When it comes to the various generations of Toyota’s Supra, most folks often overlook the first-generation model – quite frankly, its styling isn’t for everyone. This 1981 Toyota Celica Supra is available here on eBay with an ambitious starting bid of $16,995 USD.
Located in Yorba Linda, California, the seller of this Supra claims its single previous owner drove it from 1981 to 1991 and then kept in a garage from 1991 until February 2019.
The interior of this Supra appears to be in fantastic condition, minus some sun fade and wear from its decade of usage. However, the seller does note that there is a crack in the dashboard material, which is not visible in the photos due to a dash carpet.
The vehicle’s 5-digit odometer displays 57,531 miles, which is completely believable due to its shape.
Toyota’s 5M-E engine is under the hood, which is a 2.8-liter inline-six cylinder. The engine made 117 horsepower new, and it pairs to a 4-speed automatic transmission to drive the rear wheels. Various maintenance items such as a brake change, oil change, and a new power steering pump were recently addressed.
In recent years, cars from the 1980s and 1990s have begun to receive more recognition and popularity amongst mainstream enthusiasts. Unfortunately, this has led to a steep rise in prices for both vehicles and parts from the era, and this Supra certainly seems to represent that trend. Do you think you would eventually see a return on your investment with this time capsule Supra, or do you think the asking price is too hopeful?
My goodness that’s a price. I’d prefer a manual 4 speed and likely a much lower sale price. It is good and clean.
It’s a nice car. I honestly don’t know the value of these, but that’s more than double what I’d pay for it.
This is a second generation Celica. The first came out around ‘71/72 and ran until ‘77.
Is this not a 1st generation “Supra” though?
It’s a first generation Supra. There was no Supra variant of the 1st gen Celica. Gen 2 of the Celica spawned both the “Celica Supra” and “Celica Camry”.
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8be7p1hH86A/hqdefault.jpg
Quick nit to pick–No Celica Camry sold in the US that I’m aware of. At least, not the name we used here. Camry of course lives on as an uber-popular sedan for many decades.
I’m exactly the market for this car, 45 years old drove them as a kid they are bulletproof and fun cars. However for that price I would expect two of them. I haven’t even meantioned the auto is a deal killer for me unless it was just a cheap driver
True. But this is the Celica SUPRA built on the Celica before the SUPRA went on to become a entirely separate model of it’s own in 1986 (I think)
To all sellers, keep your automatics. Nobody wants them.
People wanted them when they were new. That’s why there’s so many of them now.
Lovely looking Celica Supra. I remember when the Supra looked like this. I was way too young to drive at the time, but I remember finding it more attractive than the standard Celica, GT or ST.
Nope that body ran till 1981
Too pricey for an AT and less than great condition.
The straight six engine needed a longer wheel base than the 1979 Celica.. If you look the front hood and fenders are longer than a Celica. I worked at a Toyota dealer in 1979 when these first came out. Great cars with a five speed manual transmission. For the price he’s asking you’d think they would have detailed the engine compartment.
I just had a feeling while looking at that first picture that it was an automatic.
7k Max….
As a collector of all generations of Supras and owner of 4 of this type, I am someone who tracks this generation very closely. I can say it is certainly a beautiful example but way overpriced. It is missing some key interior components. Over the last few years, the most I have seen paid was about $15k for an absolutely stunning car you can still see on YouTube, and that car was immediately exported to The Netherlands. Just last month, an 81 in FL was bought sight unseen by a guy in the UK for about $11k and put on a boat. According to my research, there are only about 250 or so left in the world, and one in this condition is very rare. But it is a very small market that would find value in this car for what the seller is asking. Especially when there is actually a better car for sale right now for less than 1/2 this price and hasn’t sold yet after being listed for over 4 months.
Suprarossa, what year are yours ? Color ?
1979 x2 both black, 1981 x2 one is black one is 2-tone black/silver