2.0L 3S-GE I4 powerplant with 5-speed manual transmission
The Appeal
Small and sporty, the mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive MR2 was designed with a sense of economy - while still providing a light, tight-handling experience on the road. Attractively designed - indeed, many note the Ferrari-esque styling - these coupes have aged gracefully, becoming the perfect pick for a sporty modern classic. Plus it has pop-up headlights, which always sweetens the deal.
This remarkable example of the 2nd generation GTi has yet to cover 20,000 miles, and has only been through three sets of hands since new. It’s a beautifully preserved example of an incredibly desirable 90s Japanese sports car.
The History and Paperwork
UK-market car, first sold by Motorline, Canterbury
The car has had only three owners from new
The second owner kept the vehicle for a whopping 26 years
The car has racked up only 19,169 miles - backed by its service history
Currently based in Ireland
The car’s paperwork folder reportedly includes:
V5c document
Every MOT certificate since 1992
An A4 binder with full maintenance history
A partially stamped service record book
No VAT or Duty is due for import into ROI
The Interior
Impressive blue and grey fabric interior in exceptional condition
The vendor describes the interior as 'as close to concours as it gets'
Sports seats are in excellent order with no rips or tears
The matching door cards are in fine fettle with little to no sign of use
‘Timewarp’ condition with all original instruments and features, including:
Toyota-branded CD and Cassette stereo
Electric mirrors, doors and central locking
Air conditioning
Heated rear windscreen
Manually adjustable column
Push-up sunroof
Leather-trimmed steering wheel
All dials and instruments are clean and easy to read
The steering wheel is in superb condition
We’ve not been informed of any technical issues throughout
The carpets are protected by a set of original red-trimmed mats
The carpets themselves are in good condition
Headlining is clean and free of wear
The Exterior
Impressive bodywork with sleek, almost Italian aesthetics
We can’t spot any dents or dings with a tight panel fit
The sills underwent some remedial work in 2005 which was done to a high standard
The paintwork carries only light signs of use, none of which is overly noticeable
The glasswork and lenses are in good condition
The pop-ups are opening and closing perfectly with no faults
The vendor does note:
Some very minor corrosion to the bottom of the driver’s door
Some texturing under the wheel arch lips
However, these are reportedly only detectable via touch and are barely visible
The car is sat on its original set of 14” five-spoke alloys
Shod with Bridgestone tyres to the front, Firestones to the rear
From what we can see of the underside, the car is in good shape
The Mechanics
2.0L 3S-GE I4 powerplant
5-speed manual transmission
The car will be fitted with a new timing belt and water pump before sale
The car’s mechanical order is supported by a long service history
Most recently serviced at ‘about 19,000’ miles by Marron’s of Monaghan
This included a replacement of all filters
The car is reportedly starting first time
We’ve received no reports of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke
Summary
With a super-low mileage, an exceptional level of preservation and plenty of character, this MR2 is a cracking ambassador for the age of late 20th-century Japanese sports cars.
Perky, stylish, and ready to hit the road, we’ve no doubt this well-kept example will turn plenty of heads - and become a much-beloved companion for the new owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
