1986 Toyota MR2

The MR-2 was a revitalization of the mid-engine sports car for the Japanese car market. The name means 'Midships Recreational Two-Seater'. The European and American markets had been producing mid-engine vehicles for many years up to this point, but most of the mid-engine vehicles were higher-end exotic cars which came with a hefty price tag. Toyota wanted in on the mid-engine sports car market so they built the MR2. The MR2 had sports-car roots with its light-weight body, better weight distribution with the mid-engine placement which also improves performance and handling, disc brakes, and a stylish body. So for a fraction of the price, an exotic-type car could be had. Fiat had proven there was a market for this type of product with its 1972 X1/9. The Fiat was produced from 1972 through 1989.

The MR2 was shown to the public in concept form with the name SV-3 at the 1983 Tokyo Motor Show. A year later it was in production form and offered for sale in Japan. A year later it was offered to the rest of the world. Japan had a major hit on its hand. The car was stylish, quick, and fun. It was also a very reliable car. When the supercharger option was offered in 1986, dealerships could not keep them in the show-room. In 1991 the second series of the MR2 was introduced. This was a larger version with more curves. The second series was then replaced by the third series.

The vehicle's weight was low so the 16 valve twin-cam inline-four engine felt spunky, even though it only produced 112 horsepower. The engine was very responsive and redline could be achieved in less than a second.

The production run of the first generation of the MR2 lasted from 1984 through 1991 during which time 166,000 models were produced.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2010