Le Mans MR2 (MC8) Found In Japan

[@ambercorners]

2019 update: I am in contact with the owner! (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWGwp6KZaNWop9k) You might enjoy this video about MR2 Myths: ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5PMoKd7ZsuYb6M ) I have a video series dedicated to Japanese car history: ( goo.gl/l7Qnfs )

[@DamfinoMR2]

Back when I first got into imports, around 2000 or 2001, we used to LIVE to find gems like this. Finding rare versions of cars, or finding out that there were 4WD Civics, etc, really drove our imaginations. Thank you for uploading this; there are still guys out there like me that appreciate Japanese auto culture and haven't been watered down by the hellaflush movement. Hopefully they get this MC8 back on the road!

[@ambercorners]

+Tyler Ashton Hey thanks! I built my first car ('88 CRX) back in '99-- My experience was similar to yours. :)

[@HeyImWright]

Dude yesssss, I share the same love as you do, I love finding the rare, high quality gems like these from the golden days of Le Mans homolgation, they’re just so unique and unlike anything else on the road.

[@FroztiProductions]

mother of god the race version looks so fuggin good

[@ambercorners]

+FroztiProductions Which of the two race car styles do you prefer?

[@FroztiProductions]

+amber corners You know man that's a tough question. The first one looks like what 80s ferraris SHOULD look like in my serious opinion. And the second one looks so japanese and the tail lights are sex. It's a toss up.

[@johnty505]

+FroztiProductions the 1st one makes the mr2 look so delicious. that wide ass bodykit is gorgeous. someone make a decent kit for the love of JDM!

[@TakoIbarra]

You don't see struts there because the entire axle is moved to the back, but they left the factory strut mounts since they had to use a production shell. That must be a 1UZ engine, same on the Lexus LS400. Cool stuff!!

[@ambercorners]

+Tofu Drift Van Great point on the axle! Thanks for the comment!

[@luismalo4752]

Hey bro.. how much do you think this car would cost?!.. and is there really only one of these?!..

[@ambercorners]

Luis Malo I believe the recent sale price was undisclosed. If I had to guess, about $30K US. And yup-- Only one!

[@luismalo4752]

amber corners so who took those pics of it in Japan???

[@FabZtoy]

I was also wondering why they kept the struts there. I guess and hope the race version wasn't like that otherwise i can understant they didnt perform well lol.

[@airthrow]

I never knew about the MR2s in Lemans, or this car. Great video!

[@texasmr2]

I drove nothing but MR2's from 1985 until 2006, three MKI's and then a fully built '92 Turbo, and always wanted a factory racing version and/or the original TRD 2000GT, come on Lotto.

[@alexgrossman1074]

This car really reminds me alot of a NSX. But wow so gorgeous

[@ambercorners]

+alex grossman Right? Thanks for watching!

[@Kp0pf4n]

that spoiler looks awesome

[@TheRCTAddict]

I'm just as surprised as you that this surfaced after 21 years of hiding. Been keeping my eye on it since I saw Michael Banovsky's "Weird Cars" article on the MC8R about six months ago, though of course it had already surfaced by then. You pointed out a lot differences that I was surprised to learn, since I'm not really familiar with the intricacies of the MR2 line. Nicely done video.

[@patrickkrenz515]

one of my favorite cars ever

[@blehhplehh]

my god i cant believe its been found... for years ive checked the web every here and there to see if it ever surfaced. I really hope this thing (and the owner) become a little more social with it...

[@SeargentConrad]

great video thanks for uploading, I find these rare gems from Japan so interesting!

[@joewootten2433]

The struts mounts are empty because I suspect the car is running double wishbone with the transaxle as a stressed member! car looks so cool would love to see it going! great video!:)

[@deanishere7237]

good video man... You should do a video on the rare Toyota 222D Mr2... That has an interesting story to it !!!

[@halflife2wtflol]

cool video man, I thought this car was history..... Didn't realise others had such an interest in it too :)

[@bobjo579]

That car looks so beautiful

[@CH121S]

very cool to see bay shots of this car. didnt know it used a 1uz. thanks for sharing this.

[@ambercorners]

Hey, you bet. Thanks for watching!

[@technosworld2]

great video, hopefully it gets fully restored. If I was rich, I'd be buying it!

[@XboxShorts]

I had a rev 2 turbo t-bar and a rev 3 non turbo awesome car nothing like it

[@tamusbaby]

Great vid!! Great shots! TY Again.

[@Angel-qv6me]

i posted a die cast model of the mc8 earlier this year or last year and some how the mr2 community found it. I believe it was for sale. Long live the 2.

[@professoravalanche246]

Mad video mate. Keep at it!

[@OzBull]

i like your passion for the classics..

[@chrisdooley6468]

Very very informative. I had no idea this existed and enjoyed the style of your video very much. I look forward to watching more as I subbed for sure :)

[@ambercorners]

+Chris Dooley Thank you! :)

[@Toyota4Life]

Holy Christ. We could be looking at the rarest Toyota ever made !!! Manual, V8, mid-engine, RWD. insane. I found out about this car not too long ago. Its easily one of the greatest Japanese made cars. Toyota Crop. or someone thats a car collector or toyota lover needs to get to this car ASAP.

