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Buyer's guide

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Toyota Supra A60

Buyer's guide & specs

By Christopher Weydert Updated Reviewed by Robert Munteanu Fact-checked
Production
1982-1986
Engine
5M-GE
2.8L

Quick answer

Toyota introduced the A60 Celica XX in Japan in July 1981 and sold it as the Celica Supra in export markets. Toyota UK identifies its new 2.8-liter 5M-GE as the flagship twin-cam straight-six, while Toyota's 1982 U.S. announcement describes a 2,759 cc 5M-GE six-cylinder DOHC engine.

Background

Overview

The second-generation Supra (A60, 1981–1986) introduced pop-up headlights, a boxier exterior, and a broader engine lineup — three 2.0L variants (including the 1G-GEU DOHC and the 1G-GTEU twin-turbo for JDM) and two 2.8L 5M-GE choices, with output ranging from 125 hp to 178 hp depending on market. The North American market received the P-Type and L-Type split: mechanically identical, separated by trim — fiberglass fender flares and eight-way adjustable seats on the P-Type, digital instrument cluster and automatic-only transmission on the L-Type.

The A60 is appreciating from a low base, driven primarily by 1980s-Japanese-coupe nostalgia. The 1G-GTEU twin-turbo JDM cars are the most sought-after variant. As with the A40, the buyer's risk is condition and parts scarcity rather than mechanical complexity. P-Type cars in original colors with documented mileage trade at a premium over L-Type autos; both depend on rust history.

Key Takeaways

  • A60 Celica XX launched in Japan in July 1981; export markets received the Celica Supra
  • 5M-GE is Toyota's 2.8-liter flagship twin-cam straight-six for the A60 Celica Supra
  • P-type and L-type identify the performance and luxury versions described by MotorTrend
  • Oil around the cam valley or spark plugs is a check MotorTrend's guide specifically recommends
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Technical Specifications

Engine Options

Chassis Engine Displacement Power — JDM Notes
A60 5M-GE 2.8L 145hp @ 4800rpm DOHC 24V (US early)
A60 5M-GE 2.8L 160hp @ 5600rpm DOHC 24V (US late)
A60 1G-GEU 2.0L 140PS @ 6400rpm DOHC 24V (JP)
A60 1G-GTEU 2.0L 185PS @ 6200rpm Twin turbo (JP)

Variants & Trims

Generation Trim Engine Key Features
A60 (2nd gen) L-Type 5M-GE 2.8L I6 P-type wheels optional, luxury focus, 5MT/4AT
A60 (2nd gen) P-Type 5M-GE 2.8L I6 Fender flares, wider tires, sport suspension, LSD opt
A60 (2nd gen) 2.0GT (JP) 1G-GEU 2.0L I6 DOHC NA, RWD, 5MT/4AT, sport trim
A60 (2nd gen) 2.0GT Twin Turbo (JP) 1G-GTEU 2.0L I6 Twin turbo, RWD, 5MT, Japan-only
A60 (2nd gen) 2.8GT (JP) 5M-GEU 2.8L I6 DOHC NA, RWD, 5MT/4AT, Japan-only
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Should You Buy a Toyota Supra A60?

Why You'll Love It

  • Motor Trend's 1982 Import Car of the Year Toyota records that Motor Trend named the Celica Supra its 1982 Import Car of the Year.
  • 2.8-liter 5M-GE twin-cam straight-six Toyota UK identifies the 2.8-liter 5M-GE as the A60's flagship twin-cam straight-six engine.

Why You Might Not

  • Inspect for oil around the cam valley and spark plugs MotorTrend's buyer guidance recommends checking for oil in the cam valley and around the spark plugs because leaks in this area were an early problem.
  • P-type and L-type are distinct trims MotorTrend describes the P-type as the performance version added alongside the luxury L-type, so confirm which trim is being represented.

Who Should NOT Buy This

  • Buyers unwilling to check for oil in the cam valley and around the spark plugs
  • Buyers who will not confirm whether the car is the P-type performance version or L-type luxury version

Common Issues & Solutions

Issue Cause Solution Est. Cost
Oil around the cam valley and spark plugs MotorTrend identifies leaks in this area as an early problem. Check the cam valley and the area around the spark plugs for oil before purchase. Obtain a written repair estimate if oil leakage is present.

