The 1985 Toyota MR2 now listed on eBay looks like an unassuming used Japanese coupe—bid only to $2,850 after 36 bids. But the story behind this model is epic. It was Japan’s first mass-produced mid-engine car—a much-loved small affordable two-seat sports car with a cult-like following. The MR2’s simple design and spirited road manners is in keeping with other fun coupes of the era: such as the Honda CR-X, the Volkswagen Scirocco, and Pontiac Fiero.
The nomenclature for the MR2 requires explanation. The characters MR2 stand for either “mid-ship runabout two-seater” or “mid-engine rear-wheel-drive two-seater,” or some combination of those, depending who you ask. The common joke—not unlike the Chevrolet Nova’s translation as “doesn’t go” in Spanish—is that the MR2 in French sounds like “est merdeux” or “it’s crap,” in French. That’s apparently why the name was shortened to simply MR for the French market.
You might also hear the MR2 referred to as Mister Two or “AW11,” the chassis code for the 1.6-liter version, which is the model for sale now on eBay. (If you really want to get technical, the three generations of the MR2—produced from 1984 to 2007—are designated as follows: W10 from 1984 to 1989; W20 from 1990 to 1999; and W30 from 2000 to 2007.)
How It Started
The genesis of the MR2 was a 1976 Toyota project intended to produce a car that was fun to drive while offering good gas mileage. Technical design work began in 1979, yielding the mid-transverse engine placement that most observers didn’t expect from ultra-conservative Toyota. By the time Toyota debuted the concept version—dubbed SV-3—at the 1983 Tokyo Motors Show, the car had taken the sporty coupe shape you see in the 1985 model. The fun factor was definitely delivered—proven by Toyota’s testing of the car on racing circuits, including Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif. (with Formula One driver Dan Gurney behind the wheel). When the MR2 debuted in its home market in 1984, it took Car of the Year honors.
Any similarities between the MR2’s driving experience and what’s experienced in a Lotus sports car is not coincidental. Toyota worked with Lotus during the prototype phase—tapping the engineer Roger Becker to help design the suspension and handling for the MR2.
Toyota used a naturally aspirated inline-four engine with dual overhead-cam and four-valve-per-cylinder design, lifted from the E80 series Corolla. Power output reached 112 horsepower for the US spec. The combination of light weight, mid-body placement of the engine, and rear-wheel-drive provides a quick response and good steering control. Road tests suggest zero to 60 times of about eight seconds—faster than similar competing models of the era. Believe it or not, the 1986 MR2 was featured on the cover of Automobile Magazine’s first issue—when the editors pitted the $15,000 Toyota against the $54,000 Ferrari 308.
Smart Interior Design
You might not believe the MR2 truly competed against the Ferrari, but there was one aspect of the design that was clearly an achievement: an ergonomic interior design. The cabins of other mid-engine cars are generally considered cramped and awkward—whereas the MR2 has a dashboard and interior that makes the most use of the limited cubic feet. There’s a feeling of interior space, controls are within reach, and you are provided with an abundance of useful storage compartments. For extra cargo, there’s one small trunk in back and one in front.
The seller offers a modest description in the eBay listing, emphasizing that the car runs well, drives great, and has a very strong engine—adding that the exterior has “expected paint blemishes and flaws” for a vehicle that’s nearly three decades old. Here’s the more important line: “These cars have an outstanding drivetrain that are known for longevity and extremely low maintenance.” The listed MR2 shows about 103,00 miles on the odometer. Combine that with a simple Japanese engine design that’s easy to work on (although access can be tricky) and plenty of aftermarket parts and support.
The 1985 Toyota MR2 is one more sign that the 1980s are cool again.
See Xenon Light Bulbs for 1985 Toyota MR2 for sale on eBay.
