This 2003 Toyota MR2 W3 combines the purist mid-engine concept of the third-generation MR2 with a remarkably well-preserved appearance. Of particular interest to collectors is the original factory paint, confirmed by a verified paint-thickness measurement. The roadster is finished in red with a black leather interior and is offered with both a hardtop and its original fabric soft top, which the consignor describes as being in near-new condition. The mileage is 126,000 km; the vehicle is registered and ready to drive.
With the MR2, Toyota pursued a concept that has always remained the exception in the affordable sports-car segment: the engine behind the seats, rear-wheel drive and two seats. The third generation, internally designated W3, reduced this idea to a compact open roadster. Instead of focusing on high engine output or extensive grand-touring equipment, the emphasis was on delivering the most direct driving experience possible.
This MR2 is powered by a 1,794 cc inline four-cylinder engine producing 140 hp (103 kW). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a manual gearbox. The vehicle weight is listed in the data at 1,050 kilograms. These basic specifications explain the character of the W3 better than a simple power figure: its appeal lies in the combination of compact dimensions, low weight and a mid-engine layout.
Today, the W3 is also an interesting example of a sports-car formula that has become increasingly rare: a relatively lightweight, naturally aspirated roadster with a manual transmission and no ambition to be a coupé, luxury car and digital technology hub all at once.
The MR2 is finished in red. The photographs show the W3's characteristic compact proportions, with a short front end, a passenger compartment positioned far forward and pronounced side air intakes. The overall visual impression is well maintained and cohesive.
The paintwork is of particular significance. According to the consignor, the vehicle still retains its original factory paint; the corresponding paint-thickness measurement has been inspected and confirms this statement. For a sports car now more than two decades old, preserved original paint is an important element of its authenticity.
The vehicle also comes with a hardtop. The original fabric soft top is likewise included and is described by the consignor as being in near-new condition. This preserves both options: the classic open-roadster appearance and the more enclosed look with the hardtop fitted. The red exterior color has been verified as matching the original specification; Matching Colors are confirmed.
The interior features black leather. The consignor describes the cabin as particularly well maintained, and the photographic documentation likewise conveys a neat overall impression. The design follows the MR2's clear focus on driver and passenger – compact, functional and without any pretension of being a luxurious long-distance touring car.
The confirmed equipment includes power steering, central locking, electric windows and airbags. Air conditioning and heated seats are not listed in the available data. The black interior forms part of the vehicle's confirmed color combination.
Behind the two seats is the 1,794 cc inline four-cylinder engine producing 140 hp. The manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, combined with the mid-engine layout, form the technical heart of the MR2 concept. Disc brakes are specified at both the front and rear.
The mileage is 126,000 km and has been confirmed based on the inspected documentation. The vehicle is currently registered and ready to drive; the seller accordingly describes it as immediately usable.
Matching Numbers have been confirmed following inspection. However, there is no separate technical condition or valuation report. Therefore, no additional condition ratings for the engine, gearbox or suspension are assigned beyond the documented vehicle data.
The available information concerning the vehicle and ownership history has been reviewed. Of particular interest for the current assessment is the preserved original substance. The confirmed original paint provides a concrete indication that the body was not resprayed as part of a comprehensive cosmetic refurbishment.
Matching Colors and Matching Numbers have also been confirmed following inspection. The combination of a traceable history, original paint and original fabric soft top therefore presents an overall authentic picture of this W3.
The relevant vehicle documents and paint-thickness measurement are present and have been inspected. The measurement confirms the claim regarding the original paint. The mileage, engine specification, gearbox, color combination, hardtop and original fabric soft top have likewise been verified.
The vehicle is registered and ready to drive. A currently valid roadworthiness inspection or specific expiry date is not confirmed in the available data. There is no separate condition or valuation report.
The Toyota MR2 W3 is a sports car from an era when 140 hp did not need to be compensated for by mass and complexity. A mid-engine layout, rear-wheel drive, manual transmission and roughly one tonne of vehicle weight create a concept that seems even more unusual today than it did around the turn of the millennium.
This example brings together several qualities worth preserving: confirmed original paint, Matching Numbers and Matching Colors, the original fabric soft top and an additional hardtop. With its documented 126,000 km, it is not an artificially preserved collector's car, but rather an MR2 that has been used while retaining significant elements of its original substance. For enthusiasts of lightweight, analogue sports cars, this combination is particularly appealing.
The MR2 W3 is a reminder that a sports car does not constantly have to prove how much power it has. 140 hp, a mid-engine layout, a manual gearbox and low weight – the recipe takes remarkably little space on paper. The original paint is particularly appealing here: a red roadster that has covered 126,000 km without subsequently being cosmetically reset to zero. Add the hardtop and original fabric soft top, and you have a very convincing package. For a long time, the W3 was simply a used Toyota. Now we are beginning to appreciate just how rare cars have become that approach the subject of driving pleasure with such simplicity.
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