Supercharged Trophy Winner: 1995 Toyota Previa DX

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Among the more unusual cars from the 1990s is the Toyota Previa. A minivan by any other name, the Previa has quickly become adored by fans of the Radwood movement, or really anything built from the late 80s to the early 2000s. Cars like the Previa are loved because of their individual style and unique approach to engineering, seemingly from a bygone era not likely to return as we move further and further into ah heavily commoditized automotive universe. This Previa has the added intrigue of being a supercharged model, and is said to be a show winner. Find it here on craigslist for $13,300.

When you say the words “mid-engined” and “supercharged”, an egg-shaped minivan is not what immediately comes to mind. The Previa was exactly that, however, demonstrating that the van design has endless configurations and usefulness that still goes well beyond that of a modern SUV. Because of its wonky engine layout and somewhat goofy styling, the Previa worked its way into enthusiasts’ hearts, and even more so when we all woke up and remembered that Toyota went so far as to offer a supercharged engine options. You simply don’t see these in the wild anymore, so to find one as seemingly minty as this one is rarer than spotting an exotic at a local cars and coffee event.

And because it was marketed as a minivan, the Previa was often used as a family transport pod and thoroughly trashed as a result. I can still remember a friend’s mom who bought one and seemed proud to load up half the team and their muddy cleats inside. This Previa has been spared such abuse and looks absolutely spectacular inside, with seats that show barely any use. I’m guessing the third row was never actually used. The seller reports that their Previa shows just under 89,000 miles and took top honors in a local show sponsored by Hagerty insurance. Not that trophies mean much, but how many minivans can claim such an honor?

The 2.4L inline-four is equipped with a Roots-type blower, which kicks output to a very respectable 161 horsepower and 201 lb-ft of torque. While the turbocharged Chrysler minivan of the 80s gets lots of love from the domestic crowd, the supercharged Previa is what the kids of the 90s pine for. In addition to the supercharged engine, Toyota even offered all-wheel drive, making the Previa the enthusiasts’ people pod of choice. Not many are left in any condition, but one with these specs and this level of preservation is not likely to be seen again anytime soon. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Tony Primo for the tip!

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Comments

  1. angliagt angliagtMember

    Maybe it was the only entry in the “Minivan” catagory.
    These were interesting,as the engine was under the front
    seats &,I believe,canted to the side.

    Like 1
  2. Howard A Howard AMember

    “The Toyota Egg”, a mechanical nightmare. Take an Aerostar over this anyday.

    Like 0
  3. nlpnt

    I’m not sure you could get one that was supercharged AND awd. I know they also offered these with a manual transmission but only as a 2wd NA, and I think you might only have been able to get one of the three, or none of the above if you absolutely had to have the most boring version of the most interesting minivan.

    Like 0

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