Toyota MR-2 Mk1 1988
General description :
Model History
The MR2 was a two-seat, mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive sports car manufactured in Japan and marketed globally by Toyota from 1984 to 2007 over three generations: the W10, W20, and W30. As Japan's first mid-engined production car it was conceived as a small, economical and sporty car that employed straightforward design elements. These included fully independent MacPherson strut front and rear suspensions, four-wheel disc brakes, and transverse-mounted inline-four engines.
Toyota introduced the first-generation MR2 in 1984, designating it the model code "W10". When fitted with the 1.5-liter 3A engine, it was known as the "AW10". Likewise, the 1.6-litre 4A version is identified by the "AW11" code. The suspension and handling were designed by Toyota with the help of Lotus engineer Roger Becker. Toyota's cooperation with Lotus during the prototype phase can be seen in the AW11, and it owes much to Lotus's sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s.
The AW11, as seen here, employed the naturally aspirated 4A-GE 1,587cc inline-four engine, a dual overhead-cam, borrowed from the E80 series Corolla. This engine was also equipped with DENSO electronic port fuel injection and variable intake geometry (T-VIS). A five-speed manual transmission was standard but a four-speed automatic was optional.
American car magazines Road & Track and Car and Driver both chose the MR2 on their lists of ten best cars. The Australian Wheels magazine chose the 1988 MR2 as its favourite sports car. The MR2 was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1985. The MR2 was also on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1986 and 1987. In 2004, Sports Car International ranked the MR2 number eight on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1980s.
Equipment
Ice Blue Pearl paintwork, Black leather upholstery, T-bar roof with removable glass panels and sunshades, Roof panel storage bags, Pop-up headlamps, Boot spoiler, rear mud flaps, Electric windows, Electrically adjustable door mirrors, Front strut brace, Leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, Toyota cassette radio, Digital clock, Lockable glove compartment, Full size spare wheel, Jack, Tool roll, Spare keys.
Exterior
This exemplary Mk1 MR2 looks sensational in pearlescent Ice Blue. The paintwork presents to a particularly impressive standard, with a deep glossy shine and uniform colour throughout. Having clearly been treasured by each of its keepers there’s barely a mark in sight. The underside is also notably fresh with no rust to report, the car always having led a sheltered life away from the elements.
The desirable T-bar roof option makes for an excellent way to enjoy the sun whilst driving. When not installed, the removable glass panels can be neatly stowed away behind the seats in their tailored storage bags. As to be expected with such a cossetted example, the roof seals are all still in excellent watertight condition having never been allowed to dry out or go brittle.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The retro MR2 cabin truly defies the car’s 32 years of age. Everything inside remains in excellent condition, from the supple leather upholstery to the wear-free centre console and dash. The supportive sports seats offer a fantastic driving position, with all controls in easy reach of the driver. The switchgear still feels reassuringly solid to operate and even the original Toyota cassette player remains in place. At the front of the car the under-bonnet area is absolutely pristine, as is the rear carpeted boot space.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The naturally aspirated 4A-GE DOHC 1.6 is a revvy little number. The engine is equipped with DENSO electronic port fuel injection and a variable intake geometry, or T-VIS, which gives a maximum power output of 128hp to UK examples such as this one.
Barely run-in with a mere 40k miles on the clock, the engine and running gear are all still in excellent shape – the engine bay is especially well preserved. The last service was carried out in August 2020 just a few hundred miles ago. Freshly inspected with MOT until August 2021, she’s ready to be driven and enjoyed.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The original 14-inch wheels have recently been refurbished to a very high standard. Immaculately finished, they are wrapped in a matching set of Falken tyres with plenty of tread remaining. The brakes have also been checked and are in fine operational condition, bringing the car to a halt quickly and in a straight line.
History File
This super low mileage example was first registered in November 1988; it was supplied new by Park Lane Toyota. The Toyota document wallet and all books are still present, including the original stamped service booklet. The History File is complete with invoices, MOT test certificates, and two spare keys.
Services have been carried out at the following mileages: 1,335 – 7,331 – 13,565 – 18,258 – 23,452 – 38,937 – and most recently at 40,249 miles in August 2020. Since arriving with us the car has been fully inspected for the new keeper’s peace of mind, with no issues to report. The workshop were especially impressed with the immaculate condition of the underside.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/toyota-mr2-mk1-for-sale/
1988 Toyota MR-2 Mk1 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £14745.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Toyota Model : MR-2 Model Version : Mk1 Engine size : 1.6 Model Year : 1988 Sub type : Pick up Location : Hampshire
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About Toyota
Toyota, a name that has become synonymous with reliability and sensibility in the world of automobiles. Let's take a leisurely stroll through the history of this remarkable Japanese marque.Our story begins in the late 1930s when a modest textile machinery company, Toyota Industries, decided to dip its toes into the world of automobiles. It was a humble beginning, but little did they know that they were about to embark on a journey that would change the automotive landscape forever.
Fast forward to 1957, and we have the introduction of the Toyota Crown, a car that signaled Toyota's ambitions to compete on the global stage. It was sensible, well-built, and it set the tone for what Toyota would become known for - reliability.
But if we're talking about Toyota's foray into the world of high-performance sports cars, we can't ignore the Toyota 2000GT. Introduced in 1967, it was a thing of beauty. Sleek, low-slung, and powered by a silky-smooth inline-six engine. It was Japan's answer to the European sports car establishment, and it put Toyota on the map as a builder of more than just sensible family cars.
Then came the Toyota Celica in the 1970s, a sporty compact coupe that captured the hearts of many. It was affordable, fun to drive, and it helped establish Toyota's reputation for building cars that were both practical and enjoyable.
But if we're talking about Japanese sports cars that made a statement, the Toyota Supra deserves a special mention. First introduced in 1978, it became a legend in its own right. With its powerful inline-six engines and rear-wheel drive, it was a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the track. The Supra is a car that enthusiasts still drool over, even today.
And then, there's the Land Cruiser. It's not just an off-roader; it's an off-roader that can do anything a Land Rover used to do, only better. Introduced in the 1950s, it quickly gained a reputation for being virtually indestructible. Whether it's crossing deserts, jungles, or frozen tundras, the Land Cruiser can handle it with ease.
But perhaps Toyota's most significant achievement is its commitment to reliability and sensibility. They didn't just build cars; they built cars that people could depend on day in and day out. It's no surprise that you see Toyota's on the streets of every corner of the world, from Tokyo to Timbuktu.
So, there you have it, the history of Toyota, a company that started humbly but grew to become a global giant in the automotive industry. They've given us reliable, sensible cars, but they've also shown that they can build high-performance legends and off-roaders that conquer the toughest terrain. Toyota is a brand that proves you can have your sensible cake and eat it with a sprinkle of excitement on top.