Launched for 1982, the second-generation Toyota Celica Supra marked a true breakthrough for its maker at home and in its crucial export markets. Angular 2+2 body styling with pop-up headlamps and integral front and rear spoilers delivered a clean, sophisticated look that continues to be as handsome as ever today. Featuring DOHC 2.8L six-cylinder power, a 5-speed gearbox and fully independent underpinnings with rear-wheel drive, the Supra also benefited from chassis tuning and testing by Lotus in Hethel, UK, of which Toyota held an ownership interest. A true Luxury/GT car for committed drivers, the 1982-86 Celica Supra enjoys near-universal acclaim among knowledgeable fans today.
The recipient of Car and Driver magazine’s “Import Car of the Year” award and named one of its “10 Best,” the Supra also delivered uncanny reliability and ease of operation – something many of its competitors simply could not. Coinciding with the new Supra’s launch, famed racing champion Dan Gurney’s All American Racers team campaigned Toyota-powered prototypes on the IMSA trail and Gurney played a leading role in Supra ads, stating, “That’s the Right Stuff!” High-profile use in the supporting races for the Long Beach Grand Prix kept the Supra at the forefront of potential buyers’ minds. Two Supra variants were offered, the “L” Luxury model, and the “P” Performance version including analog instruments monitoring vital functions and other fine details.
This stunning “P” model from 1986 is a late-production model equipped with the highly desirable 5-speed manual transmission. Impeccable throughout and original, it retains the vast majority of its original Black paint finish with the exception of the repainted hood. Upon inspection, the steering wheel and shift knob and seating surfaces are virtually as-new, without the usual wear and tear one expects of a 35-year-old vehicle. Both the twin-cam 2.8-liter engine and the entire underhood compartment are painstakingly detailed and visually impressive, retaining all the original elements. Fine detail items abound, from the removable underhood light to the decals, emblems, clamps, and fasteners that remain in their respective locations. While the windshield was indeed replaced, the rest of the Supra’s glass is original and remains as new. Obviously well-maintained and cared-for, this Supra’s quality extends to the pristine and undamaged front air dam. Colors are excellent, with the Grey interior’s condition in keeping with the rest of the vehicle. Every feature of the Supra is present and functions as it should, including the cigarette lighter, under-hatch privacy curtain, graphic equalizer, lumbar-support air pump, as well as all plastic items. The restored alloy wheels are pristine and correct blackwall radial tires and correct exhaust-outlet tips provide the finishing touches.
If you are looking for a top-quality and unusually original example of one of the top driver’s cars of the 1980s, this “P” model 1986 Toyota Celica Supra is an opportunity that cannot be missed. Ready for today’s popular “RADwood” shows and for driving pleasure alike, it is unquestionably one of the very best!
