I grew up in the 1980s, when computers started taking ahold of popular culture, reflected in New Wave music, Intellivision, digital dashboards, and Max Headroom goofiness. One of the cars that made an imprint on my youth is our Pick of the Day: this 1985 Toyota Celica Supra. It’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Kentwood, Michigan.
My dad never shopped for Toyotas, but I do remember visiting a dealership that also sold Toyotas. In the showroom was the all-new, revamped Celica Supra. Before, the Celica Supra shared much of its Celica origins, but for 1982, Toyota created a Celica Supra that was quite distinct.
The Supra version of the Celica first appeared in 1978, but America’s first taste of this new model arrived for 1979. Though appearing nearly identical to the Celica liftback, the Celica Supra featured a wheelbase that was 5.10 inches longer. This was to accommodate the inline-six taking the place of the Celica’s four-cylinder. Engine displacement in America ranged from 2.6 to 2.8 liters during this generation.
Then, for the 1982 model year, the completely redesigned Celica was joined by a Celica Supra that looked almost like a completely different car. Sure, the silhouette reeked of Celica, but the front end gave it a completely sports-car look, complete with pop-up headlights. Within the Celica Supra lineup were two trim levels: Luxury and Performance. The former was available with a digital cluster, which you can imagine was quite gee-whiz for this 10-year-old. Power came from a 145-horsepower 2.8-liter DOHC straight-six, which was quite good for the time. A four-wheel independent suspension tuned by Lotus featured front MacPherson struts and rear semi-trailing arms and a stabilizer bar. Reflecting the car’s aspirations, four-wheel discs were standard. Inside, power accessories, console, and AM/FM radio with MPX filter were standard. This was Toyota’s first legitimate contender to the Datsun Z-car and Mazda RX-7.
Horsepower went up five to 150 for 1983, then another 10 for 1984 Celica Supras equipped with the five-speed manual. Styling updates included wrap-around parking lights and optional spoiler or backlite louvers (but not both at the same time). A year later, horsepower edged to 161 across the board for both the five-speed manual and four-speed automatic cars. There were several other subtle styling tweaks to the exterior that most of us wouldn’t notice today (but a kid like me back in the 1980s would have).
The Celica Supra entered the 1986 model year with no changes because it was to be replaced by a redesigned Supra in the middle of the calendar year. It also shed its Celica connection to become a completely independent model, with a turbocharged version appearing in 1987. From this point, the Supra was primed for reaching new heights that would finally be achieved in 1993.
This Blue 1985 Toyota Celica Supra features the 2.8-liter inline-six backed by the five-speed manual. “It is a smooth, willing motor that loves to rev,” says the seller. “Inside, the grey cloth interior is clean and well kept. Power windows and power locks [were] standard, and the factory silver and blue 14-inch Toyota wheels give the exterior a look that is period- correct and sharp.”
Despite being saddled with the Celica name — by no means a scarlet letter — the second-generation Supra set the template for what was to follow, culminating in the 1993 Supra that has become one of the most prized Japanese collectibles in recent memory. For $18,900, you can bust out your Mumford High T-shirt and Zips sneaks and go cruising with Heaven 17 blasting.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
