Droptops, part 2: Welly 1:43 Toyota MR2 Spyder

Next is this sharp 1:43 Toyota MR2 spyder that I found at a Rite-aid one day, in perfect condition, looking good in red.

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A change of plan

The MR2 was introduced in 1985, likely to do battle with the Pontiac Fiero. Unlike the Fiero, which was a disaster for GM ever since the beginning, the MR2 used the styling of a Fiat XT/19 and the reliability of Toyota to gain a longer life and a second generation. The second version was bigger and featured a more exotic look that resembled a cross between a Ferrari and the Acura NSX. Problem is the car was starting to get expensive to make and sell as the rising Yen was causing all Japanese automakers to short-live their performance coupes. Even with this cancellation, the automakers still wanted to see what they did wrong and to revive their beloved coupes in the future.

So did Toyota, so the new project looked to the next MR2 as an affordable sports car going back to the size of the first one, and this time as a full drop top. The MRS concept of 1997 showcased the look of the next MR2, which appeared in 2000 as the MR2 Spyder. The downside of the new car for MR2 fans was the lack of the Turbo I-4 found in the last MR2's, though swamping the 1.8L I-4 for the larger unit in the Celica GT-S, Corolla and Matrix XRS was no problem. The 1.8L I-4 made 138 hp. with VVT-I valve timing in a car that weighs 2,195 Ib's with a 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. The magic of this car, like the Dino, was the handing with equal weight distribution. The handling is so tight that some compared it to mid-engine exotics of the day. In 2002 an automated manual was offered, using the same shifting operations of a manual but without a clutch pedal. 2003 offered a mild refresh and improved automated manual. Unfortunately the car's questionable styling and lack of space for storage lost the battle to the Miata and ended production in the US in 2005.

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Another nice one from Welly

Trying to find a decent, stock MR2 Spyder without paying too much is like finding a needle in a haystack! Luckily I ran across one, in good condition, in a manlier red color, and it looks great! The headlights are nicely done, though one of the lamps could use a little more silver on the reflector. The grille, side scoops, rear brake light with vented hood, taillights, and rear plate grille are nicely done and add some spice to the otherwise uneventful exterior. The 5-spoke wheels also enhance the look as well. The base shows a few details and it's interesting to see the pull back motor placed in the same location as the engine of the real car!

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The interior features a right-hand drive layout with detailed door panels, bucket seats with storage and a nicely-tucked convertible top locations. Exposed center console with shifter separate from the dashboard. The gauges are a tri-pod with the tachometer in the center in white (not on this casting, on the real car), 3-spoke steering wheel, and center controls for radio, A/C, and a small compartment on the center of the dash.

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Again, it's not as interesting as if this was a larger-scale version or the real car (as the Welly Lotus Elise was emphasized in the same way), but you can't beat the coolness of this sporty red convertible, with sports car-like handling and a fuel-efficient motor, to cruise down the twisty highway's in the summer.