1993 Toyota MR2

Coupe

Manual

JT2SW22NXP0079420

Clear

For the Collector seeking the Rarest of the Rare.... Factory-Original 1993 Toyota MR2 Turbo **Never Modified** ***Genuine Toyota Major Service Completed 07/17*** *****4392 Original Miles!***** (My apologies to all Bidders and Watchers from the start of the original auction, but I am relisting ONLY because I could not load the pictures properly in the first listing!!) Suppose that you are an SW20 MR2 aficionado: either you remember (as I do) the MR2 that you drove and cherished twenty-odd years ago, but you sold it for circumstances pertinent to your life's situation at the time, or, rather, you realize that today's line up of Toyota sports cars will never be as groundbreaking or as driver-engaging as those of the 90's. Whatever your reasons, you just know that these mid-engine engine engineering marvels are just plain 'cool'. Yes, you--the ultimate MR2 enthusiast--have been subconsciously been wanting to relive those glory days of the 90's by having your very own factory-original, unmodified, and 'as-new-in-2018-as-it-was-25-years-ago' MR2; unfortunately, no matter how great your effort, it seems that any attempt to find such an example always meets the proverbial 'dead end'. As time passes, and your search options dwindle, you might start to believe that--after being out of production for over two decades--such an example of the MR2 just does not exist... Well, the 'unicorn'--as they say--does exist: Your search for the ultimate MR2 'piece de resistance' ends now, as I present to you 'automotive unicorn' of the MKII MR2 models: A 1993 MR2 Turbo that is not only loaded with all factory options, it is as original as the day it left the assembly line and bathed in the most captivating colored paint offered that year, Signal Yellow (#567). Do I have your attention yet? Well, read forward as I detail the history and attempt to address anything you might want to know about this truly remarkable piece of Toyota history. Certainly you must be skeptical (like I was) as to how it is possible for such a gorgeous example of this car to not only exist, but exist with such impossibly low miles? Well, remember the phrase 'Museum Quality' in the eBay listing heading? Well, I meant that--quite literally! Read on for a description of its full history... This MR2 was delivered to its first owner in New York State in September 1993, whom, over the course of nearly twelve years, drove it sparingly, for 4175 of its current 4392 miles. In 2005, Newark Toyota (Newark, DE) obtained ownership of the car and kept it in their showroom for display purposes only. Finally, after being driven a mere 60 miles by Newark Toyota over the following two years, Fannin Toyota (Ashland, KY) purchased the MR2 in 2007. Like Newark Toyota, Fannin also purchased the car exclusively for display. Within the Fannin dealership, there lies a locally-renowned and climate-controlled auto museum, which is where this MR2 would reside for the next decade. During its 10 year tenure in the Fannin Museum, a mere 34 miles were added, which I could only assume were 'exercise miles' by the Fannin technicians to ensure that the mechanicals stayed in proper order. (You can find a presentation of the Fannin museum on YouTube). Now, the next question you are certainly asking is, how did I (a private owner and NOT a dealer) be fortunate enough to obtain this gem example? I'll explain... I owned a '94 N/A MR2 from 1997 to 1999; the purchase of my '94 was a dream fulfilled after I taking my first job out of college. Of course, like most of us, circumstances in life change, so I parted with mine after two years and plenty of memories to pair with each mile I drove the car. Even after selling it, I could never forget the feeling of driving it, because there has never been a 'mainstream' car like it since it was discontinued (and there probably never will be!!). Well, as the years go by, the thought of owning an MR2 all over again has always been a subconscious thought of mine, but I never thought it could be a reality, because, as time passes, there just aren't examples of this car to be found in the 'like new' condition that would desire. All of us MR2 enthusiasts know the molestation that these cars endure once that twenty-something 'Fast & Furious' fanatic gets a hold of one. A true crime, indeed!! However, I was aware of ONE particular MR2 that I would want, should it ever be available for sale and if I had the financial means to obtain it: yes, it WAS the one I saw years ago at the Fannin Toyota Automotive Museum, where it was on full display, surrounded by other gems of automotive history. Unfortunately, not only was it adorned with "Do Not Touch" signs, it also had two signs saying "NOT FOR SALE"!! I even asked management on a couple of occasions about the potential for it to be ever be listed 'For Sale', and the response each time was a stern "None of Mr. Fannin's Museum cars are for sale!" "Alright', I told myself, "but at least I know my ultimate MR2 is in existence, and it is only 130 miles from where I live!" Fast forward to February, 2017... I receive an email from my eBay account notifying me of a 'newly listed' MR2. As I always do when I receive such notices, I log on to eBay to view what (typically) is just another SW20 that has been either modded, repainted, or driven 200,000 miles. But, not this time... I almost thought I was imagining what was right in front of me, but no, there IT was, my personal 'Holy Grail' of all SW20 MR2s: the Fannin Museum MR2 Turbo was available FOR SALE! I immediately called to speak to the Fannin Representative who was in charge of selling the car, but alas, all I could do is leave my phone number with