The Toyota MR2 made its debut as a prototype - the SV-3 – at the 1983 Tokyo motor show, with a transverse mid-engine layout and rear-wheel drive. This exotic-sounding specification had been tried by several European manufacturers in small sports cars and gained acceptance as providing good handling and being fun to drive. With very few changes, the prototype was put into production the following year and became Japan’s first mid-engine production car. It was first offered in the UK at the end of 1984 and sales far exceeded expectations, with 13,580 examples being sold between 1985 and 1989, when the second generation model appeared.

The MR2 used a 1.6 litre, DOHC, four-valves-per-cylinder motor, with electronic fuel injection and Toyota’s own T-VIS variable intake system, driving through a 5-speed manual transmission (or 4-speed automatic). The claimed power output was 128hp, delivering 0–60 mph times in the mid to high 8 seconds and standing 1⁄4 mile times in the mid to high 16 second range. The car’s powertrain layout required a complex 5-bulkhead construction, but without too much weight penalty and Lotus provided help with suspension design and handling characteristics.

This first generation MR2 was sold new, in Jersey, in late 1988 and has had just 2 owners over the last 4 decades. The recorded mileage is believed correct (matching service records) and the car has been kept in a well maintained, original condition.