MR2 (SW20)

The second-generation MR2 grew up considerably from the AW11. Bigger, more powerful, and styled like a junior Ferrari, the SW20 was a serious mid-engined sports car that could embarrass much more expensive machinery on a twisty road. The turbocharged 3S-GTE engine produced 245hp in later Japanese-spec models, and the car's mid-engine balance made it devastatingly quick point-to-point.

The SW20's reputation for snap oversteer in early models led to suspension revisions that tamed the handling without dulling it. In Australia, the turbo models are the most sought after, but the naturally aspirated cars offer a more relaxed ownership experience with lower running costs. The SW20 sits in a sweet spot right now: old enough to be interesting, new enough to be reliable, and still affordable enough to actually drive rather than just admire. That won't last forever.