Recent service including new tyres, cam belt, brake pads, and fan belts
One previous UK registered keeper
The Appeal
The Toyota Sera raised quite a few eyebrows when it hit the market in 1990. Far from the often angular lines of Western futurist vehicles before it, the Sera was a soft-curved, glass-canopied car with distinctive butterfly doors and an adapted mechanical platform taken from their legendary Starlet. It was only ever sold on the Japanese market, which makes this example particularly special.
These very unusual cars have a strong following and this one is now amongst the best. In 2023 it received £6,000 worth of bodywork and mechanical restoration. That included a full respray plus tyres, service, cambelt and attention to the coolant and fuelling systems. This really is a car where someone else has done all the hard work so that you can enjoy it.
Built in 1990, and first arriving on British soil in 1999, this car has had only one UK keeper. It would make an unusual daily driver - passers-by constantly amazed by those doors - or is perfectly suited to the show circuit, where those doors would again surely star. We've no doubt this one will spark plenty of interest.
History and Paperwork
Built in 1990
First arrived in the UK in 1999
MOT valid until August 2025
Last full engine service carried out on 2nd June, including cam belt change
41,917 miles on the clock
Recent renovation work totalling £6,000:
27/04/23: clean fuel tank
15/07/23: four new tyres, service and coolant flush
04/08/23: full respray
The Condition
Recent full respray and detailing performed
Some light wear with the odd chip or mark
Butterfly doors are working as expected
Full glass roof makes the cabin a bright, airy space
Underside appears solid
Interior is nicely presented
Fabric seats appear free of rips or tears
Some light staining and marks to the bolsters
Instruments are clear and legible
Original Japanese labels and stickers throughout
We've no reports of any technical issues to the interior features
Original music player still in situ
Rear speakers are looking somewhat grubby
Some damage to the aircon vents
The Mechanics
1.5L 5E-FHE I4 powerplant
4-speed automatic transmission
May possibly require new exhaust back box
Full recent service including:
New tyres
New cam belt
New brake pads
New fan belts
With similar mechanics to the Starlet, the Sera is perky and fast on its feet
We've no reports of any mechanical issues
We understand the car is performing well
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic 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 consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to 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 bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email auctions@carandclassic.com
