Country Classic Cars - Vehicle Details

The December 1987 issue of Car & Driver magazine featured a write up on the Toyota Mk 1 MR2 Supercharged; having been released in Japan the previous year they stated that whilst the visual differences were subtle this factory rocket ship needed to be driven to be appreciated, and concluded ‘The new wheels don’t jump out at you, and the louvers on the engine cover aren’t very obvious. Small “Supercharged” decals on the doors and the deck lid are the only other clues that this is anything but your old friend Mister Two.’

The Stateside 1987 model had enjoyed some minor adjustments to the interior; handbrake moved across the centre console whilst the rev counter now carried a red striped section above 7500rpm labelled ‘Supercharger’. The boffins at Toyota had combined their own Roots-type blower with the 4A-GZE power plant and improved peak power to 145bhp @ 6400rpm with 140 ft lbs of torque @ 4000rpm. Reasonable figures but not earth shattering except when you consider this resulted in 29 and 44 percent improvements over the standard figures. Uprated internals included forged pistons with an improved head gasket for better sealing, new camshaft, stronger transmission, stiffer springs and intercooler. Considering the standard Mk1 weighed in at just 977 kilos it’s no surprise the ‘Supercharged’ option saw an increase of 100 kilos, a compromise with performance improvements to 0-60 in 6.5 seconds with an easy 130mph top speed; in-period it was quicker than Porshe’s 944S over a standing quarter. The model also saw other increases, mainly to fuel consumption (although a ‘low-load’ clutch disengages the blower when not required) at 28mpg also retail price, but these factors failed to slow sales which were limited to just home and North American markets. That said, quite a few found their way into the export market including this delightful example offered on consignment by Country Classic Cars.

Registered in Japan October 1987 this MR2 was imported to the UK in November 2020 and whilst history prior to arriving here is very limited (usual for a JDM vehicle) it has enjoyed extensive improvements over the past few years. The original speedo was calibrated in KPH (and is with the car) it shows 115,390 which equates to 71,700 miles. It was replaced by a used MPH unit which currently shows 104,258 and by taking 32,558 miles from the display the exact miles covered to date is 71,773.

Invoices for a 2-row alloy radiator (June 2020) steering arm poly bushes (Jan 21) pair Alpine speakers & clutch master cylinder (March 21) and in May 2022 a complete engine rebuild plus decoke head with fresh valves and stem seals plus the addition of a limited slip diff ensures this MR2 is equipped for road and track. All parts used were genuine Toyota supplied costing over £1500 with a total invoice of just under £7k. Startup is instant, and a short test drive confirmed a willing engine, smooth at idle. A firm clutch but not heavy with exact gear shift from the stubby factory stick, steering feels taught and precise whilst the brakes have ample power for this lightweight coupe.

At Country Classic Cars we find it’s best to present a ‘warts and all’ detailed write up of any classic we are requested to sell. This helps to avoid ‘buyer’s remorse’ especially for those purchasing from abroad or interested parties travelling distances to view. Visually the paint finish is bright with straight panels offering factory gaps, we noted a tiny star paint chip on the o/s headlight cover. Front bumper shows age stress marks below the n/s headlight and a small stone chip to the o/s wheel arch. Close inspection showed areas of micro-blistering to several panels but the underside, also finished in white shows no signs of damage or corrosion issues. A recent exhaust rear box was noted and the Uniroyal tyres offer limited wear whilst the factory alloys are damage free although areas of lacquer have lifted due to age. The cabin is in excellent condition, the velour seat bolsters offer negligible wear as do the carpets and plastics. A small dash trim is missing in the centre below the screen, the electric aerial, aftermarket stereo and factory air-con operated when tested and the sale will include 1 year’s MOT, the current V5 plus a model specific workshop manual.

For additional information please message with your email address for detailed images or a short walk-round video; we will forward the file via ‘We Transfer’ a free to use and safe service or Whats Ap if you supply your mobile phone number. Country Classic Cars operate by appointment only as our cars are kept in secure storage although currently, we are happy to offer unhindered viewings and test drives.