Registration - N18 PAS

Chassis No. - JT163SW2000104523

M.O.T. - July 2023

Odometer - 74,000

Now here’s one to set the pulse racing – a very pretty example of the MR2 GT coupe. Its glistening red bodywork is paired with a two-tone leather interior and the ensemble complemented by a fine set of Momo alloy wheels – an accepted upgrade in period. The vendor views the 2.0-litre 16-valve engine, five-speed manual gearbox and upholstery as currently being in ‘excellent’ order, and the bodywork and paintwork as ‘good’. He adds that ‘the car performs perfectly on the road with everything working as it should’ and that the relatively modest total indicated mileage of 74,000 is genuine.

The original mid-engined two-seater MR2 (it stood for Midship Runabout Two-Seater) was an unexpected offering from Toyota – a manufacturer previously noted for its practical but very conventional family cars.

The second generation model was introduced in 1989 and rolled out around the world over the ensuing two years. It was a very different looking car. Gone were the angular lines of the inaugural model to be replaced by softer flowing ones more akin to the Pininfarina-styled Ferrari 348 and F355. Indeed, the resemblance was sufficiently close to spawn bodykits that enabled those with the passion but not the wherewithal to purchase the real thing, to create a passable imitation. The newcomer was larger all over than its predecessor and therefore heavier too – by some 375 pounds. The potential effect on performance was countered by the replacement of the 1,587cc engine with a 2-litre one – the 1998cc 3S-FE unit for the standard coupe and the more powerful 158bhp 1,997cc 3S-GE unit for the GT Coupe and GT T-Bar (Targa) model.

In summary:

• An excellent example of the now hard to find 2.0-litre GT Coupe
• Just six owners and 74,000 miles from new
• Rides on a period-acceptable set of Momo alloy wheels