MR2 Mk1 Sales Model Comparison

In the restoration of the "project" 1987 MR2 Mk1 NA, I happened upon a low-cost model of the same colour and year that I thought would be a good parts car. The thinking was that one of my children could drive it while it still worked, and I would use it as an "organ donor" at some point in the future (not yet). The truth is that over 18 months, I got sucked into it being a second project because I continued to keep it roadworthy. Right now, the only thing needing attention is the bodywork (not a small thing, but able to be dealt with).

This page shows some of the differences between the two models, each of which had fabric upholstery. This isn't sufficient to compare one with leather upholstery that would be somewhat higher scale again (e.g. power windows and leather of course).

Some changes took place prior the pictures being taken. These differences are shown in text instead of with pictures.

 

1987 Basic Model (Stripper)

 

 

1987 Upgraded Model

 

 

AM/FM Radio

3 speakers

 

 

AM/FM Radio with Cassette Player

5 speaker sound system

 

 

Steel Wheels (replaced with triangles which came in the deal)

 

 

Alloy Triangle Wheels

 

 

Finish is the most significant element that differentiates the restored project Mk1 from the donor Mk1.

 

 

Finish and the wing are the most obvious things that differ.

 

 

Drive Side Interior shows a plastic 3-point steering wheel and lower-grade fabric on door panels and seats.

 

 

Driver Side shows leather 3-point steering wheel, upgraded fabric on both door panels and seats.

 

 

Interior seats are very comfortable, but are entry level tweed-like fabric and can be adjusted for tilt only. The wall behind the seats is lightweight felt covered board. Carpeting is looped pile in rows.

 

 

Interior seats are also comfortable, and are made with a velour fabric. The driver's seats have a lumbar adjustment capability, with both being able to be tilted. The wall behind the seats is carpet covered matching the floor carpet. Carpeting is a cut pile. Between the two seats is a secondary storage box suitable for cassettes.

 

 

The driver's door shows standard sills with caps at the forward and rear of the door.

 

 

The passenger door shows air-effects below the door, including a variation on the forward/rear caps.

 

 

Rust on MR2's is a common problem as shown on this left rear wheel well. The wheel is original condition.

 

 

Restoration is intended to eliminate the rust and makes the wheel well (inner and outer) in original condition. This required full metal replacement. The wheel shown here has been professionally restored and refinished.

 

 

This model had a sun-roof, and manual roof-mounted radio antenna. Storage of the sunroof is in the front-trunk area.

 

 

The T-Top's shown here are individually lockable and removable. They come with bags and are stored behind the driver and passenger seats when removed.

 

 

The absence of the signature wing differentiates the basic model with all others.

 

 

The wing makes the MR2 a visually appealing car. Please note that the AM/FM radio antenna is on the rear fender, and electrically deploys/retracts when the radio is turned on.

 

 

The brake light is mounted on the interior of the cabin.

 

 

The brake light is part of the wing assembly in all other models.

 

 While these differences are cosmetic in nature, in general the cars are identical in performance.

 

Toyota MR2

Last Updated 2011 January 7