1981 Toyota Celica Supra on Bring a Trailer: The First-Gen Supra That Started It All

Before Vin Diesel had a driver’s license, the first-generation Toyota Celica Supra was already turning heads in showrooms. Now, a 1981 example has surfaced on Bring a Trailer, offering a rare glimpse at the car that launched the Supra legacy. This A40-generation model, based on the second-generation Celica liftback, features a longer nose to accommodate its 2.8-liter inline-six engine, a setup that produced 116 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque when new. With rear-wheel drive, a five-speed manual gearbox, and pop-up headlights, it captured the spirit of early ’80s Japanese grand touring. The example listed appears to be in well-preserved condition, with period-correct details that appeal to collectors and enthusiasts alike. As the first chapter in the Supra story, this car matters because it set the template for the performance icon that followed—culminating in today’s GR Supra. For anyone tracking the evolution of Toyota’s sports coupes, this auction is a chance to own a piece of that history. The Supra story starts here, and it’s still being written.