Old Toyota Sports Cars Greatest Hits of Iconic Sports Cars Over the Years
Today Toyota may be synonymous with sensible sedans and sturdy SUVs adopting newer technologies like hybrid powertrains. But for decades, Toyota enthusiastically experimented across multiple sports car iterations aiming squarely at exciting drivers through lightweight responsive chassis and strong engines maximizing their modest power.
We recount Toyota’s greatest sports car hits passing the torch from one groundbreaking icon to the next as Japan’s leader delivering enthusiast fun to the masses through models like the AE86, Supra, MR2, Celica, and more.
1967 Old Toyota Sports Cars 2000GT: Japan’s First Supercar
Long before Lexus, Toyota made its biggest splash yet by entering the performance arena through this sleek limited-run 2+2 sports car. Penned by Albrecht Goertz, the 2000GT’s design exceeded 1960’s contemporaries while its underpinnings exceeded all expectations.
Its race-bred inline-6 and lightweight materials produced sporting credentials lifting Japanese automotive perceptions. Priced around Japan’s top domestic offerings, it shattered perceptions of Toyota’s capabilities debuting Japan’s first supercar.
1983 Old Toyota Sports Cars AE86: Powering Drift Movement
The unassuming Corolla Levin/Sprinter Trueno AE86 coupe prioritized lightweight RWD handling brilliance matching European contemporaries. Initial straightline performance proved modest from the 1.6 liter 4AGE DOHC 4-cylinder.
But the sharp steering, flawless weight distribution and Hachi-Roku’s willingness to hang tail end out powered a global grassroots drifting movement still going decades later. This everyman coupe grew into a legend far outpacing its workmanlike mechanicals through sheer capability maximizing basic ingredients.
1984 Toyota MR2: Midship Handling Magic
Following Honda/Mazda mid-engine formulae of the era in a more affordable package, Toyota’s spunky little AW11 MR2 won hearts through light curb weight and flawless chassis balance concentrating mass centrally.
While chunky 1980s styling kept aesthetics humble, precise handling and 46/54 weight distribution split between ends drove like no other Toyota before – prioritizing connection over comfort for Guinness Book-recognized dynamics. An aftermarket community quickly emerged customizing Toyota’s baby Ferrari replica into potent track and rally weapons.
1990s Toyota Supra A80: Horsepower Heroics Arrive
Through three previous generations, Toyota’s range-topping Supra coupe balanced GT cruising elements with sporting credentials mostly through high-output inline-6 muscle.
But the souped-up 320 hp twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE engine debuting under the A80 Supra’s long hood vaulted Toyota into legitimate supercar conversations during the 1990s. While precision handling softened chasing big horsepower figures, tuners quickly capitalized unlocking untouched performance potential and cementing Supra legend status.
Conclusion Of Old Toyota Sports Cars
Racing pedigrees expand model dynasties. From the 2000GT birthing a sports car ethos at Toyota to icons like the scrappy AE86 and midship MR2 shocking competition decades later, engineers repeatedly embraced enthusiast elements through concept cars actually reaching production benefiting drivers.
Toyota temples like the Tercel, Camry, and Highlander appropriating the latest tech into daily transportation owe their loyal following to exciting cars keeping the brand in touch with its lively history demonstrated by Supra still channeling passion 30 years on.
Balancing practicality with occasional enthusiast playfulness keeps Toyota racing ahead. As hybrid powertrains and semi-autonomous technologies emerge as necessary priorities, glimmering hope remains for Toyota fun factor continuity thanks to continuing lightweight sports coupe traditions into the electric mobility future with entry-level passion projects bringing grins back mainstream.
