Stock Number: 4755

It took the engineers in Chevrolet's Corvette workshop nearly 70 years to come to the conclusion that a mid-engine, rear-drive platform is would maximize performance. Well, Toyota wasn't that late to the game, in fact producing the first MR2 in 1984. By 1993, the year our example was produced, Toyota was well into its second generation of the vehicle, and even by today's standards, was producing a world-class sports coupe. Starting with a punchy 2.0L turbocharged engine, and manual transmission, the lightweight and balanced platform translates handles as well as it accelerates. While it was good out of the box, with a few tweaks you can really shake things up. The Pure White (040) paint job is a fantastic choice that never seems to age. The paint itself is in great shape for its age with only your typical little chips and scratches that come with 27-year-old vehicles. Sporting a set of matching white 16" Yokohama AVS VS-6s keep the all-white theme running. Recently we've been seeing these come through wingless, but not today. Fitted with a giant TRD style wing certainly makes a splash, yet somehow looks right at home. There are two small screws in the trunk from the wing that we wanted to mention, though most would never notice in passing. Otherwise, the body is in great shape with no real spots to complain about. While there are always a few small door dings this one doesn't have anything noteworthy to mention.

Much like the body, the interior has been kept pretty much all stock. The only real change-up comes in the form of a slick-looking Momo steering wheel. The radio has also been swapped out for a newer 1.5 din which you'll likely replace down the road with something more US-friendly and current. In the meantime, it does at least function and the speakers are in decent shape. The driver's seat has been spared from any of the typical bolster wear that seems to plague most cars over the years. Both seats are free of any staining or fading which can be an issue with the T-top cars. The same can be said about the door cars and carpets which have held up great. The dash has been kept from any sun damage or peeling (which is a common Toyota issue,) making it a particularly nice cabin to spend an afternoon in, or even your morning commute. Fitted with all the factory options of the day; automatic climate control, power windows, locks, and mirrors are all functioning properly. With such a quiet and rather well-appointed cabin, this would surprisingly make a great candidate for a daily driver. Especially when you remember that these were sold stateside, so any service work necessary down the line can literally be done at a Toyota dealer if you wanted to. The Japanese were always on top of their game when it came to utilizing space. While it may be a proper 2 seat sports car you still get a useable trunk both front and rear, along with several convenient storage options inside the cabin.

It's always an experience hearing an engine spark to life when it's planted smack dab behind your head. Everything comes through far more intensely since you're merely a foot away. Mechanically the 3S-GTE also received a bit of an overhaul with the 3rd revision. Power was bumped up to 242 and the E153 5 speed received upgraded synchros to help smooth out the gearbox. The mid-mounted four-cylinder puts its power down to the rear wheels thanks to a Viscous LSD. The 3S-GTE power plant is notorious for its reliability and ability to make great horsepower right out of the box, especially with a mere 75K verified miles. This one does have a few goodies in the engine bay to make the drive a bit more exciting. An HKS open filter intake lets the turbo breathe a bit easier and sounds wild right behind your head. A Blitz Super Sound blow-off valve makes all the right noises every time you lift off the gas. The intake filter has been replaced along with a fresh set of tires to ensure that you won't have to deal with any routine service for quite some time. The 5-speed transmission shifts smoothly and the clutch feels OEM with no signs of slipping which is always confidence building. The gearbox is spectacular to row through, especially when the road gets twisty and you have a chance to let it shine. Both the suspension and brakes are solid making the drive of this MR2 a blast. For those of us looking for a sports car that you can confidently daily drive there aren't a ton of options available these days. Timeless good looks, efficient, yet still makes great power, the MR2 really does check all the boxes. The only thing it's missing is a new garage to call home!

*California Residents: In order to register a Grey Market vehicle in the state of California then it will have to be made CARB complaint first. CARB certifications will have to be performed within the state. Depending on the vehicle and any existing modifications will affect the pricing. Typically CARB compliance will range between 5-10K. Additional information can be found on the California Air Resources Board website.