Now is your last chance to get it at the bottom price!

The Toyota MR2 was the first mass-produced production midship passenger car in Japan. The MR-S was introduced in 1999 as the successor to that model. The body was not a coupe, but an open type. A detachable hardtop was also available as an option. The price at the time was 1,680,000 yen for the B edition, making it an inexpensive and attractive car.

The engine was the 1ZZ-FE type

The Toyota “MR-S” was a departure from the high-power models up to the previous generation SW20 “MR2” that was also available in a supercharged version, as a lightweight open two-seater with a midship layout, a lightweight body weighing less than 1 ton, and open-air motoring that could be enjoyed. The MR2 is a reborn lightweight open two-seater that offers open-air motoring. However, as the MR2 name was still used in some regions outside of Japan, there is no doubt that it is a direct descendant of the MR2.

The MR-S parted ways with the high-power engines of the past, and only the 1.8-liter naturally-aspirated 1ZZ-FE engine was offered in the lineup. Although Toyota had a 2ZZ-GE engine that produced 190 hp in the same lineup, it is said that the 1ZZ-FE engine was chosen for its lightweight sports-like driving performance rather than relying blindly on power.

In addition to the 5-speed manual transmission, a 2-pedal manual transmission version, the 5-speed SMT (sequential manual transmission), was offered in August 2000. This transmission was based on the 3-pedal MT and eliminated the need for clutch operation, allowing users with a limited AT license to enjoy driving like an MT car.

In its debut, in addition to the fully equipped high-end model, there was a “B edition” model that did not have aluminum wheels, power windows, or even air conditioning as standard equipment, and it was rumored to be a motorsports base model. In the end, however, no one-make races were ever held using the MR-S, and the B edition disappeared midway through the model year.

It was a hidden sports model that could be targeted at a low price

In August 2002, the car underwent a minor change, with a new design for the lights and a multi-speed transmission (6-speed instead of 5-speed). However, the gear ratios were not changed, and the 6-speed was added purely as an overdrive.

The MR-S also had many complete models that could be purchased at dealers, including the “Caserta,” which had a distinctive imported exterior, the “VM180 TRD,” which had a wide body, and the “VM180 ZAGATO” designed by Italian carrozzeria ZAGATO. The “TTE Turbo tuned by TMG” with the TTE turbo kit has also been produced.

While the Mazda Roadster is well known as an open two-seater sports car, the MR-S, with its midship layout for high cornering performance, a vehicle weight of less than one ton (except for late models), and 140ps engine, is considered a masterpiece with high potential.

The car has a mid-ship layout with high performance.

The MR-S has long been loved as a hidden sports model that can be targeted at low prices. However, perhaps because of the era when the export ban was finally lifted under the 25-year rule, an increasing number of low-mileage models are now priced close to or even above new car prices.

On the other hand, while it is still possible to target a car with a longer mileage for less than 1 million yen, the era of rock-bottom prices seems to have passed, and this may be the last chance for those who want to target a car in good condition.