One to Buy: Super White 35,000km from new 1990 Toyota MR2 GTi T-Bar
With the first generation Mr2 having proven a massive commercial success (Toyota shifted nearly 165,000 of the things in five years) it was no surprise that the Japanese giant launched a second generation variant.
When the original W10 MR2 was released in 1984, there was little competition in the mid-engined two-seat sector. That was still very much the case when the new W20 was released in 1989, but Mazda’s more conventional front-engined two-seat Roadster that had recently arrived on the scene, the MX-5, was expected to steal some customers from Toyota.
Myriad variants of the W20 MR2 were produced across different markets between 1989 and 1999, but one of the most popular was Toyota’s normally aspirated two-litre twin cam ‘four’ which produced nigh on 160bhp in the latest Yamaha enhanced 3S-GE trim.
A particularly fine example of the second generation MR2 equipped with one of these splendid engines is currently on the market with the Classic Throttle Shop in North Sydney.
A Super White MR2 GTi from 1990 optioned with T-Bar bodywork, the car was supplied new by Toyota Ryde in Sydney and has covered just 35,000km since.
Offered complete with a fully documented book pack and fresh from a service at Sydney City Toyota, this superb little Japanese Targa would make a brilliant low hassle classic.
Reprinted below is Classic Throttle Shop’s description:
Super White
Targa
5 Speed Manual
2 litre 4 Cylinder
34,822kms
AU$42,995
Exotic looks, top-shelf performance, Toyota reliability: Yep, we’re talking about the second-generation MR2.
Similar to its predecessor, the original MR2, the sequel adhered to a comparable formula: midship-mounted engine, minimal bulk, and accommodation for only two occupants. Toyota's decision to produce a second-generation MR2 deserves recognition. By this point in automotive history, affordable, mid-engined sports cars had become scarce after the failures of both the Pontiac Fiero and Fiat X1/9 to endure into the early ’90s.
Despite the dearth of competition, there was no denying the exceptional nature of the second generation of the MR2. The media, as expected, was enamoured. Road & Track’s initial review concluded on a highly positive note: “Consider that this latest MR2 is for those who can appreciate the graceful evolution of the mid-engine lightweight champion of the world.”
We are pleased to introduce to the market this impeccably preserved Super White MR2 Targa, having covered just under 35,000 kilometres since its original sale by Toyota Ryde in Sydney, rendering it a true survivor. Complete with its Toyota wallet and all original manuals, this car arrives at our showroom fresh from a service at Sydney City Toyota, primed for immediate enjoyment!
The second-generation MR2 took a significant design leap from its 80s wedge-shaped predecessor to the 90s, with many journalists feeling it exhibited a much more cohesive aesthetic with its mature contour lines and minimal embellishment.
Upon entering the cabin, one cannot help but admire the glass roof, instantly lending an open and spacious feel to the two-door coupe. The dashboard and instrument panel unmistakably evoke the 90s, offering clear and precise instrumentation, much like the feedback experienced on the road. With many MR2s serving as the foundation for elaborate builds among Toyota enthusiasts, finding an untouched example, let alone one with minimal mileage, is becoming increasingly challenging.
