Toyota’s original mid-engined MR2 turned the world of sports cars on its head. Taking cues from Fiat’s ground-breaking X1/9, Toyota created a delicate, perfectly balanced, neatly styled sports car backed by Toyota levels of reliability.
When it came to replacing the MR2 the firm once again had an Italian car maker in its sights, but this time it was Ferrari. The second generation MR2 took the profile of a 355 and mixed it with what made its original ‘mid-ship runaround’ so great to drive and safe to own.
This MR2 must be one of the very last registered and is in exceptional condition. From the immaculate bodywork to the barely touched interior it looks showroom-fresh. That’s down to the very low mileage and vigilance of its lady owner of 23 years.
Back up for sale due to the seller’s change of circumstances it is a rare opportunity to buy not just one of the best sports cars of the 90s but arguably one of the best second generation MR2s in the UK.
The History and Paperwork
First road registered 28th April 2000
Registered by the supplying dealer Sandhurst Toyota as a demonstrator
Acquired by its long term owner in 2000:
Used sparingly
Always garaged
Owner’s age forced sale
Acquired by the vendor through Car and Classic:
Intended as a long term purchase
Change of circumstances forces very reluctant sale
Full Toyota main dealer service history with 23 stamps in the book
Latest service on 24th October 2022 at 27,831 miles
Timing belt changed at 25,312 miles in late 2017 or early 2018 based on MOT records
Excellent MOT history:
Just 16,000 miles covered since 2006
Only minor advisories
Only one fail in 2017 for headlamp beam height
MOT to 25th June 2024 with no advisories
3 keys
2 fobs
Full book pack including service book and original handbooks, all in excellent condition
The Interior
Immaculate, beautifully designed interior with barely any signs of wear
Optional leather sports seats in superb condition with barely any sheen of use and only light creasing
Even the red-stitched gear knob barely shows any signs of use
MR2 branded factory over mats
Locking wheel nuts appear entirely unused
Original factory stereo with factory face plate
Clever storage solution for the roof panels behind the seats
Original roof panel headlining covers
Roof bags present and in superb condition
Toyota’s interior designers switched from the boxy, cuboid design of the original MR2 to a smoother, more curvaceous look for the second generation. There are clear influences of Italian exotica but here it is built to exacting Toyota standards.
That quality plus the care of the long term owner explains why the interior of this 23 year old car is in such incredible condition. Rarely have we seen even a low mileage car such as this one in such remarkable shape. There are barely any signs of wear, even on the oft-used driver’s seat and gear lever. And it is highly original, right down to the seemingly unused MR2 over mats and the gear knob.
As the basis for a concours example there can surely be few better places to start.
The Exterior
Classic 90s sports car profile including key touch points like the iconic pop-up lights, chisel nose and rear buttresses with wrap-around rear screen
The bodywork of this car is extremely good, one of the best we have seen on this age of car
Finished in stand-out Toyota Pure White with paintwork in superb condition
Glass and lights in very good condition
Quality Pirelli tyres in good condition
Excellent factory 5 spoke alloys in excellent condition, appearing not to have been refurbished and with no kerbing or marks visible
Small virtually invisible scuff on the rear bumper the only notable mark
Seller states that the glass T-Bar fits well with good sealing and no leaks
Excellent panel gaps and straight bodywork on both sides
Original number plates with small stone-inflicted crack on front one
The structure reflects the bodywork being in superb condition with no structural MOT advisories
For its second generation MR2, Toyota set its sights high. The original car had been designed to take on the Fiat X1/9, at the time considered a benchmark in small sports car dynamics. The new car aimed higher, at Ferrari. The original plan was to compete head-on with Maranello by dropping a 3litre engine under the bonnet. This plan morphed into the car you see here.
It is a handsome, well portioned shape and one that owes a nod not just to the 355 Ferrari but also to the still-born original versions of the Panther Solo, a car that heavily used Toyota engineering.
The shape is a virtual tick box exercise in 90s sports car styling cues and all the better for it. So there is a chisel nose, pop up headlights, rear buttresses - just like a Ferrari - and a curved rear screen.
This car began life as a dealership demonstrator so was tastefully specified in Toyota super white, a colour that suits the lines. The bodywork is in exceptional condition, the only visible mark being very minor and limited to a scuff on the rear bumper that can hardly be seen in the photographs. The glasswork, lights and factory 5 spoke alloy wheels continue the theme, being in virtually concours condition. All of this reflects the careful long term owner who we understand always garaged the car.
The car is highly original and even has its original factory dealer plates. The front one carries a stone crack but is not unsightly.
The Mechanics
Factory standard specification 3SGE naturally aspirated 2litre 4cyl engine good for 173bhp
5spd manual gearbox
Full Toyota main dealer service history
Timing belt changed at 25,312 miles in late 2017 or early 2018 according to MOT records
Last serviced on 24th October 2022 by Toyota at 27,831 miles
Superbly balanced mid-engined, rear wheel drive set up
Coil springs replaced with OEM items but otherwise exactly as it left the factory
Some MOTs refer to a small oil leak but the owner says there is no evidence of this under the car
The second generation MR2 offered buyers a more grown-up, GT-esque experience but one that retained the delicate, nimble balance buyers expected from Toyota’s successful mid-engined car. Standard cars like this one got a naturally aspirated, 173bhp version of the 3SGE Toyota engine, which is a particularly reliable unit. It is mated to a slick 5spd manual gearbox.
The original plan with the MR2 to challenge Ferrari means that the car’s running gear is capable of handling a lot more power and the 2litre engine can certainly give it. That has created an army of tuners ready to personalise the second generation MR2. It is rare, therefore, to find a totally standard car like this, just as it left the factory and in the hands of one long term, clearly careful lady owner.
That must surely be a compelling reason to consider this car, although the diminutive sub-30,000 miles on the clock is surely another. It has full Toyota main dealer service history with 23 diligently applied stamps, most recently in October 2022 at 27,831 miles (just 300 miles ago). The timing belt was done at 25,312 miles, between the 2017 and 2018 MOTs.
Summary
The second generation MR2 was nicknamed the mini-Ferrari when it was new and with good reason: aside from the looks, it delivered a communicative, nimble driving experience with near perfect weight distribution. And the added bonus of Toyota durability.
The MR2 is one of the best driver’s cars of the 1990s. That can lead to high mileages and modification, making it very rare to find a car like this. With a very low mileage, impeccable service history and one long term owner, this immaculately presented car is surely a concours contender. Opportunities like this don’t come along very often.
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.*
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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.
