To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 6 - 7 March 2020.
Estimate:
$125,000 - $150,000

• Driven less than 10,000 miles
• From the first year of production
• Desirable six-speed manual transmission and Sport Roof
• Exceptionally well preserved and unmodified

The fourth-generation Supra that Toyota debuted in 1993 was a far cry from the Celica-based original. The car’s curvaceous body was lightly inspired by the 2000GT, though the tall rear spoiler would have been unthinkable a few decades prior. The Supra certainly followed in its predecessors’ tire tracks in terms of its dedication to performance. At the top of the line sat the Supra Turbo, with its silky twin-turbo straight-six delivering power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox in most configurations. In Japan, the car was conservatively rated at 276 horsepower in accordance with the well-known, often defied “gentlemen’s agreement” that restricted power output at home. Overseas, the car boasted 321 hp in American form and a healthy 315 foot-pounds of torque.

Performance was staggering, vaulting the Supra ahead of cars costing far more. The beautiful styling only added to its appeal as a grand tourer. The Supra Turbo weighed just 3,300 pounds unladen, thanks to the extensive use of aluminum, even though it featured the sound deadening, convenience features, and safety equipment expected of a modern coupe. The driver-centric dash was a model of efficiency with its aircraft-like control arrangement.

Toyota shocked enthusiasts when it ceased importation of the Supra to the United States in 1998 and when production came to a close in 2002 without a replacement planned. Equally as surprising was Toyota’s move to reintroduce the Supra last year, a move that has bolstered already strong collector interest in earlier models, especially the Mark IV.

This black-on-black Supra Twin Turbo comes from the first year of production. The car was sold new at Liberty Toyota in the dry mountain climate of Colorado Springs, Colorado, where its turbocharged engine would have delivered thrilling acceleration even at high elevations. This example is optioned with leather upholstery and is equipped with a removable Sport Roof targa panel over the passenger compartment.

Having covered just shy of 10,000 miles, this Supra is undoubtedly one of the finest extant. The car has remained unmodified and stayed with its first owner until being acquired by a prominent private collection last year.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am20.