The first-generation MR2 is light and has a strong four-cylinder engine, just like the most reliable Lotus in the world. This one is from the second-to-last model year of the breed and has very low miles. This naturally aspirated version is most like the original MR2 idea, and it weighs less than the supercharged types that came after it. A lot of people think that the Acura NSX is the most powerful car made in Japan, but five years ago, a small, mid-engine Toyota showed that less was more. Like the NSX, it was easy to control and made your heart race. It also looks like a Formula One race winner used it. Originally, though, it was meant to be a cheap way to get to work. Still, people call you “Mister” when you give them such a great drive experience. That’s exactly Mr. Two. This first-generation 1988 Toyota MR2 is our pick of the day at Bring A Trailer, which is owned by Hearst Autos and Invoice Pricing. It has an amazing 2900 miles on it. It is an exact copy of Toyota’s strong and efficient mid-engine car from the 1970s. This red wedge is pure 1980s nostalgia from a time when Japan’s car industry was still growing and full of hope. Later, more complicated and powerful cars like the Toyota Supra Twin-Turbo and R32 Skyline GT-R would come out, but in the mid-1980s, Japan started making cars like the Corolla GT-S and Honda CR-X. Things were about as great as they could be in terms of fun per gallon. The basic idea behind the MR2 was to make people smile on a budget. The development program started in the 1970s with the goal of making a car for commuters who were ready to give up the practicality of a sedan or hatchback in exchange for something more aesthetically pleasing. The MR2’s first appearance in Japan in 1984 was driven by a 1.5-liter engine that could make up to 82 horsepower. For US cars, the 1.6-liter 4AGE four-cylinder engine, which can be seen in the Corolla GT-S above, was a choice. This made 112 horsepower in cars that were exactly like this ’88 model, but it made a little more power in places where higher-octane fuel was available. The redline was set at 7500 rpm, and the peak power was reached at 6600 rpm. In 1988, this engine came in a supercharged form as well, though it probably is less popular. Part of the MR2’s draw is its low curb weight. However, adding more strength to the five-speed transmission made the car nearly 150 pounds heavier than the naturally aspirated version. To people who like Star Wars, this small car looks the most like a Rebel Alliance A-wing. The cabin looks like a small fighter plane. It doesn’t go as fast in a straight line as a first-generation Mazda Miata, but it turns quickly and flat. You will want to get every bit of power out of that quick 1.6, so it’s great that the five-speed transmission has snick-snick joys. American Formula One racer and Le Mans winner Dan Gurney helped build the AW11 MR2, which is one reason it performs so well. This little Toyota was so small for Gurney, who was 6 feet 4 inches tall, but the Big Eagle taught this little bird how to fly. The clock on this 1988 model shows only 2,900 miles on it, but it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s hard to find parts for the original MR2, especially ones that go bad quickly. However, the car sold well enough to have a dedicated fan base that participates in group buying and other charitable activities. As soon as that’s done, regular trips on back roads help this two-seater stay alive. Along with the rise in the average curb weight of all cars except the MX-5, the AW11 MR2 is becoming a less common car. You can ask the genie to make a new MR2 based on the three-cylinder turbo GR Corolla if you find Aladdin’s Lamp. If not, go to Bring A Trailer to bid on the first mass-produced mid-engined car made in Japan. You were looking forward to meeting this Mr. The end date for this no-reserve sale is June 11.
