue! That was the best, most reliable car that I have ever owned!!
Great story there, Mike, about the balances of life and cars.
In a similar way, I enjoyed driving my grandfather’s handed-down ‘84 Nissan Maxima for a few years when my family was starting out. I think it had the same drivetrain as the Z cars of the time with that strong and long inline 6-cylinder and decent handling. Plus the extra doors, passenger room, and a roomy trunk! These days we have two minivans (and Odyssey and a Sienna) both of which have performance and handling better than all of the aforementioned 80’s cars.
Always liked the 2nd gen Supras, but the slushbox kills it for me. Certain cars just need a manual, and this is one.
Was never really into Japanese sports cars but always thought these year Supras were very cool looking vehicles.
I recall in the 80s the Supra was in the top five vehicle seats most likely to be stolen in cities
I owned a 1986 Supra in the early 2000’s that was stolen just so the stealers could steal the radio out of it. It was found about 5 hours later and they had cut the wires to the emergency flashers while stealing the radio.
I installed Gen III buckets feats in my 87 El Camino! best interior upgrade I’ve done! Perfect matching Burgandy..
I remember working at a Toyota dealership and driving these. The manual ones I liked better, but the really cool features were the digital dash that was an option. Too bad this one does not have it. One can dream.
SOLD for $9,700.
The Celica GTS also has IRS. (Independent rear suspension )
Thinking back to 1985 I seem to remember a general blandness in car design, until I saw one of these beauties. I was surprised to see such a muscular look from a Japanese car. Anytime I saw one, I couldn’t help but dwell.
Back in the late 80’s I bought one of these with 180K. Had a spare engine from a Cressida that I put on a stand and built up as time and money would allow. I totally freshened the bottom end, ported the heads, fooled with the cam timing, added a header and free-flow exhaust and richened the air box. That along with a 4.30 posi pumpkin made this the fastest Gen 2 around. Bad axle hop and being treacherous (oversteer) in the rain had me looking for something else after 3+ years. My buddies 89 5.0 LX was coming off lease and after I took a ride in that my Supra days were over.