by Unusual find: 1987 Toyota Supra Turbo with only 8,400 km on the odometer
Time has a strange way of turning once-ordinary sports cars into artifacts of an entire era. Few Japanese cars resonate with enthusiasts as deeply as the Toyota Supra. Produced across five generations, the Supra became an automotive icon, and well-maintained, low-mileage examples have transformed into valuable collector’s items.
Next month, auction house Mecum will present what might be one of the finest examples of a 1987 Supra Turbo currently in the United States. Its odometer reads just 8,461 km (5,257 miles), and the interior looks exactly as one would expect from a car that spent most of its life in gentle conditions.
An interior that evokes nostalgia
The interior of this Supra, trimmed in burgundy leather, may not appeal to everyone, but it will certainly evoke nostalgia for fans who grew up in that era. The door cards, transmission tunnel, steering wheel, and dashboard are also finished in burgundy and complemented by brown carpets.
Mecum does not provide any details about the car’s ownership history, but photos show it sitting on a dealership floor, possibly having spent most of its life there on display. The listing notes that it was purchased new in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada, on February 6, 1988, and that it still rides on its original tires. Obviously, these will need to be replaced if the new owner intends to drive it.
Respectable performance and classic design
The original 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine remains in place. With 231 horsepower and 325 Nm of torque, it delivers a respectable level of power even by today’s standards. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. Additionally, this particular example comes with all its owner’s manuals.
Unlike the modern GR Supra with its BMW-sourced engine, this one features a removable targa top and pop-up headlights—two defining features of its era. The estimated value has not been announced, though that may not be the primary concern. For those interested in a well-preserved piece of Toyota performance history, this example presents a very compelling argument.
The condition of this car, effectively a “time capsule,” makes it not just a mode of transportation, but a genuine museum exhibit. It’s worth noting that the original tires, while highlighting authenticity, render the car unsafe for driving without replacement. This serves as a reminder that even the best-preserved classic cars require careful preparation before hitting the road. For collectors, such a find is a rare opportunity to acquire a true legend in pristine condition, one that will only appreciate in value over the years.
