Registration - C820 ANC

Chassis No. - JT1COAW1100027776

M.O.T. - September 2023

Odometer - 105,597

Notably good value in the current market, good early MR2s are being eagerly sought by enthusiasts, many of whom never previously imagined being Toyota owners. This four-owner example is certainly attractive inside and out, and was apparently dry stored from 1994 to January 2019, when it was treated to a ‘full nut and bolt restoration’, the majority of which was executed by the vendor, a qualified engineer. Following the replacement of any panels as required, the body underwent a glass-out respray in the original colour of silver and the installation of a new windscreen. The engine was rebuilt, the transmission overhauled and a new clutch inserted. The braking and suspension systems were also both fully refurbished, the interior retrimmed and the wheels renovated and shod with a new set of Dunlop SP Sport tyres. Unsurprisingly, the vendor presently considers the lusty twin-cam powerplant, five-speed manual gearbox, bodywork, paintwork and upholstery to all be in ‘excellent’ order, and is selling the two-seater coupe complete with full stainless steel exhaust system, sunroof, factory radio/cassette, window etching, history file containing receipts for all the replacement parts, photos of the restoration, and a current MOT valid into September of next year. The vendor adds that ‘C820 ANC’ is ‘always garaged and pampered’ and its only known fault is the temperamental nature of its pop-up headlamps.

The original mid-engined two-seater MR2 (Midship Runabout 2-Seater) was an unexpected offering from Toyota – a manufacturer previously noted for its practical but conventional family cars. It certainly caused quite a stir when it burst onto the market in 1984 – from its ‘origami’ styling to its Lotus designed and honed suspension, the newcomer was a welcome breath of fresh air.

In summary:

• A notably smart example of an increasingly sought-after model
• The subject of a recent nut and bolt restoration
• Four owners and 105,597 miles from new