1992 Toyota Supra – Classified of the Week

There are JDM cars and then there are JDM cars. That handful of classic Japanese Domestic Market sporting icons that have transcended time, culture and purpose to become something much bigger, something truly special – legends if you will. We’re talking about cars like the Nissan Skyline, the Mazda RX-7, the Honda NSX and of course, the Toyota Supra. A cracking car in its own right it was further popularised by a certain hit movie about driving quickly in a rather incensed manner, prompting a resurgence of interest in this iconic sports car from the east.

That car was a 1994, fourth generation model but the Supra story began way back in 1978. Based on the earlier Celica, and even sharing the name, the ‘Celica Supra’ was Toyota’s answer to Datsun’s Z cars and featured a larger, in-line six-cylinder engine as oppose to the Celica’s four-pot (although a 2.0 four-cylinder was also available in Japan). The car was then completely redesigned for its second iteration in ’81 and featured pop up head lights and a larger overall footprint than the previous model.

Then came the third generation Supra in 1986. It was at this time that the Celica name was dropped and the Supra became its own unique model. Retaining the rear wheel-drive layout that had been a feature from the beginning and now fitted with a larger capacity 3.0-litre in-line six this crop of Supras were pushing out 200bhp. Then, a year later things got more interesting with the addition of a turbocharger which increased that peak power figure to over 230bhp, and that’s exactly the car we currently have available via our classifieds – a 1989 Toyota Supra Mk III 3.0 Turbo.

A three-owner car this late-model Mk III looks to be in great condition, judging by the photos at least. Having recently been stored in a garage for 15 years by an elderly couple it was purchased by the current owner who recommissioned the car and got it back on the road, which is exactly where it belongs. The advert states that the car is an original, unmodified example and that’s becoming a rare thing nowadays as many of these ’80s and ’90s Supras have been tweaked and/or turned into drift toys and so to find an unmolested car is refreshing.

The car has covered a few miles, 209,000 to be precise, but don’t let that put you off as there is a large history folder full of receipts and the stamped service book is also present. Not only that but the car will be sold with a fresh MOT. According to the seller the engine is smooth, sounds healthy, and starts every time with no smoke at all with the turbo making good power. It’s an automatic which makes it more of a tourer than an out and out sports car but then these Mk IIIs were always more akin to that smoother style of driving anyway due to their weight and with myriad gadgets it’s a well-equipped machine.

Speaking of gadgets everything is fully functional, from the cruise control to the electric mirrors. The only fault is with the main beam headlights but all of the other lights work, as do the pop ups. The air conditioning system also needs to be re-gassed but there is no mention of any faults here. The interior looks great, resplendent as it is in lush black leather with the only issue being some wear and literal tear to the driver’s seat bolster but this is commensurate with the age and mileage of the car.

There is mention of some bubbling beginning to show on the driver’s side rear wheel arch and where the boot lid meets the spoiler but the rest of the body is apparently rust-free. The underside of the car could potentially benefit from being rubbed down to remove the surface rust and then undersealed but it is not severe enough to cause any real concern yet. Overall it’s a pretty tidy example for five grand that should continue to provide many more miles and smiles.

Third gen Toyota Supra values are rising but there are still some performance bargains to be had, especially in turbo form like this one here. Although it’s a rather large, heavy car that demands respect the power remains intoxicating and more than up to the task of whisking you to 60mph in around six seconds. We think it still looks great too. It has that classic wedge-shaped, kid with crayons aesthetic and this particular all-black example gives off serious Knight Rider vibes. And that’s cool in our book.

If you missed out this time, here’s where to keep an eye out for another Toyota Supra for sale.