1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo '5-Speed' T-Top

Introduced for the 1985 model year, the Toyota MR2 represented a bold departure from the company's reputation for practical transportation, becoming Japan's first mass-produced mid-engine sports car. Developed with input from Lotus engineers, the lightweight MR2 combined balanced handling, responsive steering, and everyday reliability in a package that quickly earned praise from enthusiasts around the world. For 1990, Toyota introduced the second-generation SW20, a larger and more powerful evolution that featured sleek, exotic-inspired styling and significantly improved performance. Buyers could choose naturally aspirated or turbocharged models, with the turbo variant delivering performance capable of challenging far more expensive European sports cars.

Representing the final years of the second-generation design in the U.S., the 1995 Toyota MR2 benefited from many of these chassis and suspension updates, making it one of the most rewarding versions to drive. Once overshadowed by contemporaries like the Supra, the MR2 has emerged as one of the collector market's rising stars. Enthusiasts have increasingly recognized its engaging mid-engine layout, distinctive styling, and analog driving experience, while a shrinking number of unmodified examples has made well-preserved cars increasingly desirable among collectors seeking one of Toyota's most exciting modern classics.

A highly original, well-maintained stock example, this 1995 MR2 Turbo five-speed represents the very best and most desirable model of all MR2s. Offered with a clean CARFAX® report, three owners, and a mere 9,440 miles from new, it’s the final-year offering of the second generation MR2 for the U.S. and among the last MR2s built according to its sequence and build date. Sold new in Elkhart, Indiana this MR2 Turbo was cherished by its original owner and pinned with its original Indiana license plate that reads “95MR2” and still accompanies the car today. Acquired by its second owner in 2017, a collector of MR2s, it was sparingly driven, but well maintained before the current and third owner, who is also an MR2 collector acquired this example in 2018. Under his watchful eye, this time capsule example traveled less than 1,000 miles.

As the final offering of the second-generation MR2 in the United States, just 111 Turbo examples were produced for the 1995 model year. Adding to its rarity is its striking Solar Yellow finish, a color offered only during the final two years of production, 1994 and 1995. Rarer still, a mere six Turbo models were reportedly finished in Solar Yellow, making examples such as this among the most prized and elusive second-generation MR2s.

Lightweight and nimble, this MR2 is as engaging as it gets with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-cam intercooled turbocharged engine and five-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Features are plentiful and include two-tone factory leather trim, removable glass T-top roof panels, a rear spoiler, power steering, 15-inch five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, air-conditioning, and various other creature comforts.

As collectors of every generation continue to recognize the brilliance of Toyota's mid-engine sports car, the second-generation MR2 has rapidly become one of the most sought-after modern Japanese collectibles. Combining the final year of U.S. production, the highly desirable Turbo five-speed drivetrain, and one of just six examples finished in Solar Yellow, this exceptional, 9,440-mile time capsule represents nothing short of a holy grail among sports car enthusiasts.