Long before the Toyota Celica Supra became a drag-strip legend, it was simply a trim level. Now this 1981 example has rolled onto Bring a Trailer, offering a rare look at where the badge began. Few buyers ever get the chance to own the origin story.
Where the Toyota Celica Supra Began
Power comes from a 2.8-liter inline-six producing 116 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. Those figures will not threaten modern hot hatches, and a sub-10-second quarter mile is out of reach. Still, the engine descends from the Toyota 2000GT, a pedigree Toyota has long celebrated.
Driving duties fall to a five-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels. The long-nosed body reflects the second-generation Celica, Toyota’s answer to the late-1970s personal luxury coupe craze. Its vinyl and cloth seats, air conditioning, and cassette equalizer show how luxury mattered more than lap times. For a sense of where the brand’s sporting ambitions now sit, check out Toyota’s latest GR racing prototype, which channels the next-gen MR2.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 2.8L Inline-Six (reconditioned) |
| 🐎Power Output | 116 HP |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 196 Nm (145 lb-ft) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 10.5s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 112 mph (180 km/h) (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 5-Speed Manual / RWD |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $22,000 (est. auction result) |
Why Collectors Should Pay Attention
The Supra nameplate is currently on hiatus, and Toyota is reportedly weighing the Celica as a replacement for the rally-bred GR Corolla and GR Yaris. That strategic product cadence gives first-generation cars a fresh narrative. Meanwhile, Japan’s current Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, owned the Celica XX, the home-market version of this car. My prediction: clean, original examples like this will climb in value as the Toyota Celica Supra legend grows.
Reconditioned valve seals, head gaskets, bearings, and a new muffler lower the risk for a buyer. Pricing will still hinge on originality, and the reserve has not been disclosed. Expect spirited bidding before the auction closes on October 28. For more classic auction coverage, keep an eye on Auto News Magazine.
Liam Campbell
Industry Intelligence & News Editor at Auto News Magazine. Tracking prototype spy shots, Nürburgring development mules, automaker corporate moves, and breaking global automotive scoops.
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