The MA70 Toyota Supra Turbo is now emerging a classic turbo car - it was once an extreme machine that made people sit up and take note of the new breed of muscle cars hitting the road.
At the time of their late '80s Australian release, the Supra Turbo was horrendously expensive compared to the average turbo coupe. The 'basic' Supra T was stickered at 60 grand - nearly double the price of Mazda's MX-6 4WS turbo, for example. Not surprisingly, there were only modest numbers sold in Australia and - today - few low-kilometre examples exist.
An attractive option for the second-hand buyer, however, is the Japanese import GT Limited model - as seen here. Anyone familiar with Toyota's grading system will know the Limited badge stands for top-of-the-line; this is the showcase of Toyota's abilities of the late '80s.
The MA70 Supra Turbo GT Limited is a luxury vehicle in the mould of a big, brawny American sportscar. Inside there's a curious mix of luxury, sports and - well - just plain gimmickry. Unlike locally delivered examples, the Limited comes loaded with a digital dashboard, with numeric display of speed and graphic displays for rpm, fuel, temp, boost and oil pressure.
Stretching over to the centre of the dash is the all-too-cool TEMS controller and display system. TEMS (Toyota Electric Modulated Suspension) allows you to set all four dampers to a 'normal' or 'sport' rate at the touch of a button. The TEMS operating status is indicated pictorially.
With 'candy' like this it's easy to overlook the rest of the Limited's luxuries...
Our test car was equipped with power (retractable) mirrors, power windows, cruise control, twin trip meters, electric aerial, central locking, analog climate control (with an economy mode for the air), adjustable driver's leg vent and full electric adjustment of the driver's seat - including lumbar and side support. Impressive stuff for the 80s.
The standard audio system (set for the Japanese radio frequency range) had since been replaced in favour of a double DIN 'dancing light' unit tied to the original four speakers.
Although the Supra is long and wide, its interior maintains the personal feel of a sportscar- there's adequate space, but it's very intimate. The factory leather seats offer excellent comfort and the grippy Supra wheel is a delight to twirl.
Despite being classed as a four seater, rear accommodation onboard the MA70 Supra is a joke. With the front seats slid back, there's just centimetres clearance against the back seat. In practice, it's better not to think of the Supra having a back seat at all - think of it having a handy place to chuck things you can't be bothered accessing the rear cargo area for.
Under the bonnet is the familiar 7M-GTE, as found in the locally delivered Supra Turbos. This 3-litre six-cylinder DOHC, 24-valve air-to-air intercooled single turbo six is an ol' sweetie. It's smooth as silk at idle and, when you push the throttle to the floor, there's just the faint whistle of the turbocharger and you're hustled along with a minimum of fuss. Rated at 179kW and 344Nm, the 1600-plus kilogram Supra Limited is brisk, but it's not the flier it was once regarded as - not with the auto trans anyhow. Even with the aftermarket exhaust system fitted to our test car, the MA70 auto felt like a mid 8-second 0 - 100 km/h performer.
As far as we can determine, all GT Limited models come equipped with the same dual-mode 4-speed overdrive auto.
Using double wishbones with struts all round, the rear-wheel-drive Supra handles reasonably well - its front-end grip is impressive and there's plenty of torque to push you away from an apex. Despite its apparent wank value, the TEMS system does make a noticeable difference - over potholed roads, you can feel the ride become a touch jiggly when you hit the sport button.
Standard ABS controlled four-wheel discs slow the action and, during our test, performed commendably. The steering too - power assisted rack and pinion - felt nicely weighted and offered linear response.
Cruising down the main drag in the MA70 you certainly won't attract as much attention as you would in the current shape Supra - but at least you'll feel good in yourself. Grab the Toyota-supplied hex key ratchet out the glovebox, undo the targa top and place it in the cargo area. Open-top motoring here we come!
Externally, there's not much to pick the Japanese import GT Limited apart from the lesser locally -delivered machines - look out for the yellow fog lights and the Limited badge on the rear. The subtle body kit (comprising front spoiler, side skirts, rear spoiler and window shade) appears identical to local examples, but those 17-inch wheels you can see are aftermarket fitments - 16s are standard.
Stand (sit?) back and take in the sight of the MA70 Supra to appreciate what an absolute beast it was in its day - the ridiculously long nose, the aggressive and squat stance and the massive pillarless doors ensure this machine was never mistaken for a Celica.
Of course, all of the GT Limited's technology - DOHCs, 24 valves, turbo intercooler, TEMS controlled double wishbone suspension and ABS four wheel discs - was cutting edge back in the late '80s. Most other cars on the market had only recently embraced electronic fuel injection...
Today - nearly fifteen years on - you can expect the Supra Limited to have the odd niggly electronic problem pop up in addition to the normal signs of wear. In our test car, the power windows were a bit snatchy on their way up and down, the perforated sections of leather and the handbrake lever boot were perishing and some of the switch labels were wearing away. On the other hand - indicative of the high build quality - the black paint on our test car hadn't begun to fade and all of the rubbers were ship-shape.
Priced at around $15,000 for this 1989 example - from Melbourne's Sports and Luxury Cars - this is a truly desirable modern classic. It would make a pleasure to own - when you're not gazing upon it reminiscing about its heyday, you can whip off the targa tops and go for a sunny Sunday tour.
Ahh, that's the life...
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MA70 Toyota Supra Turbo GT Limited Fast Facts...
- A genuine modern classic - fast becoming collectable
- Spectacular features for its age - a sophisticated engine, TEMS and electric everything inside
- Silken DOHC six-cylinder turbo engine with good power - easily tuned for more where required
- An enjoyable vehicle to drive - especially with the targa top removed
- Most components supported by local Supra parts back-up
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Test vehicle supplied by Sports and Luxury Cars.
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Contact:
Sports and Luxury Cars
+61 3 9753 5799
www.sportsluxurycars.com.au
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