Toyota MR2 Coupes & Spyders

Author: Brian Long, Hardbound, 192 Pages, ISBN: 9781903706169

1st Edition, 2002

The definitive international history of the Toyota MR2 Coupe, MR Roadster and MR2 Spyder models. A high quality artpaper production with 350 illustrations mainly in colour

The MR2 - the first mid-engined production car from Japan - ranks in importance with the Toyota 2000GT, Datsun 240Z and Mazda's RX-7 and MX-5 as a landmark model.

The MR2 started with the 1983 Tokyo Show SV-3 concept car and, by mid 1984, the first production models were filtering into Japanese showrooms. An Instant hit, demand for the MR2 quickly outstripped supply and, from the early part of 1985, this success story was repeated in export markets.

The T-bar roof option made its appearance in 1987, together with a supercharged engine for Japanese buyers (later available to American buyers too).

The Second Generation MR2 - with optional turbocharger - was more Grand Tourer than lightweight sports.

The 1995 Tokyo Show saw the debut of the MRJ - leading many to assume it was the latest in the MR breed. However, it was the MR-S concept car of 1997 vintage that was destined to provide the basis for the next production model. This lightweight open roadster was eventually launched (as the MRS) in Japan at the end of 1999, making its way into European and American export markets, badged respectively as the MR2 Roadster and MR2 Spyder, shortly after.

Here, with much input from the people involved, is the chronicle of the Toyota MR2 sportscar, including the extraordinary stories behind its development and international success.