the hopes of someone calling me back. No one did, and, the next day when I called again, the response was still "that sales person is busy--he will call you back!" Strangely, three days after it was listed on eBay, the listing disappeared. I was deflated...I told myself "that car was swooped up so fast by some very fortunate enthusiast, that I didn't even have a chance!". Well, that three-day incident pretty much shattered any future dreams of owning my dream MR2. Three months later (May 2017), still trying to put this whole incident behind me, the oddest occurrence happened: a voicemail was left for me from a 'Fannin Represntative' regarding my 'prior interest in a Fannin car', with instructions to call him back. I thought to myself "well, how cruel is this: now, not only did I lose out on my dream MR2, now I am being baited by some hungry car salesman from Fannin who thinks that I am a 'lead' for the purchase of some other 'who-knows-what' kind of vehicle!" So, I reluctantly return the call, if, for nothing else to demand that my phone number and name be removed from the dealership's calling list. Well, as you might imagine, the state of shock I found myself in when I was told that the person who called me was a representative of 'XYZ Bank'; you see, 'XYZ Bank' had been recently commissioned to sell the assets of Fannin Enterprises after US Marshals abruptly shut the dealership down and seized automobile inventory for outstanding debts of millions of dollars (Google the story). Apparently, my name was in Fannin's system as a possible 'lead' on the MR2 and because the 'XYZ Bank' was on the hook for millions of dollars, they were contacting anyone and everyone that could possibly turn their untimely acquistion of automobiles into cold, hard cash!. In an instant, all of my questions about why I never had the chance to purchase this car in February 2017 were answered--my 'unicorn' MR2 was never sold, but rather it was repossessed from the very Museum floor that I last saw it, and HERE was MY opportunity to purchase it!!!!!! In July, after multiple communications with the Banks, courts, etc. the Bank notified me that now it had taken full ownership of the car and had the permission to sell it. Well, that was the good news, one would assume... Unfortunately, the Bank representative told me that although I could inspect the car before purchase (at a storage facility in Ashland, KY), I would not be allowed to 'test-drive' it or even start it; in fact, the Bank did not even think it would start, as the battery and 'who knows what else' was long out of commission. I decided to make the 130-mile trip to Ashland (pulling a trailer of course) to inspect the car and make a final 'now-or-never' decision to bring this dream of mine home! Upon arrival in Ashland,as you might imagine, the car certainly did not have the 'glow' to is it as i once remembered during its days of glory in the Museum; it was covered in dust both inside and outside (a byproduct from sitting for two months in a communal storage facility), the original 24-year old Yokahama tires were flattened and dry rotted, and sure enough, when the ignition key was inserted, the car was lifeless. As they say, realizing your dream is usually all about taking a risk...taking a gamble; so, I took a chance: I bought the MR2 that I always wanted, on the spot. I pushed it onto the trailer on that sweltering July day, and proceeded bring her home, knowing everything about her history, but knowing NOTHING about her roadworthiness. The first stop for my MR2-endowed trailer was Germain Toyota in Columbus, OH where I instructed Toyota Master Technician Mike Bussey to do whatever is necessary to not only make her run, but make her drive as the day she was first sold! Over the course of nearly two weeks, this MR2 was serviced for everything that was needed, from new tires and spark plugs to a coolant and fuel flush, to a new timing belt. After this $3500.00 service, this MR2 was given the ultimate mechanical endorsement from Mr. Bussey: "She is as good as new!" Oh yeah, I can attest: in the 120 miles that I have added--whether it's the highway at 75 MPH or bumbling around on the side streets, she does DRIVE LIKE A DREAM; the turbo spools effortlessly and on demand, the clutch grabs instantaneously as the pedal is engaged, the shifts are crisp and precise, the brakes do not hesitate when given orders to slow down, and she corners as a slot car would!! You can review all service records in the photos. Once this 'unicorn' was given the mechanical green light, now MY work was to begin: the painstaking task of restoring both the interior and exterior to showroom condition after nearly a decade of neglect! For the remainder of the Summer 2017, I performed an array detailing tasks. For the Signal Yellow exterior paint, multiple paint-cleansing procedures employing the clay bar, followed by a cut-polish, finalized with a Chemical Guys microfiber-rubbed wax (multiple times). For the interior, the leather bound seats were removed and soothed over and over again with Griot's Leather Balm; the floor carpets were removed and cleaned, and finally, the entire dash and door panels were removed to thoroughly clean and dust every orifice of the vehicle and ventilation system. Trust me, the 'new car smell' pervades!! I made certain that EVERYTHING works, I mean everything, including the stereo and the power antenna, the little green keyhole light on the Driver side, right down to the pesky Toyota alarm system. The end result? An absolutely breath-taking example of a truly historical automobile that is--and functions--'AS NEW'!!!! So, the next logical question you might ask is, "why is he (me) selling his supposed 