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1985 Toyota Celica Supra 2.8i

Sold Price

£13,364

  • Mileage~39,397
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Engine2.8L
  • LocationKettering

SOLD

1985 Toyota Celica Supra 2.8i

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Introduction

Glyn Parry

Over five generations of the Toyota Supra have emerged since 1978 - a classic legend.

Initially, the Supra was called the Celica XX, slightly longer than the Celica to accommodate the inline-six engine. In 1978, the Celica XX was offered with a 2.6 litre, inline-six, which produced 110bhp. With the option of a 4-speed automatic with overdrive that engaged at 35mph, or the 5-speed manual gearbox. It was in 1980 after some cosmetic upgrades the Celica XX engine displacement was upgraded to the 2.8 litre, producing 116bhp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

By mid 1981, Toyota had completely redesigned the Celica XX and the name Celica Supra would be used. Pop up headlights and increased length to the wheelbase were just some of the key changes from the Japanese manufacturer. In 1984 more changes were on the cards for the Celica Supra, with the power increased to 160bhp and 163 lb-ft of torque, and more electronics such as the digital dashboard, cruise control, electric aerial and radio cassette were now standard equipment.

This brings us to this 1985 Toyota Supra 2.8i, a genuine barn find condition car. Stored for over 30 years, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a car that has never been offered for sale. With low miles and low ownership, this is the perfect project for anyone wanting to step into the world of Japanese classics and recommission this '80s JDM car. Just one previous owner who covered the ~39,338 miles, and then acquired in part exchange by the current owner in ~1988 and stored off-road since, what a story.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Paul the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I acquired this car in 1989 in a part exchange deal and have stored it for over 30 years since, this really is a classic barn find.

Paul has owned the car since ~1988, and he was a car dealer at the time. The Supra came in as a low mileage, one owner, part exchange. Paul saw this as a good opportunity to purchase the car for himself. He stored the car in the corner of own of the show rooms at his business, and only moved it to his house when he sold his business.

Fast forward 30 years to today, and Paul is having another move. With the house being cleared so must the garage, and hiding in there is the lovely low mileage 1985 Toyota Supra 2.8i barn find. Paul mentions that the car has all original bodywork, and has never been modified as can be seen. He'll be more than happy to answer any questions you have on the car in the comments section below.

Paul
Vehicle Owner

Paul saved £2,340* when they
sold their Toyota with us.

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Exterior

Coming in genuine barn find un-valeted condition, a retro Japanese classic ready for the JDM enthusiast to bring back to its former glory.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels have a small amount of corrosion to the faces but nothing your local wheel refurbisher couldn't easily put right.

The tyres are probably around 30 years old, so most definitely past their best and would need to be replaced.

Bodywork

The Toyota is still in extremely good condition with just a small dent on the lower rear quarter and a couple of surface rust patches to the back panel. Considering these are the original panels, that's quite a feat over all this time.

The wheel arches for the body kit are still fitting nice and snug. The panel gaps for the boot, bonnet and doors all look to align nice and straight.

We encourage you to look at the gallery for more detailed shots of the bodywork.

Paint

Finished in silver the first thing the Supra needs is a nice gentle wash. From the general look the paintwork is in very good condition with just the odd mark you would expect on a car that was stored away over 30 years ago.

It would be a detailers' dream to carry out the paint restoration on this 1985 beauty.

Glass and Trim

The glass all around the Supra looks to be in good condition, with no obvious scratches to mention. The windows were tested a small amount to see if they do move, and yes they do.

The trim has survived quite well, possibly down to being stored inside.

Interior

An unmolested all original trim including the radio from 1985, but you wouldn't think so from the condition.

Seats and Carpets

Trimmed in material, the interior looks to be in excellent condition for the year, with no obvious wear to the seats. Stored in a garage away from the sunlight has prevented any fading to the interior - a deep upholstery clean would have this looking just right in no time at all.

The same can be said for the carpets, excellent condition with no obvious wear, just in need of a deep clean.

