Description
This Toyota MR2 SW20 GT T-bar is one of the 10th Anniversary Edition cars, being number 004 of 250. The 10th Anniversary is a UK special edition based on the Rev 3 GT T-bar with a number of cosmetic extras such as anthracite grey wheels and badges, stainless steel kick plates, and the wood/ leather Momo steering wheel. It was available either in Lucerne Silver (as this one is) or Caribbean Blue. The promotional material at the time actually said it was “guaranteed to be a future classic”.
It has to be said, the second generation SW20 design has aged well and its lines arguably look better now than when new. Although introduced in 1989, each revision saw improvements and, in our view, the post-93 models are the better drivers. It should be noted that these cars are comfortable in modern traffic, in a way some contemporary cars of its age aren’t.
Car 004 was delivered to its first lady owner in April 1996, who kept it for six years before a family meant she reluctantly swapped it for a Previa. In 2002 it was bought by its second owner, an older gentleman who was a genuine personality locally and truly enjoyed the car until ill health resulted in the car being laid up for 11 years. The comprehensive history file gives a wonderful insight into the car’s life before we undertook a thorough commissioning over the past year.
This car is in very good condition, having been maintained well over the years. Despite low annual mileage, the second owner had an all-inclusive service plan and is still remembered fondly by the Toyota main dealer as he would call in regularly for a chat. The history file is absurdly thorough, during the recommissioning process the MR2 Drivers Club managed to trace it right back to the original owner and even the salesman who sold the car, with clear evidence of the amount of work done, and supports the current 65, 000 mileage.
We have spent a disproportionate amount of time, and money, returning the car to its original condition. We have sourced, mainly thanks to highly knowledgeable enthusiasts at the MR2 Drivers Club, and replaced with originals a number of parts. The list of mechanical work is simply too long to list in its entirety but includes new brake discs and pads, radiator, water pump, fuel pump, distributor and leads, cam and alternator belts, clutch, and tyres. Despite 11 years laid up, no welding or bodywork has been required and the MOT was passed with no advisories.
The interior has been refurbished but retains its originality. The exterior has been refreshed, sourcing the appropriate badges, but we have kept the “marks” that the second owner created. This is where my wife and I disagree, she believes in patina and such marks are integral to the car’s history, whereas my view is that once a body work has had ANY paint then we have freedom to restore the car to showroom condition.
A straw poll when the car was exhibited at the Practical Classics show at the NEC in March was equally split, hence the car is being sold as it is and the new owner can make that decision (obviously I can’t as a happy wife means a happy life!). This is a car that really needs to go to an enthusiast that appreciates its history and relevance and understands how to add value to it.
As mentioned, the car is totally original and includes a black leather interior, the Toyota radio cassette and CD player, Momo wood and leather steering wheel, stainless steel sill kick plates (still with the protective film), glass T-Bar removable roof panels (with bags and blinds), remote central locking, electric windows and door mirrors, and anthracite grey 15" alloy wheels with new Toyo Proxes tyres. The original exhaust has been professionally rebuilt to retain the original look and sound. The car has been driven a thousand faultless miles since its recommissioning, so everything has been well road tested.
So why is it up for sale? Well, this is our fifth MR2 MkII (SW20) and second Anniversary car. It has been an absolute joy to help bring back to life. However, our circumstances at home have changed and we have lost all of our garaging as an extensive rebuild is under way, hence we are thinning the number of cars we have.
We have advertised three cars for sale: a striking MR2 MkII Sonic Shadow with amazing road presence, an impossible not to love BMW E46 330Ci convertible, and this car with its individual personality. All share the common themes of no more than two previous owners, low mileages, and interesting back stories. We will be looking to sell two of the three and keep the third.
All of these cars really do need to go to a knowledgeable enthusiast, someone who will appreciate what they represent and aim to treat them well. Thank you for your attention and feel free to contact me for any further information.
The car will be sold with a year’s MOT and the AVZ554 number plate is NOT included.
