Toyota’s second generation “SW20” MR2 has been heralded as one of the best budget sports cars of all time.

Introduced in 1990, the MR2 turbo was vastly ahead of its time. It had the spirit of the European supercar in a reliable, well-built Japanese body and could keep up with fellow mid-engine monsters from the likes of Ferrari and Porsche with ease.

It’s accomplishments on track coupled with staunch Toyota reliability has made the SW20 MR2 nothing less than a cult classic in today’s collector market.

This particular 1996 model year MR2 GT-S Turbo is a fantastic, period-correct example of the chassis and has been cared for extremely well during it’s time in Japan, ready to go to its eager next owner.

The exterior is finished in a brilliant coat of Toyota Super Red.

Enthusiasts will instantly notice the “slicktop” roof, highly desired among motorsports circles for its lighter weight and increased chassis stability. While slicktop models were rather uncommon stateside, the Japanese market is still well stocked with a healthy number of examples.

While appearances are mostly stock with this one, the trunk and rear bumper are fiberglass, indicating some signs of minor paint and bodywork.

With iconic styling cues such as pop-up headlights, this MR2 is certainly a head turner. A set of 90’s 3 spoke Super Advan wheels are a perfect fit and still stand the test of time as being one of the best complements to this iconic classic JDM chassis, and a set of Tein coilovers lower the vehicle just enough to eliminate any unsightly wheel gap.

The interior on this midship masterpiece is remarkably clean as well. For a 25 year old vehicle the quality and condition of the OEM equipment is impressive. The leather and Alcantara seats are free of major rips and tears, with only expected light bolster wear on the driver’s seat and the dash has no sign of any peeling, cracks, or bubbles. All dash buttons and switches are fully functional and work as expected, down to the climate control with automatic A/C. A Sparco 3 spoke steering wheel replaces the cumbersome OEM unit and feels right at home as you dart this compact coupe through backroad twists and turns. The original instrument cluster displays only 120,859 original km. Equating to only 75k verified miles it’s clear to see why everything is in such great condition.

Storage is ample for a small two seater, and sufficient trunk space, as well as additional room in the spare tire well up front make this vehicle a solid daily driver option if desired. Driving this MR2 is an experience in itself. Turn the key and the 2.0 turbocharged 3S-GTE fires up without a hitch. Being a 1995 model, this MR2 was part of the 3rd revision to the SW20 chassis. With this revision came major changes, such as a power bump to 242 hp and fixes to the OEM suspension to counteract the notorious lift off oversteer issues that plagued earlier MR2’s. The power increase feels welcome in this chassis as acceleration is rapid yet smooth.

A few choice period correct performance mods have been made to enhance the driving experience. An Apexi intake, Trust intercooler, and Blitz Blow off valve help the engine breathe better and produce a symphony of turbo noises from behind the cockpit.

We recently replaced all four spark plugs and our trained technicians have fully inspected the vehicle to ensure that it is safe and healthy for the road ahead. Shifts through the durable 5 speed manual transmission are smooth and direct, and a factory limited slip differential helps carve corners and further contribute to this MR2’s superb power delivery. While many JDM legends are rapidly rising in value, the MR2 is one of the undisputed best bang for your buck platforms out there.

Get behind the wheel of this one and experience true JDM mid-engine fun!