Dashboard

As with the rest of the interior, being stored away from the UV rays has prevented any unwanted cracks to the dashboard. The dashboard is digital which looks to light up as it should, with a jump pack connected. The odometer is analogue showing a reading of 39,397 miles.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is the original and as you would expect with just 39,397 miles, there looks to be not much in the way of wear.

The gear knob, again the original, clearly shows the 1-5 numbers and R, you can even still see the grain pattern, another telltale sign of a low mileage car.

Mechanics

2.8i inline-six of pure Japanese performance, itching to get back on the road.

Engine and Gearbox

2.8i not run for 30 plus years. This needs a specialist eye casting over it before anyone even thinks about starting this classic. It was driven into the garage with no issues and has sat since then. With the right checks and belts, oil replaced, this would hopefully be your '80s dream car resurrected.

There is surface corrosion to most of the aluminum components throughout the engine bay which should clean up quite nicely with some time and patience.

Fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox, Paul reports that when it was last used it was changing gear as it should.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension components do have an amount of surface rust and so we would recommend these are checked before the car is driven again

The brakes didn't appear to be stuck when we pushed the car out of the garage. It goes without saying that these would need refurbishing before being put back into use.

The Drive

Certainly a pleasure to drive in the days when they were more popular on the roads. Now, not so common, and even less common to find one with such low mileage, hopefully this will feel the same once it's been recommissioned for use.

Electrics and Other

There was a jump pack connected to the Supra to check some basic things such as the lights, radio, electric aerial, windows (just a small amount). The dash lights up nicely and it looks like everything should work, but we would recommend getting everything checked out by a specialist.

History and Paperwork

A rare & unique opportunity to acquire a genuine barn find in an unvaleted condition, 30+ years ownership and just one owner prior to that.

Paul the seller acquired the car back in ~1988 as a part exchange through his business. Tucked away in storage in the corner of his showroom for many years, when he sold the business, Paul moved the car to his home garage for storage. Paul even has the sale record showing the previous owner part exchanged the car for a newer Mazda at the time. The history is naturally a little sparse over and above the storage history, and that's because the car has simply been stored since ~1988!

The Toyota wallet with the owners manual and service book are present. As Paul was in the motor trade, it went into the trade on the V5, therefore not registering him as an owner. The result is that on paperwork, it is a 1 owner car from new. In its all original condition, not modified or messed with, it presents an excellent opportunity for a JDM collector to get their hands on a genuine barn find classic.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5, HPi.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
09.07.1985 Service 649
17.12.1985 Service 7210
09.07.1987 Service 31,133
30.01.1996 MOT 39,388
Key Details
  • ModelCelica Supra
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg. Date22.06.1985
  • CC2,759cc
  • Mileage~39,397
  • HistorySome
  • ColourSilver
  • Interior ColourBlue
  • Interior TrimCloth
  • Chassis #JT1LBMA6100152385
  • Engine #5M3627442
  • MOTNo
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned32 Years
  • Key FeatureGenuine barn find







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
Adam - Trade Classics
Admin

Well we certainly got this guide price slightly incorrect 🙂

Gravesey
Member
Gravesey

Think it’s just a cool old car , would rather have this than an xr2 at similar money

Adam - Trade Classics
Admin

It’s a rare thing… no doubt… when will we see another one like it I guess

Gravesey
Member
Gravesey

Hi, love the car, stupid question I know but has it been smoked in ? Thanks , David

Gravesey
Member
Gravesey

Hi, love the car,stupid question I know but has it been smoked in ? Thanks , David

Gary Kelly
Guest
Gary Kelly

Hi can you tell me if the engine turns over please

Kirk
Guest
Kirk

Hi Paul, does the car start and drive? Do you know what is the condition of the car in terms of rust below? Thanks a lot

Spacefaceuk
Member
Spacefaceuk

Hi, would like to view the car, could we organise that? Thanks. Kamran

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi, please drop us an email to hello@tradeclassics.com and we will help organise a viewing. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Paul Wellings
Guest
Paul Wellings

Hi.do you have buy it now price
Thanks

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Live auction Paul, the seller has priced the car to sell so if you’re interested you’ll need to be involved in the bidding. Good luck! Kulraj – Trade Classics

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Vehicle Location

Kettering

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