Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at Race Retro 2025 - Collectors' Cars on Saturday the 22nd of February, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh Rd, Coventry, CV8 2LG. The highly-anticipated, fourth-generation (A80) Supra was finally unveiled at the 1993 Chicago Motor Show after four years in development under the guidance of chief engineer Isao Tsuzuki, who had also worked on the first Celica and both generations of MR2. Unlike anything Toyota had produced before, the A80’s proportions and flowing design owed more to the 2000GT of the Sixties than its predecessor. With a long, low bonnet line and high-rise optional rear spoiler it was aerodynamically efficient and clearly aimed at delivering a much higher top speed. Allied to a simplified engine line-up of either naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged 3. 0-litre JZ-series straight-six offering between 220bhp and 326bhp, top-spec turbo versions with Toyota’s first six-speed gearbox now offered ‘supercar’ performance.
With its sumptuous leather interior and blistering performance, the new Supra was aimed squarely at the Porsche driver, some of whom were tempted. The marketing department at Toyota perhaps underestimated the badge snobbery raging amongst affluent, yet conservative, petrol-heads of the mid-1990s and although the Supra had the looks of a supercar, the refinement of a Mercedes-Benz, and 0 to 60mph to rival the Ferrari Testarossa TR at under 5 seconds, initial sales were slow. Toyota UK officially imported just 623 cars between 1993-1996 and these were only sold from 25 specially selected dealers.
Purchased by our vendor in 2017, this wonderful low mileage Supra Twin Turbo presents well in Super White over a Light Tan interior and is a UK-supplied car. UK cars can be distinguished from JDM imports by a number of features including the steel turbo, uprated brakes, additional sound deadening, the distinctive bonnet scoop and automatic chin spoiler. It's powered by the twin-turbocharged 3-litre ‘2JZ-GTE’ straight-six, delivering 326bhp and 325lb. ft of torque to the rear wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission and offering 0-60 in 4. 6 seconds and on to 180mph.
The car has covered just 24, 433 miles from new and is in commensurate condition. Its supplied with its full original book pack which contains a comprehensive service history from Toyota and Toyota Specialists. A good number of Supras have been further modified and fitted with body kits so it's good to find a low mileage, unmolested, UK car that has patently been cared for.
