The 1986 Toyota Supra stands as a pivotal moment in automotive history, marking Toyota’s serious entry into the performance car arena. While its predecessor, the 1978 Celica Supra, hinted at Toyota’s ambitions, it was the second-generation, culminating in the 1986 Toyota Supra, that truly captured the hearts of enthusiasts and altered perceptions of the Japanese automaker. Competing head-on with rivals like the Mazda RX-7 and Datsun 280Z, this iteration of the Supra evolved from its Celica roots to become a performance icon in its own right.
Initially built upon a stretched Celica platform, the early Supras featured a 2.6-liter straight-six engine. However, the 1986 Toyota Supra, part of the Mark II generation (1982-1986), showcased significant advancements. This generation boasted a potent 2.8-liter, fuel-injected, DOHC engine. This engine upgrade resulted in a notable power increase to 145 horsepower, enabling the car to achieve 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds – a respectable figure for its time. Drivers could choose between a responsive five-speed manual transmission for a more engaging experience or a four-speed automatic. From 1983 onwards, the automatic transmission was further enhanced with a two-mode electronic control, offering “normal” and “power” settings to suit different driving styles.
Visually, the 1986 Toyota Supra retained a familial resemblance to the Celica but with distinct modifications that signaled its enhanced performance capabilities. The elongated front end, necessary to house the inline-six engine, and the unique front fascia with pop-up headlights gave the Supra a sporty and sophisticated appearance that was perfectly aligned with the angular design trends of the 1980s. This design language contributed to its appeal and helped distinguish it from its Celica sibling.
Beyond aesthetics and engine upgrades, the 1986 Toyota Supra excelled in handling, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension system meticulously tuned by Lotus. This collaboration resulted in a car that was not only powerful but also remarkably agile and balanced. The Mark II Toyota Supra became a popular choice for driving enthusiasts and a frequent competitor in autocross events, demonstrating its prowess in real-world performance scenarios. Adding to its driver-focused design, the Supra came equipped with four-wheel disc brakes, power features throughout, standard cruise control, and a tilt steering wheel, blending performance with comfort and convenience.
Toyota offered the Mark II Supra in two distinct trims: the P-type (Performance) and the L-type (Luxury). The P-type 1986 Toyota Supra was geared towards driving enthusiasts, featuring a limited-slip differential for enhanced traction, prominent fender flares for a more aggressive stance, eight-way adjustable sport seats, larger wheels, and a rear spoiler to improve aerodynamics. In 1985, both P-type and L-type models received an upgrade to 15×6 wheels, further enhancing their handling and visual appeal.
Throughout the Mark II Supra’s production run, Toyota continuously refined and improved its performance. Engine output saw incremental increases each year, starting at 150 hp in 1983, rising to 160 hp in 1984, and culminating at 161 hp in 1985. While the Mark II Supra officially extended through the 1986 Toyota Supra model year, these final cars were essentially carry-over 1985 models. This was because Toyota was on the cusp of launching the next generation Mark III Supra, which debuted as a half-year model in 1986, signaling a new chapter for the Supra lineage.
Over its five-year production span, approximately 115,000 units of the Mark II Supra were produced, solidifying its place in automotive history. The original MSRP for a 1982 Supra was $13,500, and by 1986 Toyota Supra models were priced around $16,000, placing it in direct competition with cars like the Nissan 300ZX.
The Mark II Toyota Celica Supra, and specifically the 1986 Toyota Supra, is now celebrated as a landmark vehicle in the evolution of Japanese performance cars. It played a crucial role in reshaping America’s perception of Toyota, demonstrating that the brand was capable of producing more than just economical cars. It captured the attention of driving enthusiasts and paved the way for future generations of Toyota performance vehicles. Today, collectors and enthusiasts particularly seek out the later P-type models of the 1986 Toyota Supra and its immediate predecessors, recognizing their enhanced performance and more focused, driver-oriented design.
