Update 28/05: Car Vertical report added to the end of the gallery (clear)
Highlights
- Highly desirable Supra in European spec
- 2JZ-GTE engine with 6-speed manual transmission
- Subject to plenty of mechanical work
- Original leather interior
- Same owner for the last 8 years
The Appeal
Designated internally as the A80, the 4th generation of the Toyota Supra was a step by the Japanese brand to make the Supra a more distinctive, performance-driven tourer in the growing 90s market. The European model was only available for three years, but it made a huge impact. Noted for its appearances in Gran Turismo, Fast & Furious, and the legendary Smokey Nagata’s ridiculous modifications, these cars are as big a head-turner as a Ferrari or Porsche.
This example, in European spec - with the rare manual transmission - is an exceptional example of what, in its heyday, was a sophisticated piece of machinery, that’s not lost a spot of its lustre.
The History and Paperwork
- Built in October 1993
- Registered in Denmark in 1994
- Imported to France in 2012
- Unfortunately, there is no pre-2012 history
- Fitted with numerous modifications during 2012-2014
- Purchased by current owner in 2014
- From 2015 onwards, the vendor worked upon returning the car to its original condition
- Indicates 169,666km
- Current Controle Technique until June 2024
- Paperwork file includes:
- Registration paperwork
- Insurance paperwork
- Original owner’s manual
- Controle Technique certificate and history
The Interior
- Curvy, attractive LHD interior with original black leather upholstery
- All-original instruments still on display, wrapping around the driver like a cockpit
- Seats are largely in good order, with some scuffs and cracking to the bolsters
Stylish, and harkening back to a lot of distinctive European designs of the 70s and 80s, the Supra’s interior wraps around the driver in a nifty cockpit of controls, beautifully tactile and simplistic. Everything here looks to be in good order, too, with all of the instruments seemingly in good, clean, working order.
The dashboard is free of cracks or significant damage, and the original black leather upholstery is still in situ - though we do note some cracking and rubbing to the headrests and bolsters. However, we can’t spot any rips or tears. The carpets and headlining are in good order throughout, too.
The car has been treated with soundproofing and a new sound system. The vendor notes that the wipers don’t work at their highest speed, the aerial is broken and the front spoiler button has been removed - though the relay for the aerial and the front spoiler control unit will be provided upon sale. The cabin features a new Kenwood radio head unit.
There are no leaks from the Targa top, and the boot is in good order, with a full tool kit and spare wheel tidily arranged inside. The Wicked CAS 2xJL Audio 6 Subwoofer enclosure is also kept here.
The Exterior
- Modified with the removal of the European active front spoiler
- Renaissance Red paintwork (3L2)
- Two sets of wheels included in the sale
With its sleek, modern shape, the Supra hit the 90s zeitgeist perfectly. The angular styling of the Mk3 was replaced with silky smooth bodywork throughout. This example has the front spoiler removed, but still carries all of that stylish, distinctive character.
Some bodywork has been carried out during 2022, ensuring the car’s panels are straight and nicely fit. The paintwork is beginning to show some signs of wear, having been refreshed nearly 10 years ago. We can spot the odd chip or bubble around the vehicle’s lower extremities, but it still presents well overall.
The car’s trims and glasswork all present well with no significant faults we can highlight, and the branding is complete, correct and nicely kept. The Targa top appears to have a good, solid fit with no water ingress, though the rubber seals could do with a clean.
This Supra is sitting on a full set of Volk Racing CE28N wheels, which really match up amiably with the rest of the car, and are shod in Michelin Pilot Sports tyres, which look to have plenty of tread. The vendor reports that the car will also be supplied with a full set of OEM alloys.
Underneath, there is some light surface corrosion, but nothing of significant concern. The vendor does note a slight gearbox leak on the output shaft.
The Mechanics
- 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo I6 powerplant
- 6-speed manual transmission
- Lightly modified including:
- Whifbitz double box exhaust
- High-flow catalyser
- HKS EVC-S boost controller (however, this hasn’t been used since fitting in 2014)
- Chris Wilson intercooler
- BC Racing suspension
- TRD front strut brace
- Stainless steel brake lines
- In 2015, the vendor began work to return the car to period order, including:
- Refurbished brake master cylinder with original Toyota parts
- Refurbished brake callipers with Chris Wilson parts
- New OEM brake rotors
- OEM intake
- OEM radiator
- Chris Wilson side mount intercooler (an uprated intercooler, where the original one is placed)
- OEM intercooler piping
- OEM power steering fluid cooler
- Removal of oil temperature/pressure gauges
- In 2016, at 152,000km, the car was fitted with:
- New Whifbitz double-box exhaust
- New high-flow catalyser
- New OEM crank pulley
- New accessory belt
- New TRD front strut brace
- Full oil check
- New soundproofing
- New music system
- In 2017, at approx 157,000km, the car was given:
- New OEM engine gasket kit
- New OEM water pump
- New vacuum lines
- New timing belt
- New timing belt tensioner
- New OEM flywheel
- New OEM clutch
- New OEM engine mounts
- Valve clearance check
- In 2018, at 164,000km, it was given:
- New heater matrix
- Full oil check
- In 2021, at 167,000km:
- New steering rack
- New power steering pump
- New spark plugs (Denso Iridium TT)
- New stainless steel brake lines
- Repaired ECU capacitor
- Valve clearance check
- The car’s sale includes:
- OEM exhaust, without catalysers
- OEM aerial relay
- OEM front active spoiler unit control
- OEM wheel lug nuts
With all of the work above, it should be clear that this car has been highly cherished, and beautifully kept. It reportedly starts on the button with zero issues, with the sequential turbos kicking into life perfectly. For its time, the Supra was seen as a big beast of a car - while that may not be true of modern standards, there’s certainly a little more heft than its contemporaries.
The result is a very characterful, attractive drive that defies its ‘boy-racer’ persona, perfectly capable of ambling around town comfortably, as much as it is howling in the countryside.
There’s no doubt, the Supra is an absolute legend - one that defies its own story as much as it defines it.
Summary
With an impressive level of care undertaken to bring it back towards period spec, this is an utterly fine example of a Supra that’ll charm any interested party - be it a collector, a JDM enthusiast or just somebody who fancies themself as a bit of a Brian O’Conner.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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Shipping and transfer
Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased. Car & Classic may refer a shipping company that also deals with import/export paperwork. Prices start at €150+VAT within the same country or €400+VAT for moves across borders. For more details, email auctions@carandclassic.com.
