*** Interested parties should note that this vehicle was involved in a Category C insurance claim in 2008 ***

Key features

One of only a few hundred highly sought-after Phase 2 models with a manual gearbox
A fascinating car with a ‘bubble’ roof and butterfly doors that inspired the McLaren F1
A very well-maintained car in burgundy red with beige fabric seats
A JDM car imported into the UK in 2002 and currently in France with a registration certificate
Full service history covering the car’s life in various countries
Previous MOT valid until December 2025

The appeal

The Toyota Sera is the sort of car we’re lucky enough to be able to buy when manufacturers find themselves with particularly deep pockets. Capitalising on the era of the Japanese economic ‘bubble’, Toyota created the AXV-II with its distinctive ‘bubble’ roof, from which the fascinating Sera emerged. Notable for their ‘butterfly doors’ – a design that directly influenced Gordon Murray’s McLaren F1 – these cars rank amongst the most interesting ‘real-world’ JDM models of the last 40 years.

This 1991 Sera is one of 2,300 ‘Phase 2’ cars, notable for their updated upholstery. Its manual gearbox makes it even rarer – it is estimated that only 10 per cent of Seras were fitted with one. The car remained in Japan until 2002, when it was moved to the UK, where it remained for 18 years. It arrived in France a few years ago via Ireland. It is now duly registered with a French vehicle registration certificate, which saves the buyer the hassle of sorting out the paperwork.

Finished in burgundy metallic, the car looks good with fully functional doors which, we are told, stay in place and do not leak. The wheels are attractive bronze six-spoke alloys and the interior is very well maintained. The last MOT expired in December 2025, with a few comments noted below.

For the right buyer, this exceptionally rare and eye-catching conversation piece is an unusual and compelling find.

The seller states:

‘Very pleasant to drive. The engine responds well and pulls strongly; the manual gearbox is precise; the steering is responsive. It’s a light car that’s a pleasure to drive on a daily basis, unlike many collectible “youngtimers” that people no longer dare to take out. The driving experience under the panoramic roof is unique: the light and visibility are unrivalled in this class. It runs smoothly, is not left standing idle, and starts without hesitation.

‘The Sera is one of the most distinctive Japanese cars of the 1990s: produced exclusively for the Japanese market between 1990 and 1996 in a run of around 16,000 units, it was never sold in Europe. All those on the road here are imports, and they are becoming increasingly rare. Its most striking features are its double-hinged butterfly doors and its tinted panoramic glass roof. Gordon Murray cited the Sera as a direct source of inspiration for the doors of the McLaren F1: a pedigree that few compact cars can claim. This particular car stands out in three ways from other Sera models available on the market: it has a manual gearbox, which is significantly rarer and more sought-after than the automatic version; it already holds a French classic car registration certificate, sparing the buyer the entire homologation and import process; and a comprehensive documented history spanning three countries, with matching serial numbers across all documents since 2010. Under the bodywork lies a Toyota engine from its heyday: the 1.5 5E-FHE, reputed to be indestructible and easy to maintain.”

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Key information

Mileage: 185,400 km as stated (consistent mileage verifiable through the history of roadworthiness tests in several countries, we are told)
Country of registration: France
MOT status: expired (last MOT carried out on 18 October 2025, valid until 17 December 2025; the result was a fail)
Technical specifications: 1,490 cm³ four-cylinder petrol engine (5E-FHE), 5-speed manual gearbox
Documents: UK roadworthiness certificates (2010–2018), Irish registration certificate, French transfer certificates and French classic car registration document; no manufacturer’s service history book

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Details

Car in burgundy metallic, elegantly presented with bronze six-spoke alloy wheels
The clever scissor doors operate correctly, hold their position and do not leak, we are told
Very well-maintained beige Phase 2 interior showing little wear given its age and mileage
The last MOT in October 2025 was failed, with major faults: a damaged rigid brake hose and deteriorated engine mountings
Minor faults noted during the MOT: defective shock absorber guard, general chassis corrosion, damaged exhaust with no leaks or risk of detachment, severely deteriorated dust cap
The roadworthiness test has not been renewed since it expired in December 2025
Visible corrosion on the underside
Anti-rust treatment and metal plates fitted by previous owners
The seller states that the body panels are in good condition for their age, with no significant dents or scratches
The seller states that the red paintwork shows no flaking, significant scratches or visible repairs
We are informed that the roof window surround and seals are in very good condition with no water leaks
Small tear on the driver’s seat
The interior handle on the driver’s door has a broken piece of plastic, which was repaired with a screw by a previous owner; the door operates correctly
Aftermarket Japan Race wheels fitted on all four corners (not original)
Super Live Sound system not fitted; two original rear bass speakers remain in place
Car radio reconnected and in working order
The seller states that the 5E-FHE engine starts instantly with no unusual noise or smoke
The exhaust is noted as damaged but with no leaks or risk of falling off
The seller describes the 5-speed manual gearbox as smooth and precise
Drives smoothly and starts without hesitation
Stored in a locked, secure garage under a padded protective cover

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BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to Car & Classic’s terms and conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller, which means that consumer rights under European consumer protection legislation do not apply. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s terms and conditions.

✓ We require a non-refundable fee to be paid if you are the successful bidder or if your offer is accepted. Please refer to our FAQs and terms and conditions for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is sold ‘as is’, on an ‘as seen, where seen’ basis and without warranty. Photographs and descriptions are provided for information purposes only, and it is standard practice to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle before purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer’s deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final price of the bid or offer, as specified in the advertisement.

✓ We are as keen as you are for the transaction to go smoothly, which is why cars and motorbikes registered in theand listed for sale on Car & Classic are subject to an HPI check to verify that they have no insurance database flags for damage or theft, and that they are not subject to any financial charge, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as written-off following a total loss at the time the advert is placed on Car & Classic, and we provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) to assist you. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status, and it is always advisable to carry out a full check of the vehicle’s history before making an offer on it.

✓ Buyers are responsible for collecting or arranging delivery of the vehicle. Importing vehicles may incur additional customs duties and import taxes. If you wish, we can recommend a third-party transport company to assist you. For further details and to speak to the team, please email auctions@carandclassic.com.