Differences between JDM & USDM

Toyota UK says the A60 Celica XX launched in Japan in July 1981, while export markets sold it as the Celica Supra. Toyota's U.S. announcement identifies its 2,759 cc 5M-GE six-cylinder DOHC engine.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

High Priority

Medium Priority

Generation History

A60 Supra (Mk2) (1982-1986)

  • P-type/L-type trims; 80s GT vibe
  • 5M-GE DOHC I6 in many markets
  • Analog classic; values rising from low base
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Sales Numbers by Year

Year Total Notes
1982 34,048 A60 launch year
1983 26,972
1984 29,871
1985 23,568

Market Data

Production Numbers & Rarity

Generation Years Total Built Notes
A60 (2nd gen) 1981-1986 estimated Global totals not consistently published

Comparable Alternatives

Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

90s TT GT rival; cheaper entry; tighter engine bay

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4

Tech-heavy AWD TT; value play; complex maintenance

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The Buyer's Read

Start by establishing the market name: Toyota UK says the A60 launched in Japan as the Celica XX and was sold in export markets as the Celica Supra. Then identify the trim, because MotorTrend distinguishes the P-type performance version from the L-type luxury version. Its buyer guidance also specifically calls for checking for oil in the cam valley and around the spark plugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the A60 Celica XX arrive?
Toyota UK says the A60 Celica XX launched in Japan in July 1981 and was sold as the Celica Supra in export markets.
Which engine is associated with the A60 Celica Supra?
Toyota UK identifies the new 2.8-liter 5M-GE as the flagship twin-cam straight-six, and Toyota's 1982 U.S. announcement calls it a 2,759 cc 5M-GE six-cylinder DOHC engine.
What is the difference between P-type and L-type?
MotorTrend describes the P-type as the performance version and the L-type as the luxury version.

30 sources cited below

Sources & References

Sources (30)
  1. Toyota Supra — encyclopedic overview (fourth generation) — Wikipedia Verified
  2. Pros and cons of Supra ownership (community thread) — SupraForums Verified
  3. Mk5 Supra pros/cons community thread — SupraMkV Verified
  4. Toyota Supra common problems — Breakeryard Verified
  5. Supra common problems thread — SupraForums Verified
  6. Accurate Supra production numbers — SupraForums Verified
  7. US Toyota Supra sales history — CarSalesBase Link dead
  8. Celica Supra Mk1 history (archived) — celicasupra.com (Wayback Machine) Verified
  9. A90 Toyota Supra launched in Japan — Paul Tan's Automotive News Link dead
  10. Toyota Supra Mk4 specifications — Supras NZ Verified
  11. The 300-horsepower club comparison test — Road & Track Verified
  12. JDM vs USDM Toyota Supra differences — Import A Vehicle Verified
  13. Toyota Supra — full model encyclopedic entry — Wikipedia Verified
  14. GR Supra official model page — Toyota Motor North America Verified
  15. Toyota Supra long-term coverage — Car and Driver Verified
  16. Toyota Supra reviews and pricing — Edmunds Verified
  17. Toyota Supra auction results database — Bring a Trailer Verified
  18. TOYOTA ANNOUNCES MINOR CHANGES TO SUPRA — Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website (Aug 9, 1990 press release)
  19. 7MGTE - incorrect head torquing from factory? — Driftworks Forum
  20. Toyota Supra 2.5 Twin Turbo, JZA70, 1JZ-GTE, 08/90>05/93 — Fensport Performance
  21. 1988 Toyota Supra Turbo A Review: Driving the Ultimate MKIII Supra We Never Got — The Drive
  22. 49 CFR Part 591 — Importation of Vehicles and Equipment Subject to Federal Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards — eCFR
  23. Toyota Supra Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability and the Best Years to Buy — CarGurus
  24. Importation and Certification FAQs — NHTSA
  25. A70 SUPRA — GR HERITAGE PARTS, GAZOO Racing
  26. An A70 Toyota Supra Turbo has sold for almost $89,000 — Japanese Nostalgic Car
  27. Toyota Supra MK3 Head Gasket Repair — YotaMD
  28. 7M ARP Head Studs — SR-Fab
  29. W58 vs R154 transmission. Differences between the R154 vs W58 transmission — CUBE Speed
  30. Is rust a common problem on MK3's? — Supra Forums

Sources last verified:

Market & demand on JDMBUYSELL

Reported sold prices and buyer-inquiry trend for the Toyota Supra A60 on the JDMBUYSELL marketplace.

Source: /api/market-data/toyota/supra/a60.json · Sold prices aggregated from listings marked sold by private-party sellers on JDMBUYSELL — seller-reported, not verified hammer prices. Inquiry counts are distinct buyer-to-seller conversations referencing at least one listing for this chassis.

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