In the late 1980s, amidst the booming automotive scene of Los Angeles, a small advertisement in the L.A. Times caught the eye of a car enthusiast. This wasn’t just any ad; it hinted at something truly special: Toyota MR2 convertibles. For someone already captivated by the allure of mid-engined, open-top cars, like the Fiat X-1/9, this was an irresistible proposition. This is the story of how one individual discovered and acquired a rare piece of automotive history – a 1986 Toyota Mr2 convertible, a vehicle that was never officially offered by Toyota in this form.
The ad directed inquiries to Modern Motors in Torrance, California. Upon contacting them, the enthusiast learned that these MR2 convertibles were not a standard factory model. Instead, Toyota was exploring market interest by commissioning Modern Motors to perform convertible conversions as a market test. These bespoke conversions were built to order and could be arranged through any Toyota dealer, or in this case, via an auto broker, Pacific Auto Sales in Upland, California. Intrigued and wanting to understand the process, a visit to Modern Motors in Torrance was arranged to witness the transformation firsthand.
Upon arriving at the conversion shop, the scale of the operation became apparent. Six MR2s were in various stages of conversion, part of an incredibly limited run. It’s estimated that only around 15 of these 1986 Toyota MR2 convertibles were ever created, including a few pre-production models from 1986 and the main batch from early 1987. The conversion process was meticulous. Once a standard MR2 was ordered, equipped with all available options except a sunroof or t-top, it was directly shipped to Modern Motors.
1986 Toyota MR2 Convertible Conversion in Progress at Modern Motors
The transformation began with a complete interior strip-down and the removal of the front fenders. Structural integrity was paramount, so the next crucial step involved reinforcing the chassis. Openings were carefully cut towards the rear of the front wheel wells, near the base of the windshield posts. A cross brace was then welded to these posts for added strength. Square channel bracing was then integrated into the door sills, running from the front to the rear wheel wells, effectively creating a reinforced perimeter. All modifications were expertly sealed and finished to meet factory standards, ensuring a seamless integration before the roof was touched. Finally, the iconic MR2 hardtop was carefully cut away, and the convertible top frame, hardware, and fabric were installed. The interior was then reassembled, completing the transformation from coupe to convertible before the car was delivered to its eager owner through the originating Toyota dealer.
For this particular enthusiast, the customization didn’t stop at the convertible top. Working with his auto broker, an upgrade package was specified, replacing the stock wheels and tires with 15” Enki black centered wire mags, later further enhanced to 16” Rotas paired with BF Goodrich T/A tires, even before taking delivery. The anticipation was immense, and the night of delivery was filled with elation. However, the joy was short-lived as a bout of illness struck the very next morning, delaying the full enjoyment of the new 1986 Toyota MR2 convertible for two long weeks.
Side Profile of 1986 Toyota MR2 Convertible Showing Wheel Upgrade
The relationship with Toyota continued beyond the purchase. For a couple of years, the owner received surveys from Toyota, seeking feedback on various aspects of the car, public perception, and dealer handling. These surveys, often accompanied by a small compensation check, demonstrated Toyota’s genuine interest in understanding the market response to these converted MR2s. Further enhancing the car’s uniqueness, a Pacesetter exhaust system was later added, provided free of charge in exchange for lending the car to Pacesetter as a template for developing MR2 exhaust systems.
Rear View of 1986 Toyota MR2 Convertible with Aftermarket Exhaust System
Even after 140,000 miles, the 1986 Toyota MR2 convertible remained remarkably solid, a testament to the quality of both the original MR2 design and the convertible conversion. The car’s rarity and unique appeal continue to draw attention, with frequent inquiries from onlookers, a phenomenon that still brings a smile to the owner’s face. This story serves as a fascinating glimpse into a unique chapter of Toyota’s history, a brief foray into factory-authorized convertible conversions of the beloved MR2, creating a truly special and sought-after variant of this iconic mid-engine sports car.
Toyota MR2 Convertible Top Mechanism Detail
Close Up of Toyota MR2 Convertible Top Latch
