Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- 7M-GTE head-gasket service records deserve review before purchase
- JZA70 1JZ-GTE (1990–93) was JDM-only — Toyota never sold this chassis code in the US
- Turbo A (500 built, September–October 1988) is the rarest A70 and Japan-only
- R154, W58, and A340E are different transmissions — confirm the code matches the engine
- For US imports, confirm the individual car's manufacture date and current federal, EPA, and state requirements.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A70 (MA70) | 7M-GE | 3.0L | 200hp @ 6000rpm | DOHC 24V (US) |
| A70 (MA70) | 7M-GTE | 3.0L | 232hp @ 5600rpm | CT26 turbo, intercooled (late) |
| A70 (MA70 Turbo A) | 7M-GTEU | 3.0L | 270PS @ 5600rpm | Turbo A homologation (JP) |
| A70 (GA70) | 1G-GTE | 2.0L | 185PS @ 6200rpm | Twin turbo (JP) |
| A70 (JZA70) | 1JZ-GTE | 2.5L | 280PS @ 6200rpm | Twin turbo (JP) |
US Import Eligibility
This chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2011. Calculate import costs →
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| A70 (3rd gen) | 3.0i (MA70) | 7M-GE 3.0L I6 | NA, RWD, 5MT/4AT, ABS optional |
| A70 (3rd gen) | Turbo (MA70) | 7M-GTE 3.0L I6 | Turbo, RWD, 5MT/4AT, intercooler (late) |
| A70 (3rd gen) | Turbo A (MA70) | 7M-GTEU 3.0L I6 | Homologation, CT26, 5MT, limited build |
| A70 (3rd gen) | 2.0GT Twin Turbo (GA70) | 1G-GTE 2.0L I6 | Twin turbo, RWD, 5MT/4AT, Japan-only |
| A70 (3rd gen) | 2.5GT Twin Turbo R (JZA70) | 1JZ-GTE 2.5L I6 | Twin turbo, RWD, 5MT/4AT, Japan-only |
Should You Buy a Toyota Supra A70?
Why You'll Love It
- A70s are old enough for the 25-year import exemption The US 25-year FMVSS exemption under 49 CFR Part 591 applies once a vehicle reaches 25 years old, including late JZA70 1JZ-GTE cars — confirm the individual car's manufacture date and current import, EPA, and title requirements.
- 1JZ-GTE adds a twin-turbo option the US never got The JDM-only JZA70, introduced in August 1990, carries the 2.5-liter 1JZ-GTE twin-turbo rated 206 kW (276 hp; 280 PS).
- Double-wishbone suspension at all four corners Toyota gave the A70 a full double-wishbone layout front and rear, the same basic architecture used on the 2000GT.
- A low-mile survivor sold for $88,888 at auction A 147-mile 1987 Turbo sold for $88,888 in February 2022; treat that as an isolated auction result, not a market average.
Why You Might Not
- 7M-GTE head gasket risk Ask for head-gasket service records and have a 7M specialist assess the engine before purchase.
- JZA70 was never sold new in the US Toyota did not sell the JZA70 new in the United States; verify import and title documents for the individual car.
- Targa top seals need inspection Inspect the removable Sport Roof and its seals for condition and operation.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers who will not verify 7M-GTE head-gasket service history before purchase
- Buyers who cannot identify the transmission fitted to the car
- Buyers who have not confirmed the individual car's import and title documents
- Anyone paying Turbo A money without confirming a September–October 1988 build date
- Buyers unwilling to inspect the removable Sport Roof and its seals
- People unwilling to research local parts and specialist support before purchase
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7M-GTE head gasket failure | Service history and head-gasket condition require specialist assessment before purchase | Follow the repair specification recommended by a qualified 7M specialist. | ARP stud kit ~$200–400 (parts only); machine-shop resurfacing and labor add to that |
Differences between JDM & USDM
The A70 used different chassis and engines across markets. GA70 used 2.0-liter 1G engines, while MA70 used 3.0-liter 7M engines in several markets. Toyota announced the 2.5-liter 1JZ-GTE for JZA70 in August 1990, and did not sell JZA70 new in the United States. The Turbo A was a 500-car Japanese homologation model built in September and October 1988. Verify the manufacture date and import status of every individual imported car.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
A70 Supra (Mk3) (1986-1992)
- Turbo era; 7M-GTE and later 1JZ swaps
- Targa available; heavy but capable
- Head gasket/cooling reputation affects prices
Sales Numbers by Year
| Year | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 33,823 | A70 launch; Supra becomes its own model line |
| 1987 | 29,907 | |
| 1988 | 19,596 | Turbo A homologation special released in Japan |
| 1989 | 14,544 | |
| 1990 | 6,419 | 1JZ-GTE JZA70 introduced |
| 1991 | 3,623 | |
| 1992 | 1,193 | Final year of A70 production |
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A70 (3rd gen) | 1986-1992 | estimated | Turbo A is a small subset |
Rarest variant: Turbo A (500 built, September–October 1988, Japan-only FIA Group A homologation special)
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
The Buyer's Read
Documentation matters across the A70 range. An MA70 Turbo with documented head-gasket service is easier to assess than one without records.
The JDM-only JZA70 uses the twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE and was not sold new in the US. Verify the manufacture date, import documents, parts availability, and specialist support for the individual car.
For a claimed Turbo A, verify the September–October 1988 build date, Japan-market provenance, black-on-black specification, and single-turbo 7M-GTEU. A standard Turbo and a Turbo A require different authenticity and maintenance checks; an A80 Twin Turbo is a separate generation with its own buying considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What's the difference between MA70, GA70, and JZA70?
- MA70, GA70, and JZA70 are A70 chassis codes used with different engines and market specifications.
- Is the 7M-GTE head gasket problem as common as people say?
- The 7M has a well-known head-gasket reputation; verify its condition and service records before purchase.
- Can I import a JDM 1JZ-GTE Supra to the US now?
- A vehicle at least 25 years old may receive the FMVSS exemption; confirm the individual car's manufacture date and other import requirements.
- How rare is the Turbo A?
- Toyota built 500 for FIA Group A homologation, all in September and October 1988, sold only in Japan; a further 11 were built by TRD as dedicated Group A race cars.
- Which transmission came with the Turbo A70?
- Transmission fitment varies by engine and market: verify the individual car's factory specification and fitted transmission.
Sources & References
Sources (30)
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- Celica Supra Mk1 history (archived) — celicasupra.com (Wayback Machine) Verified
- A90 Toyota Supra launched in Japan — Paul Tan's Automotive News Link dead
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- GR Supra official model page — Toyota Motor North America Verified
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- 1988 Toyota Supra Turbo A Review: Driving the Ultimate MKIII Supra We Never Got — The Drive
- 49 CFR Part 591 — Importation of Vehicles and Equipment Subject to Federal Safety, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards — eCFR
- Toyota Supra Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability and the Best Years to Buy — CarGurus
- Importation and Certification FAQs — NHTSA
- A70 SUPRA — GR HERITAGE PARTS, GAZOO Racing
- An A70 Toyota Supra Turbo has sold for almost $89,000 — Japanese Nostalgic Car
- Toyota Supra MK3 Head Gasket Repair — YotaMD
- 7M ARP Head Studs — SR-Fab
- W58 vs R154 transmission. Differences between the R154 vs W58 transmission — CUBE Speed
- Is rust a common problem on MK3's? — Supra Forums
Sources last verified: