MR2 (AW11)

Toyota's first mid-engined car was a revelation. The AW11 MR2 used the same 4A-GE twin-cam engine as the AE86 but mounted it behind the driver, creating a car with razor-sharp handling and a driving experience that punched well above its price point. It was the affordable mid-engined sports car that made Fiat and Lotus nervous, and it won Car of the Year awards around the world.

The supercharged variant added useful torque without ruining the car's delicate balance. In Australia, the MR2 was a popular choice for weekend driving and club motorsport. The mid-engine layout demands respect in the wet, but in the dry it rewards a confident driver with feedback and agility that few cars at any price can match. Clean examples are increasingly hard to find, as rust and modifications have taken their toll. The supercharged model is the most sought after, but the naturally aspirated car is arguably the purer driving experience.