Unmodified Survivor: 1990 Toyota Supra Turbo
The MK3 Toyota Supra is one of the unsung heroes of the 1980s sports car scene. When it comes to multi-generational models, some eras remain inherently unpopular due to being a let-down after the introductory offering. But in the case of the MK3 or A70 Supra, this was an inherently superior offering compared to the earlier models that were mostly just cosmetically enhanced Celicas. This particular Supra is the desirable turbocharged variant that has under 100,000 original miles and is equipped with the optional automatic transmission.
This era of the Supra is perhaps the one that is closest to being a true GT. The MKIV Supra – the one everyone loses their minds over due to the shape and the association with the Fast and the Furious franchise – was also more of a cruiser than a sports car. Still, given the frequency with which it’s turned into more of a sports model or a drag car, it’s the MK3 that wears the GT moniker with pride. That doesn’t mean owners don’t modify the heck out of them, however, as it is turbocharged, and the aftermarket is fairly huge for it. That’s what makes this Supra so special: it’s one-family owned and unmodified.
The MK3 was a drastic change from the previous generation Supra in ways that went well beyond a turbocharged drivetrain. The model got its own rear-wheel drive chassis, completely separate from the Celica, which retained a front-drive setup. The suspension was overhauled as well, migrating to TEMS – Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension – an early electronically adjustable suspension that allowed the driver to change settings as road conditions demand. The interior is in excellent shape, with a crack-free dashboard and bucket seats that show surprisingly limited signs of use.
The 7M-GTE inline-six was the turbocharged variant, but the base model Supras were offered in naturally aspirated form as well. Without a turbo, it made a healthy 200 horsepower paired to either a 5-speed manual or automatic; with the boost added in, output jumped to a very respectable 232 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. Pair that with the automatic and you have a fine grand cruiser; with the manual, the fork splits in the road a bit and you have a choice to either make it into more of a performance coupe with some upgrades to the chassis courtesy of the aftermarket, or keep as pleasingly stock as this family did since new. Check it out here on eBay, where bids sit at $12,100 with no reserve.
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Comments
One of my neighbors has been building a ’90 JDM twin turbo Supra for a couple of years and…WOW! It’s actually a super cool ride. White with dark tint on the glass and lowered with big chrome 5 spoke wheels. Blow off valve chirping like a coked-up canary with every shift.
the white wheels may indicate a super white package that would add value and the auto trans will hurt the value, a non turbo would likely be worth half because they were very under powered and more likely to have rod bearing problems, the M series engine block at this point had been used since the 2m and in Japan there was a 6mg which was a cross between the 5mge (82-86.5 supra) and the 7mge (86.5-92 supra) but Japan stopped using the 7m 2 years earlier and went to the 1jzgte. contrary to what the magazines and Toyota may have published the ma60, 82-86.5 cars were much faster in every way because of the weight difference if we are comparing the non turbo models and if were talking auto cross or road course it was still pretty close,
I have those seats in my 87 El Camino in Burgandy. they are the most comfortable seats I’ve ever had. All I need are the seatbelt guides. If anyone has a set, please let me know. I had a MKii for a while and loved the car. That 6 cyl was only happy when the rpm’s were in the upper range. It had 130k miles on it when I sold it.
I had this model, and at the same time owned a new 2004 Corvette. I thought the Supra was more fun to drive.
Teddy Bear, 85k, $12.7- Someone’s gonna get a deal even if the price climbs somewhat. Coulda picked one in 02 identical for$7.5 military leaving. Oh well, divorce prevailed. They are fast and smooth. One of TM best ever.
rewrite: The model retained the rear-wheel drive chassis of the MA60, completely separate from the Celica, which moved to an all new front-drive setup.
These were the cats meow and fast when they came out…..still pretty slick now…..
As far as I’m concerned this was the best Supra Toyota offered until the 93/94 model. I loved the MK3 and A70. This one is clean. At a 100k miles you’ve got years of enjoyment left. Very nice Toyota. I hope it finds someone that will take care of it. Might be a collector some day.
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