Mint Toyota Supra Turbo (A70) | Spotted
Not only is it in A1 condition, this A70 is the perfect spec - with Turbo and a manual 'box
I often sound extremely excited by certain cars. I am aware that if this happens too often it might conjure up a whiff of cynicism – it’s all just manufactured delight to add some pizzazz. For example, I wrote recently that I was so enraptured by a Mercedes W126 that I was considering buying it, but I wasn’t pulling your leg, honestly. I am still toing and froing over that one, and it’s still, annoyingly, the ULEZ extension – writ large in the cons column – that’s swaying me from plunging in. I haven’t ruled it out completely, though.
Here's another car that’s getting me in a tizz and, again, the tizz is real. I have long held a soft spot for the A70 Toyota Supra in any form, but this one is, I reckon, most people’s idea of the zenith. It’s a Turbo and a manual, which means maximum welly and driver engagement in one package. Not sure there’s too much arguing to be had about those two box tickers? Nor the fact that it’s as clean and tidy as a new hospital, despite being 33-years old, but that’s in part because it’s showing just 37,000 miles on the odometer. Mind you, let’s face it, it’s a Toyota; it'd probably be just as tidy if it had clocked up 137,000 miles.
Indeed, the only contentious thing I can see is the ever-thorny issue of colour. I happen to think red suits this A70 as well as it did Pamela Anderson’s swimsuit. As an aside, Baywatch burst onto our screens in the same year this car was made in 1990. Anyway, just because I happen to like it in red doesn't mean you will. I can imagine many will prefer a more conservative blue hue, which is fine: there's an even lower-mileage A70 I noticed for sale with a different dealer, and it's blue. The truth is, colour is never a black and white issue; well, unless it’s black or white I suppose.
The A70 isn’t a true sports car, it’s more of a grand tourer. It was also the first of the breed to cut ties with the Celica, on which the Supra had been based since it came out in 1978. But by this era the Celica had gone front-wheel drive and the Supra stuck with a proper rear-drive layout, which meant the A70 was built off the Toyota Soarer platform. The 3.0-litre 7M-GE straight-six was a blueprint for cutting edge at the time. It had double overhead cams, four-valves per cylinder, electronic ignition and fuel injection. In its standard, naturally aspirated guise, it made 201hp at 6,000rpm, backed up by a useful 187lb ft that peaked at 4,800rpm.
The Supra had a reputation for being a bit overweight, which was true. The A70 weighed in at around 1,500kg, depending on the spec, while a Porsche 944 was in the region of 100kg lighter. But the standard Supra could still accelerate from 0-60mph in 7.3 seconds, which was quicker than a 944 2.5 Lux, and, of course, the 944 was limited to a measly four cylinders. The Supra’s six sounded altogether more delicious. When the Turbo arrived in 1987, there could be no questioning its pace. The 7M-GTE motor raised the stakes to 235hp and 253lb ft, which meant this thing could hit 60 in 6.3 seconds. That was more than respectable 30-odd-years ago, as was its 152mph top speed.
To be frank, though, performance is less of an issue all these years later. Some humble modern hatchbacks – and not even the hot versions – could match or beat that time. What’s more important about cars like this is how they make you feel. It’s all about the emotional value. And to me that’s very high with this car. I think the shape matches exactly the era it was from without looking awkward today. It’s extremely handsome, with neat details like the recessed indicators and side lights, pop-up headlights (of course) and, this being a late model, the integrated rear spoiler. Then there’s the interior. Plenty of dials, including a boost gauge, and more buttons on display than you’d see in a ceremonial military march. It’s my kind of interior that. No touchscreen nonsense, no digital dials, just analogue brilliance throughout. But it’s the Supra’s seats that really finish it off. How amazing do they look? I don’t even have to sit in them to imagine how good they’d feel to sink my backside into. And as with everything about this particular example, they’re in wonderful condition.
So, just to be clear, this is not feigned delight. This is genuine appreciation of a wonderful classic on display, and another car that I’d love to have in my collection. Sadly, another one that is currently scuppered by ULEZ, though. Shame.
SPECIFICATION | TOYOTA SUPRA 3.0 Turbo (A70)
Engine: 2,954cc, straight-six
Transmission: five-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 235 @ 5,600rpm
Torque (lb ft): 253 @ 3,200rpm
CO2: 258g/km
MPG: 26
Recorded mileage: 37,000
Year registered: 1990
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £23,495
I would love one of these in black with the swiping red light at the front, that answered to name "kitt" - not the same car, but these always reminded me of night rider as a kid.
I would then get my hair permed and start wearing leather jackets and gold medallions...... life goals for a Friday :-)
I don't know why a 944 was mentioned as these Supra's were GT cars not sports cars, more akin to a 928 if it has to be compared to a Porsche of the same era.
Secondly., I felt obliged to alast create a Pistonheads account. The lure was too great and felt obliged.
Thirdly., the A70 Supra. My father owned a blk 3.0i, the std model. It had one modification; A knight Rider swipe reflector! Not my cup of tea, but hey ho. I remember the A70 as being unique and rapid for it's time, but then I was a kid. My father later acquired from new, the next generation UK spec Twin Turbo Supra (with airscoop on bonnet), again in blk. Quite simply, it was on another level and very impressive. For me, and regardless of condition, this A70 with 37K is overpriced. Some may disagree, and of course it's a reflection on current market conditions, but, hey ho!!
Mine was an 89 Turbo manual in metallic black:
Lovely car that I had for a couple of years. Not the cheapest of things to run but it had all of the toys you could have dreamed of in period including air-con and cruise control, full leather interior, electric seats, but, best of all pop-up headlights.
Perfect for cruising around in with the occasional blast away from the lights, and with its limited slip diff a nice introduction to oversteer. It was definitely a GT rather than a sports car though (I replaced it with a Mk1 MR2). That was an absolute golden period for Toyota that they are just rekindling.
I would say around £18k would be fair for this, which may still sound a lot but people need to realise these are classics now, like anything remotely interesting from the 80's or 90's.
The GR86 is a better car versus any current competition than the MR2 ever was back in the day. The GR Yaris is pretty special. Current Supra, OK BMW derived but probably still a better car in relative terms than an A70 Supra. Etc.
Then there's the GR Corolla in some markets.
Toyota of today doesn't get enough credit.
I've always been a big fan of the older Toyota performance cars as well, because I enjoyed getting to experience the odd one or 2 of them over the years.
If I had the money...I'd also love a manual version of the current Supra too.
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