1990 Toyota Supra Turbo

The original Toyota Supra was first launched in 1978 as the “Celica Supra,” a low-slung car that made for a sporty daily driver.  By the third generation, straight lines were rounded, the Celica name was dropped, and the look was more aggressive while retaining its everyday appeal and efficiency.  The third gen Turbo Supra was the first distributorless engine offered by Toyota in the U.S., with coil packs perched on the cam covers.  Supra Turbos, which returned to production in 2019, remain some of the most desirable cars ever to come out of Japan.

For consignment, this 1990 Supra Turbo has gone from mild-mannered commuter car to a fire-breathing Godzilla-killa with a consignor stated 602 dyno orsepower…on pump gas!  Who needs a back seat when you it's all business up front…modifications include a race bar for stability in the back and three-point race harness for the driver and one occupant.  “Toyota Supra Turbo” generally strikes fear in the heart of import enthusiasts…and this one takes it to another level.  Sit down, buckle up…and read on!

Note: Due to modifications of the emissions control devices installed by the manufacturer, please check your local, state, and federal laws to determine if this vehicle is applicable for use on public highways in your area.

Exterior
Bathed in Granite Gray, the lines of this car are straight and true and show well for the title verified miles logged in at 139,741.  That's not to say the body doesn't have stories to tell; there are numerous scratches and scrapes on the low-hanging fascia, chips and paint peels in other places.  But overall, a darn good-looking car that communicates its intent with Weld Racing wheels and Mickey Thompson slicks in the back, (28 x 10.5 R15).  The rear taillight extends across the length of the back with the center reflector piece around the license plate that gives this car a distinct look that still looks fresh 34 years later!  A rear wing starts mid-rear fender and hovers over the taillights…a design that aids the look of “moving while standing still.”  The pop-up headlights flank a center bulge in the hood that gives the front end an aggressive and sporty look.  Amber fog lights diverge from the stock clear ones but contrast beautifully with the gray paint.  With its slightly raked stance, it's not pretending to be a “sleeper” and when you blow by others, they'll get a look at that wide track and massive 3-inch pipe exhaust pipe waving goodbye.

Interior
Puffy tan leather door inserts go well with the upgraded seats which are fitted with the previously mentioned five-point racing harness tied to the race bar behind.  Yes, even the passenger gets to lock in with the five-pointer!  The dash itself and steering wheel retain their stock 90's goodness, while two electronic gauges have been added on the A-pillar to monitor the air/fuel ratio and turbo boost taking place under the hood.  An aftermarket but probably period-correct Kenwood radio/CD is present behind the tall Toyota 5-speed shifter, which appears to be factory.  Horizontal surfaces and plastic bits show typical wear for a car of this vintage and use while trim and the rear floor panel show cuts for access to suspension and the fuel tank.  The headliner looks good and we did notice a crack in the dash pad.

Drivetrain
The big 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder is now accompanied by a Borg Warner S369 WX-E turbo with an OCD worked compressor housing, GSC billet cams, a Magna 750 fuel pump, a Clutch Master FX850 twin clutch, and a W58 5-speed manual transmission. There's a stout Ford 8.8 inch in the rear tied into a custom subframe with custom heavy duty axles.  Fresh spark plugs and injectors complete the package and assure the atomized fuel will fire!  And with FID 2000cc injectors and an E85 sensor, you can run pump gas in this baby and as proof our consignor states that the dyno numbers were done on a 93 octane pump gas tune with the turbo charger limited to 19lbs of boost.  A blanket envelopes the turbo which pulls fresh air from a large cone filter.  Blue silicone hoses at the turbo and throttle body break up an otherwise typical-looking engine bay.  Of course, it's hard to miss the massive turbocharger!  

Undercarriage
Looking more like the Alaskan pipeline, the single exhaust pipe flows the length of the vehicle while a dump pipe is present and reserved for more serious endeavors.  The overall undercarriage is in great shape as if this car has been retained for sunny weather…or track days.  A beefy independent 4 link suspension with red trailing arms and custom linkage support the axles and subframe and provide the structure to keep this racer planted.  Up front we note another independent suspension, this time with Macpherson struts.  Red brake calipers also provide a pop of color on all 4 corners and are power discs.  An external fuel pump shut-off caps off the rear end of the car and is likely necessary to pass tech inspection at the track!

Drive-Ability
The Supra fired right up with a raucous howl normally associated with a big V8.  It eagerly took to our test track and once warmed up, accelerated with all the power you'd expect from 600 horses.  The turbo had virtually no lag whatsoever, and you were quickly propelled to speeds approaching violation levels.  Handling was good for a car with staggered tire sizes and shifts felt smooth as butter and all functions operated as they should.  Before we knew it, the ride was over, and it was time to put this bull back in the stable as it awaits its next steward.

More than 200,000 third gen Supras were produced between 1986 and 1992 so they were fairly common on the streets of America.  The less common turbo version produced 232 horsepower and is still known today for their tunability.  Just last Fall, (2023), Motor Trend online featured the MK3 A70 Supra, (third gen), noting that though once “forgotten and underrated” they are “becoming a favorite among enthusiasts for its affordability and tuning potential.”  Here we have one that's been tuned to the max and it seems like the ideal time to get one…before the rest of the world discovers them!

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube! This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.