'dream'?" Well, first and foremost let me state that this is NOT a profit-minded endeavor; I am a car enthusiast, NOT a dealer, nor a collector. If I had the financial means and the proper storage facility, I would have kept all of my cars that I have been fortunate enough to own over the years. In summary, I believe that this MR2 is just too rare and will ultimately be too coveted to ever be relegated to just a 'classic car'; as much as I adore it, it needs to be owned by someone who has the capability of curating it as part of an auto collection. This car has fulfilled my dream, but now I have other automotive priorities that I would like to explore. So now, I will be as meticulous as possible in describing all details pertinent to the car's condition: FLAWS (all of which are illustrated by my finger in the photo link)Paint chip in top, rear driver side buttress, near engine bonnet (filled in with touch up paint)Dinky chip in original windshield One pinhead-sized paint chip on hoodOne dinky chip & light scuff on passenger side pop-up headlampVERY minor wear on driver-side leather bolster (keep in mind that the seats are all original and there has never been any dye work to the leather!)Very, very slight fading on the painted tail (which these tails are known to do)MINOR swirl marks in paint on hood, which can only be seen in the direct sunlightEXTREMELY minor scratch on Driver side bumperThe car was purchased without the original T-Top shades and T-Top storage bags; I purchased black ones (not grey) from another MR2 enthusiast. I DO NOT have the storage bagsNOTABLESNO PAINTWORK/ORIGINAL PAINT!! Paint gloss is STUNNING!! A '9' on a scale of '10'.The front black chin spoiler has ZERO scuffs or scratches.The interior is spotless; carpet is free of odor and stains; steering wheel, shift knob, and center console show virtually no wear.All rubber gaskets around windows, doors, and T-Tops are virtually free of weathering or wear.No curb rash on rimsNO dents!Exhaust tips shine 'as new'All original glassAll body panel VIN tags still attachedFront License Plate holes have never been drilledOriginal Owner's Manuals and Floor Mats TERMSThis 1993 MR2 Turbo is located in suburban Columbus, OH; the Buyer is responsible for all shipping arrangements and costs, but I will assist with the arrangements upon request. This automobile is 25 years of age, is completely operational and roadworthy, and is (in the State of Ohio) of 'Historical Status'; however no Warranty is implied or offered on my behalf.Winning Bidder to pay $500.00 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit via PayPal at auction close; Balance due either by Bank Wire or Cashier's Check at or before time of delivery.This auction is a Reserve Auction; my Reserve Price is based upon my costs accrued in acquiring the car. I will not sell unless Reserve is met. I will NOT reveal my Reserve Price to potential bidders, so please do not ask. I will allow the Market to determine its true value.Winning Bidder to receive all documents shown in the listing, as well as the T-Top sunshades and two sets of keys and with remote door lockI still have the original Yokahamas, should the winning Bidder want themI have the Ohio title in hand I appreciate your time for stopping by and reading my account of wanting, obtaining, and owning what I consider to be the 'Jewel' of the remaining SW20 MR2s in existence today. I have made a conscious effort to describe every detail (as I would want to know if I were a prospective Buyer) to you; however, if you find that I have omitted something that you want to know, let me know, and I'll answer as best I can. **NOTE: I have over 100 additional pictures available to share, but unfortunately the listing does not allow a shareable link to the photos. Thank you for your interest!! --Brett (702)349-4532 (Phone and/or text) On Jan-24-18 at 20:16:12 PST, seller added the following information: Hello, all fellow MKII MR2 enthusiasts... The interest in this MR2 since the listing went live yesterday has been, shall I say, overwhelming! I have been posed a variety of additional questions, but there are three specific inquiries that keep arising: Are there fluid leaks of ANY kind? NO! The MR2 stays parked in the carpeted area of my garage and there are absolutely no evidence of any fluid drips or leaks when the car has been moved over the past 6 months. Has the MR2 ever been driven in inclement weather since my ownership? NO! Trust me, after the hours and hours I labored in the exterior detail process, there is not achance that I would allow it to be exposed to the elements! Unfortunately, the day that I took the photos was the first day that the snow here in Ohio had melted enough to allow me to pull it outside across from my garage. Is The Tool Kit Still Within The Car? Yes, The original and unused tool kit is located where the factory left it, in the Front Trunk ('Frunk') Thanks again for your interest! --Brett On Jan-25-18 at 06:36:04 PST, seller added the following information: As many others have inquired since the auction went live, please email me if you want the additional photos that cannot be posted on this listing. Thank you!On Jan-29-18 at 09:23:37 PST, seller added the following information: Update: Yesterday here in Ohio was the first time in nearly two months that not only were the weather conditions sunny, dry, and above freezing, the roads were finally clear of salt and cinder. As I have done periodically during opportune weather conditions, I drove it up the road and back to ensure the happiness of all mechanicals, add some fresh fuel, and take a few more photos of the car in bright sunlight. I added four (4) additional miles, so the odometer now reads 4396.