One to Buy: 8000 mile 1997 Toyota A80 Supra Turbo 15th Anniversary Special Edition
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Having initially been conceived as a long wheelbase version of the Celica created to rival Nissan’s 280 ZX, the Toyota Supra became a standalone model in late 1981 for the 1982 model year. 15 years later, Toyota marketed its US-bound 1997 model year Supra as the 15th Anniversary Limited Edition to celebrate a decade-and-a-half of production.
By this time, however, the market for sporting Coupes had begun an inexorable decline which, coupled with the strong Yen, saw just 1389 of these 1997 model year Supras delivered to the United States.
Customers could order their fourth generation Supra in two states of tune (normally aspirated or turbocharged), with either an automatic or manual gearbox and Coupe or Targa bodywork. Unsurprisingly, it is those cars built with the turbocharged straight six couple to a six-speed manual transmission that have come to be regarded as the most sought after by collectors.
On October 24th, an exceptional example of the ultimate nineties Supra will be going under the hammer at Mecum’s auction in Fort Worth, Dallas.
Configured in highly desirable Black with matching Black upholstery and the Targa roof, chassis JT2DE82A3V0037258 is one of Toyota’s 15th Anniversary Special Editions equipped with custom badging, polished five-spoke wheels, a rear spoiler, high end audio system and centre console-mounted commemorative plaque. Remarkably, the car has covered a little under 8400 miles and retains its factory undercarriage chalk markings.
An unmodified, highly original example, chassis ‘37258’ looks to be in superb condition throughout and heads to auction following a recent timing chain service carried out by a Toyota main agent.
