It is easy to think that the most interesting thing about the Toyota MR-2 is that it sounds a bit like a swear word in French. But if you dare delve a little deeper into the murky history of this car it starts to make the Da Vinci Code seem like Where’s Wally.
Lies, contradictions, rumours and dodgy mud flaps – they are all contained in this fascinating story. You may have thought the Mazda MX-5 was the most Lotus-influenced small sports car to come out of Japan in the eighties, but if reports are to be believed the MR-2 was actually part-designed by the Hethel firm. Or was it even, dare I say, a discarded Lotus design?
Some shady corners of the interweb will have us believe that the Lotus X100, a front-engined prototype that curiously looked nothing like the MR-2, was to be called the ‘Lotus Toyota’. Apparently it was thought the design was lacking visual impact and Lotus could never replicate Toyota’s build quality, so it morphed into a completely different car (with the engine slid back just past the seats and cabin etc).
Other theories suggest that Lotus’ Roger Becker helped Toyota with their work on the MR-2 programme, which dates back to 1976. It seems more likely that as Lotus had more experience with mid-engined cars at the time it was called in to help with the development, although the final design was signed off by Toyota.
But if this is true how do you explain this? Don’t tell me some fellow called Scorpion is just taking the Mick out of us all. It can’t be that simple. The deeper you go into the story the more it doesn’t make sense. Who the hell was Mr.2 anyway?
Who knows, but what we do know is that when Toyota’s Midship Runabout 2-Seater finally made it to the UK it was a revelation. Incredible handling and decent performance were thanks to an ultra-light weight (998kg in Japan) and you had Toyota reliability to boot.
It was a huge hit, so much so that the MK2 version never really managed to match its iconic status. Also thanks to Toyota’s good build quality there are quite a few MK1s around, but finding a decent one can be tricky.
This lovely light blue MR2 is rare in that it is standard and unmolested and according to the seller in good working order. MR2s will start to rust and this has a few patches coming through but for less than a grand it still looks like a bargain.
Tax and MOT also mean you can drive it immediately to Hethel and start banging on the door demanding answers…
Carandclassic.co.uk ad reads: '1989 'F' reg. MOT & TAX - May 2009. 125K miles. Lovely car a great to drive. It is in good condition, throughout, the engine is sound and never misses a beat. It is clear to see the car has been very well looked after over the years, there is a lot of paper work to back up the mileage and the interior is unmarked and looks almost new.
'There are a few rust patches coming through, most noticeably on the drivers side wings. I've been using the car as a daily run about for the last 6 months and it has been 100% perfect, but unfortunately my situation means i now have to sell the car. I had the car serviced two months ago, and the mechanic at the garage said it was a good solid car.
'If you have any questions or would like to come and see the car, please give me a ring or send me an email. The Price is now reduced to £995 but I am still open to serious offers as i do need a quick sale.'