Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. The eagerly anticipated fourth generation (A80) Supra was unveiled at the 1993 Chicago Motor Show after four years in development under the guidance of Chief Engineer, Isao Tsuzuki. The A80 was a major step forward compared to the period-correct boxy shaped Supras, the A80s proportions and flowing design leaned more to the 2000GT of the 1960s than its predecessors with a long, low bonnet line and high-rise optional rear spoiler. All road-going A80 Supras were fitted with some variation of Toyotas bulletproof and highly modifiable 3-litre straight-six 2JZ engine, offering 220bhp in naturally aspirated form all the way up to 326bhp from the sequential twin-turbo variant.
While the Supra had supercar looks, the refinement of a Mercedes-Benz and a sub-five second 0-60mph time rivalling the Ferrari 512 TR, initial sales were slow, selling approximately 45, 000 examples worldwide. Ironically, only once production of the Supra ceased in 2002 did its popularity truly soar to new heights, gaining an almost cult following. From the offset, the 2JZ engine was highly tuneable and could push huge power with minimal modifications, with the capability of handling 1, 000bhp plus with the supporting modifications. Arguably, its cult status was guaranteed with its hero car feature in The Fast and The Furious, driven by Paul Walker and the adoption by Japanese tuning legends such as Smokey Nagata (Top Secret), HKS, Blitz, Veilside and TRD.
The car on offer is a remarkable example for a plethora of reasons. The closer you look, the more boxes it seems to tick. Produced in 2001, it is a very late, factory twin-turbo, manual coupé modified with excellent taste with an assortment of JDM 'unobtanium' goodies. Finished in the desirable and rarely seen Quicksilver FX (1B9), combined with the factory confetti Black Recaro seats, not to mention all your usual creature comforts such as climate control air conditioning, central locking and retractable power mirrors. In addition to the top-specification from the factory, the car has been further enhanced with a plethora of rare parts such as a Top Secret front bumper, TRD rear wing, TRD strut brace, TRD instrument cluster, TRD box skirts, TOMS Tec II ECU as well as a Nardi steering wheel, Defi gauges, larger Koyorad radiator, oil cooler, front mounted intercooler, and Bola wheels.
Having covered 140, 000km from new (87, 000 miles), the exterior presents very well, the paintwork gleaming nicely, with the interior presenting well, fabulously period correct and coming to market following a detail, service and fresh MOT.
To find a Supra built in such good order is no easy feat, with so many succumbing to rust, crashes and poor modifications, let alone finding one with such a gold mine of phenomenal JDM parts, this really is a fabulous example. To replicate this car and the associated parts would be an eye-watering sum, yet thankfully the careful custodians of this car have taken care of that already. A rightful JDM hero, offered at a reasonable level, come and meet your hero and see what the fuss is about.
