If push came to shove and I had to nominate what I believe is the best-looking Japanese car from the 1980s, this 1984 Toyota Celica Supra would be a strong contender. There is something about its aggressive “wedge” styling and substantial fender flares that give the car a genuine presence. It is a two-owner classic with a low odometer reading that has avoided the 1980s curse by remaining original and unmolested. It needs a new home, with the seller listing the Supra here on Craigslist in Orangevale, California. They set their price at $21,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder ToddK for spotting this Japanese gem.

Toyota released its Second Generation Celica Supra in 1981, with the new model radically different from its predecessor. The styling had a harder edge, and although the wheelbase was marginally shorter, overall length and width grew as the company pursued better handling and an improved weight balance. Our feature car hit the road in 1984, costing the first owner $15,969. They selected Code 035 Super White paint to grace its panels, giving the vehicle a more subtle and restrained air than would have been the case had they chosen a shade like Super Red. This Supra is an original and unrestored two-owner classic. That type of history can prove reassuring to buyers considering splashing the cash on such a purchase. Confidence is increased further by the fact the original owner is happy to talk to prospective buyers to provide insight into the car’s story since Day One. The paint shines nicely, with no visible significant flaws in it or the panels. This Supra has spent its life in California, making its rust-free status unsurprising. The exterior plastic is in good order, the glass is spotless, and the original alloy wheels show no signs of physical damage or stains.

Toyota built a reputation for producing “fizzy” little twin-cam four-cylinder engines offering surprising performance. They stepped up to the plate with the 1984 Celica Supra, squeezing the syrupy smooth 2.8-liter 5M-GE six-cylinder powerplant under the hood. This motor sends 160hp and 163 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The ¼-mile ET of 16.8 seconds may not be anything to write home about by modern standards, but that svelte exterior allows this Toyota to run out of breath with the needle nudging 134mph. The news for potential buyers is positive because this Supra has a genuine 60,384 miles on the clock. The known ownership history and comprehensive service records will document this claim, with all work completed by a Toyota-certified technician. The new owner will also receive the Original Owner’s Manual and Window Sticker. This beauty is a turnkey classic ready to provide the buyer with immediate classic motoring pleasure.

Performance-oriented cars from the 1980s often suffer at the hands of owners desperate to customize their rides. The interior doesn’t escape their attention, with different seats and steering wheels a popular swap. Factory stereos often made way for a sound system that would serve admirably at an open-air rock concert, and aftermarket gauges would often hang from any available surface. This Supra has avoided that fate, with its interior as original as the day it rolled off the line. Its condition is equally impressive, with no signs of wear or damage on any cloth or vinyl upholstered surfaces. The carpet and plastic are excellent, and the factory tool kit is intact. The Supra features wonderfully supportive front bucket seats that grip occupants firmly when the roads begin to twist and turn. They are almost begging the driver to push harder in the corners and are in keeping with the car’s sporting pedigree. The interior is nicely equipped, with the buyer receiving power windows and locks, power exterior mirrors, a tilt wheel, cruise control, an AM/FM radio/cassette player with a graphic equalizer, and air conditioning. The A/C isn’t blowing cold, so the system may need inspection and a recharge.

One of the challenges of buying a classic car can be determining which will be desirable, which will appreciate, and which are those best avoided if long-term investment potential is a factor. The 1984 Toyota Celica Supra has been one of the better market performers during the past year, which is an achievement at a time when many values have fallen. The price of this car looks competitive, given its specifications and history. However, this is not the first time this seller has taken a swing at finding it a new home. It was previously passed in at auction with the bidding at $13,750, which would have disappointed me if I were the owner. The current listing has only been “live” for about a day, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a home fairly quickly. Will you?