Classic pearls of the future - Toyota MR2
04/20/2014
Yes, it has been around 30 years since the production version of the Toyota MR2 was launched. With a mid-engine and rear-wheel drive, it was similar in concept to the Fiat X 1/9 or the Lotus Esprit and the later Elise, but was created independently of these vehicles in Japan.
After years of preparation, the MR2 was unveiled as the SV-3 concept car at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show. And as the response from the public was great, the car was built from the second quarter of 1984.
With a weight of around 1000 kg and just under 120 hp, it could not be described as a super sports car, but the agile mid-engined runabout was of course still capable of making rapid progress. Just under 200 km/h was possible, and the standard sprint to 100 km/h was completed in around eight to nine seconds. And this without excessive drinking habits, as the Automobil Revue also stated in issue 16/1986. "The MR2 is one of those cars that are bought less for rational reasons and more for emotional reasons," was the conclusion at the time, with a sideways glance at the small trunk and the cramped interior.
From around 1987, the MR2 was also available with a T-roof, i.e. with two removable roof halves. It wasn't expensive, costing less than 30,000 francs or just over 30,000 DM depending on the version.
By 1989, the first generation was already over; the second was more rounded and had a touch of Ferrari, but remained true to the technical roots of its predecessor.
The MR2s of the first series have become rare, especially the original examples, which have not been modified by tuners, rust or accidents - the car was not entirely safe without ABS and ESP, especially in the wet.
Theoretically, the earliest MR2s would already be classic cars, but they were not exported to Europe from the outset and are therefore still classified as youngtimers. But they are classic pearls of the future anyway.
