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Honest John Classics Reviews Toyota

Toyota Supra and Supra Turbo (1986 – 1993) Review

Toyota Supra and Supra Turbo (1986 – 1993) At A Glance

3/5

+Fast in Turbo form, lots of fun, and an effortless high-speed cruiser

-Rust, expensive to repair, a bit on the large side to be a genuine sports car

The third generation of Supra saw the Celica prefix dropped as it became a model in its own right. It was actually Toyota’s third incarnation of the Supra (we didn't get the first), but unlike the previous two, this ’New’ Supra was available with a turbocharger, and targa-top roof panel.

Available with a 200bhp normally aspirated straight six at launch; the turbocharged version arrived in 1987, boosting power to a more impressive 232bhp. The car was very advanced, and offered (as an expensive optional extra) a clever set of electronically controlled dampers.

All the gadgets in the world could not disguise its weight though, and at more than 1600kg, the Supra was more grand tourer than sports car.

Ask Honest John

Could you suggest a relatively easy to maintain and economic to fix modern classic?

"Having sold my two classic Triumphs, I'm at the age where I'm having difficulty in doing full maintenance jobs but still appreciate driving and owning a classic car as my hobby. Is there a car that I could purchase that gives me the thrill of a "classic car feel" and turns heads but is (relatively) easy to maintain whilst, if needed, incur low(er) garage costs for those jobs I am unable to tackle? I have a car for everyday travel and not too keen on a Morgan due to its harsh ride, so could you another two-seater soft top? I have about £40,000 to spend."
It's going to be tricky to tick all these boxes. If you want something that turns heads, that normally means a premium model such as a Porsche. In which case, you'd be expected to have anything but the most basic oil and filter it serviced at a specialist. Plus, if you're after mod cons like power steering, air-con, decent stereo (and soundproofing) then you're looking at cars that are a bit more complicated. If you're after something that's easy to get in and out of and doesn't have harsh ride, then you may have to think outside the box. You could go for something traditional such as a Triumph Stag (assuming you want to keep it Triumph), which is still very much a classic two-seater with a great engine. Alternatively, look at 911 ownership for a bit of wow-factor, and a decent compromise between mod cons and specialist servicing... and don't discount the later Jaguar XJ-S. We know plenty of people who own Honda S2000s and are terrifically happy with them - stunning performance and reliability (see also Nissan 350Z). Sightly left of centre coupe options to consider - BMW 8-Series and Mazda RX-7 or RX-8 if you're feeling brave, Toyota Supra. We'd also have a look at hot hatches - cars like the Mk1 Golf GTi and Peugeot 205 GTI are excellent to drive, have reasonably mod cons, and can be maintained at home... they also have plenty of wow-factor. Perhaps something like a TVR Griffith would also suit you.
Answered by Keith Moody
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