A little bit of history: The 1997 Toyota MR2 is a compact sports car that was part of the MR2 (Mid-engine, Rear-wheel drive, 2-seater) lineup produced by Toyota from 1984 to 2007. The 1997 MR2 was part of the third generation of the MR2, which was produced from 1991 to 1999. The 1997 MR2 was available in two trim levels: the base model and the sportier T-Bar. Both models featured a mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout and a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produced 200 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with a 5-speed manual transmission or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The MR2 was known for its nimble handling and excellent balance, thanks in part to its mid-engine layout. It had a 0-60 mph time of around 6.5 seconds and a top speed of around 140 mph. The MR2 was also praised for its comfortable and well-appointed interior, which featured leather seats, air conditioning, and a 6-speaker sound system. The 1997 MR2 had a sleek and aerodynamic design, which included pop-up headlights and a rear spoiler that helped improve its aerodynamics. This Particular MR2 is one with loads of character. On the exterior is an iconic gray body kit all the way around, and it offsets the white factory paint perfectly. The wheels are another eyecatcher, with 17 inch Wedssport TC10SN silver alloy wheels on all 4 corners, each wrapped in Hankook Ventus RS4 sport tires with a decent amount of life left in them. The lugs on the wheels also accent the character of this ‘97, with offset Blue and Red LE66Dura Racing lugnuts on the left and right. Yellow TRD brake calipers draw your attention to the “more than street” nature of this MR2. This MR2 is lowered down on some track oriented Fightex coilovers, but the vehicle still has plenty of clearance for average daily use. The exterior of this vehicle is very clean overall and it definitely does not have the typical imperfections of a track car that has been thrashed. Underneath you’ll see the same story, with no significant rust or signs of damages. On the Interior, you’ll see more of the Clean Track Spec modifications, featuring a pair of different Recaro seats- a Racing bucket for the driver, and a more comfortable Recaro adjustable seat for the passenger. There is no Media unit in this vehicle, which makes for an easy upgrade to a U.S. unit- a common upgrade made once these are purchased in the US. In front of the driver is a Sparco 3 spoke steering wheel mounted to a D1spec steering wheel mount. Sitting atop that assembly is a GReddy Turbo Timer, and an HKS EVC-S. Finally to the right is a typical boost gauge typically seen in these vehicles. The interior modifications make this an ideal vehicle that can be used for track or street use, and converted between both easily. Currently the driver seat is mounted in a semi-close position to the steering wheel and pedals, but larger drivers can always remount the seat to better accommodate them. Now to some of the fun stuff. This 1997 MR2 is a rear wheel drive machine powered by the iconic 3S-GTE, paired to a sporty 5 speed manual. Aftermarket piping and Intake, as well as a GReddy e-manage ecu mounted in the trunk indicate this vehicle is primed to make a healthy boost in power over stock. As to how much of an increase, we aren’t sure since we have not DYNO’d this vehicle, but it was clearly well tuned as it puts the power down to the road well, revs nicely, and pulls strong! A TRD front strut tower brace adds some additional rigidity to the MR2 in the front considering the absence of a motor, and it tightens up this vehicle making it nimble and capable. This Track spec MR2 for the road is a cool and unique beast, and with a verified 132,073 kilometers (82,066 miles) this is still a healthy example of a 90’s JDM icon!