Page 176 - Carini AFFORDABLE CLASSICS Volume I

THE BACKSTORY
Toyota Supra
The first generation Supra offered from 1979 to 1981 was built to compete with the successful 280ZX. It featured a 2.6-liter engine from the Cressida sedan that produced 110 horsepower with Bosch fuel injection.
Toyota Celica Supra A60 (1982-1985)
The A60 still carried the Celica name, but the engine under the hood showed where the Supra was headed. The bodywork was already different, using flush-mounted pop-up headlights as part of an entirely unique front end treatment in a chassis that was longer than the base Celica. The engine was a new upgrade for the Supra model, a dual overhead cam 2.8-liter with two valves per cylinder. Induction was by fuel injection, and the new plant was rated at 145 horsepower and 155 lb ft of torque. When paired with a five-speed manual transmission, the 1982 Celica Supra was capable of a 9.8-second 0-60 mph dash.
Toyota offered the Celica Supra in two trim levels, P and L. P stood for Performance and L for Luxury. Both P and L models came with a standard five-speed manual transmission, but a four- speed automatic was an option on L cars. The P specification also included some larger fender flares and a limited slip differential. Supra L models got a digital dash with a trip computer and an open differential, but performance was really about the same.
This generation of Supra came with four-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and semi-trailing arms in the rear, and disc brakes under 14-inch wheels at each corner. This was a standard configuration for premium performance models of the era, and delivered good enough handling for the 1982 Supra to beat contemporary Ferrari, Lotus, and Porsche entrants in a Car and Driver magazine import handling test.
TOP: The A60 version of the Celica Supra represented a significant departure from the previous iteration. Its crisp styling fit in well for the time and propelled the model to new heights.
ABOVE: With monochromatic velour upholstery and complicated stereo controls, the A60’s interior is emblematic of the Eighties.
Wayne Carini  Affordable Classics  175