The Toyota Supra

Toyota Supra: Going Beyond

The Toyota Supra holds a unique space in the automobile industry; a vehicle that is as famous for its high-performing sports appeal as it is for its reputation in the tuner culture. The vehicle has a rich history and has evolved through the generations to maintain its appeal on gearheads and drivers alike. This article explores the Toyota Supra’s origins and its contemporary market value so you can gain a better understanding of the iconic vehicle.

From Celica GT to Supra

The Supra's origins trace back to the Toyota Celica, a sporty coupe introduced in the late 1960s. The Celica GT, a performance variant, laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Supra. In 1978, Toyota introduced the first dedicated Supra model, identified by the A40 chassis code. This initial iteration consisted of a 2.0L SOHC inline-six engine, a front-mounted, rear-wheel-drive layout (a classic sports car configuration), and a focus on handling prowess. However, it wasn't until the arrival of the second generation, the A60, in 1986 that the Supra truly solidified its reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

The Supra A60

The Toyota Supra A60, often referred to as the "Supra MKIII," marked a turning point for the Supra. The “A60 Celica XX” as it was called, was introduced in 1981 and launched in export markets as the Celica Supra, promoted via its sporting performance-based output. 

Equipped with the legendary 3.0L 2JZ-GTE twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, The Celica Supra produced a staggering 300 horsepower (limited by Japanese regulations at the time, though tuners quickly unlocked its true potential). This potent powerplant, coupled with a refined suspension and a lightweight chassis, propelled the Supra to the forefront of the sports car scene.

The A60's muscular lines and distinctive pop-up headlights further cemented its image. It became a fixture in popular culture, starring in movies like "The Fast and the Furious" and video games like Gran Turismo. This exposure not only boosted the Supra's popularity but also fueled the burgeoning tuner culture.

The Tuner's Dream

The A60 Supra's inherent tunability was a major factor in its enduring appeal. The robust 2JZ-GTE engine, with its cast-iron block and forged internals, could handle immense amounts of power. Enthusiasts relished the opportunity to modify their Supras, extracting significantly more horsepower through aftermarket parts and modifications. This ease of modification fostered a community of tuners, pushing the boundaries of performance and creating one-of-a-kind machines.

Beyond raw power, the A60's handling characteristics made it a delight for skilled drivers. Its well-balanced chassis and responsive steering allowed for precise control on the track or challenging roads. With a little finesse, the Supra could outperform more expensive competitors, earning it the respect of driving purists.

The A70 and A80 Supra

Toyota released the third generation (A70) Supra in 1993. While retaining the 2JZ-GTE engine, this iteration offered a more luxurious interior and smoother handling. This shift reflected a maturing market where performance and comfort were equally desired. It also made use of ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System), a cutting-edge air compression system in the piping to boost the vehicle's power to previously unrealized heights.

The final generation, the A80 Supra, also known as the Toyota Supra MKIV, arrived in 1993 and remained in production until 2002. It boasted further refinements to the engine, with improvements to the turbochargers and a slight power bump. The A80 also incorporated aerodynamic enhancements, further solidifying its presence as a serious performance machine. The Toyota Supra RZ (JZA80) was introduced during this period, and it became the most coveted version of the Supra. The A80 had two engines; the naturally aspirated Toyota 2JZ-GE and the twin turbo-charged Toyota 2JZ-GTE that was incorporated into the JDM. They came in both automatic and manual. A special edition targa top Supra MRKIV was also produced exclusively in automatic coupled with the NA 2JZ-GE engine. 

The Toyota Supra JZA80 replaced the A70s popup headlights with fixed ones and favored a smaller, lighter frame than the latter to reinforce its performance-focused design. This design is the most famous iteration of the Supra and its fame rose tenfold following the vehicle's appearances in pop culture phenomena like the Fast & Furious movie franchise and the Forza Horizon video game.

Despite its popularity, production of the Supra ceased in 2002 due to various factors, including stricter emissions regulations and a changing market. However, the Supra continued to be a hit as one of the most famous cars from Japan, and nearly three decades later, it made a comeback.

The 2020 Supra

In 2019, Toyota announced the highly anticipated return of the Supra. Developed in collaboration with BMW, the new Supra offered a modern interpretation of the classic formula. While some purists debated its BMW-derived platform, the car itself garnered significant praise. The Supra contained many features of the BMW Z4 (G29), including the 4 and 6-cylinder turbocharged engine, but it retained the rear-wheel-drive layout, and this complimentary duo ensured it delivered on the promise of exhilarating performance. 

How much does a Toyota Supra Cost?

Price is one of the biggest considerations when looking for the ideal Toyota Supra. Scour through auctions with ZervTek, looking for the best value for money, and make your bids accordingly. 

The SZ and SZ-R are the naturally aspirated (NA) variants of the Supra JZA80. An Automatic Toyota Supra JZA80 (SZ & SZ-R) goes for around $22,000 - $26,000 in the Japanese Auctions. Manual Supra JZA80 (SZ & SZ-R) gets sold between $24,000 - $37,000 depending on the condition!  

RZ and RZ-S are the turbo variants for the Supra JZA80. An Automatic Toyota Supra (RZ and RZ-S) typically goes for around $26,000 - $35,000. Manual Turbo Supras (RZ and RZ-S) variants get sold out for between $30,000 - $50,000. With one going for as high as $65,000 (10 million yen) within the last 3 months of writing this. 

These prices were based on actual recent data from the past 12 weeks of the Japanese auctions in July of 2024 and the USD-JPY exchange rate at the current time. For more detailed data, please reach out to us and we'd be happy to help you with budgeting (including export fees and shipping up to the destination port) and purchasing a Toyota Supra from the Japanese auto auctions.

Auction Process

Introduction

At Zervtek, we streamline the process of sourcing and exporting vehicles from Japanese Auto Auctions to offer our customers a wide range of options at affordable wholesale prices. To begin, register on our Japanese auction site, browse upcoming vehicles, and reach out to us via WhatsApp or Email.

Each vehicle in the auctions comes with an auction sheet detailing its current condition, modifications, issues, and advantages, all in Japanese. Don’t worry; we’re here to provide translations for you. WhatsApp simplifies communication by allowing us to share auction sheet details, additional photos and videos of the vehicles, payment receipts, and real-time discussions about vehicles.

Process

To initiate the process with us, we collaborate to select vehicles that match your preferences. A fully refundable deposit of 100,000 yen secures your commitment. Once we identify a vehicle you like, we present a translated auction sheet and additional pictures. From there, we handle the bidding and purchasing process on your behalf. While it may take some browsing and translation, we are here to assist you every step of the way.

Our comprehensive guide on the auction process emphasizes transparency and our commitment to streamlining the process for your convenience. 

Breakdown

Export fee breakdown

Export fees encompass auction fees, inland transport fees, documentation fees, ZervTek charges, and port forwarding/customs clearance in Japan. For the latest quote on export fees, please reach out to a ZervTek agent.

Shipping

We offer shipping via containers or RoRo (Roll-On, Roll-Off), with RoRo being the preferred choice due to its popularity and accessibility for individual customers. Shipping costs vary by country, with rates set by the shipping line at the start of each month. The total shipping cost to the destination port is calculated by multiplying the cost per m3 by the size of the vehicle.

The total up to the destination port will be:

Contact Information

For further inquiries about the ports, shipping charges, and shipping schedules, contact ZervTek through the following channels:

• WhatsApp Link
• Email: sales@zervtek.com
• Website: www.zervtek.com

Importing a JDM car can be seamless with the right guidance and support. ZervTek is committed to providing you with all the information and services needed to ensure a smooth import process.