[@maxwellbrown7294]

The reason there are no shocks bolted into the rear shock towers is because the wheels base is longer than standard and one of the main reasons for that is that the engnie is mounted longitudinally

[@croquette190]

looks like MR-2 => MR---2

[@mineko2219]

w i d e m r

[@ZA-7]

😅

[@claudedottin1312]

Very nice bro I'm like that with Honda sport cars and Evo variants I'm like a nut for them

[@Ronjohnalex]

the wheels are volk racing cv-pro very sweet period correct wheels for an mr2 mhmm may have to do some yahoo auctions shopping...

[@danielharrison2596]

I don't know if this was mentioned, and there are far too many comments to dig through, but you don't see struts because it had been converted (like the MC8-R) to a push rod suspension.

[@themememagician3998]

An MR2 has overheating issues and actually caught fire , I'm not surprised.

[@josemiranda9876]

Mr2 is beautiful

[@mukashibanashi123]

They should produce this beautiful car again,with eventually including the modern technologies. I'd personally like to see the CRX Del Sol / Vti as well,without changing anything outside.

[@kryptonite360]

super cool

[@TRXfiend]

"crazed mr2 person" I love that :)

[@wrenchg3954]

A V8! BADASS! It's a shame that is in that condition just sitting in a storage yard somewhere in asia.How on earth does this person not understand that they own a ONE-OF-ONE!!FREAKING CAR! Thankfully the pictures show is not in bad shape at all. No one of one mr2 should be left in that condition it needs to be Saved.Some Japanese car collector needs to know about this. It needs to be restored. People in car culture need to see this.

[@gabehartman6832]

One sweet ride subbed.

[@tomb9818]

Wow, I have the same wheels on my SW20.

[@blazindragon296]

wow what a piece of work. don't see cars like that around the US that's for sure.. wouldn't mind having the 94-99 celica gt4 (not even close to be as rare as the car in the video) I find them beautiful.car..

[@powerranger7685]

awesome video i always wonder where this car went.

[@ViceVersaMusik1]

this car looks BADDD Assss!!!! I Want It!

[@F40LM]

You could probably get a NSX and customise it to look pretty close to this, I would love to do something like that!

[@Notorious40z]

I own an MR2 , wish I could get my hands on an MC8 body kit LOL. That rear end is so long!

[@zarkwoodcraft1332]

Good job brother

[@jubalknight120]

Damm they should come out with this bodykit for the sw20, even offer the rear extension too

[@nodammit]

I'm thinking that the reason you're not seeing anything attached to the strut towers, is because the elongated wheelbase has the rear wheels at least a foot farther back than before. This thing is waaay longer than stock..

[@thisguy7790]

NSX and MR2 banging

[@vipbeef2174]

Omg I love the 90s commercials

[@gallyun1]

great video

[@CrazyLazyDave]

Pretty Cool

[@WigwamK]

The interior appears to be missing the headlight and guage-dimmer adjustments dials; looks like they've been replaced with a coin return slot, lol. Also, by the looks of the blanking plates, it appears that it only ever had rear foglights.

[@sebastienlabbe4647]

Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaah! (The AW11 is still my favorite)

[@ts240]

wow its got a 1uz in it amazing

[@mohgujai]

When I learned the car was for sale I couldn't believe my eyes. The car is actually lengthened from around the beginning of the boot lid area. One of the reasons why the MR2 ain't stable (especially at high speed) like the NSX etc is due to the short wheel base. I hope the new owner will restore it. There's only 1 MC8 in the world.

[@joshchittenden2104]

Great video!

[@textmachine09]

just saw jalopnik posting an article about someone finding this car on top of a flatbed truck in japan

[@ambercorners]

Yes, I was so happy to see this! It was spotted again on March 12th, 2018. I shared my thoughts here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWbKmGymh82Cm8k Thanks for commenting!

[@Jdmlsturbo]

The rust doesn't surprise me just because where Japan is, with all that salt water surrounding Japan, it's actually in really good condition for how old it is.

[@negativeindustrial]

It just so happens I own an SW20 Turbo and a 1997 LS400 and for the life of me I can’t imagine why you would want to merge the two. If anything I’d like some of the creature comforts (but not many of them) in the 2.

[@wrenchg3954]

Someone needs to produce an aftermarket replica body kit! That would be sick

[@ambercorners]

I know of at least one MC8 replica in the works. The tricky part is the extended wheelbase. There was however an official SARD body kit for the SW20. I just posted a picture of it to my facebook page. Thanks for the comment! facebook.com/ambercornersvids/photos/a.109093885812759.17312.106507999404681/1309969582391844/?type=3&theater

[@blatz66]

this looks to be longitudally mounted, so it would be needed to move the rear back, you can tell from the underside that its been switched from transverse lay out to longitudal, more like a ferrari ...motor then trans, not like OEM motor next to trans

[@suryamp12]

It's like meeting your childhood hero, never a good thing

[@vikingfromthenorth7]

You are a realy relaxed guy like the vid to see 😄

[@danistander]

I never know about this car, until i saw a MOD for Asseto Corsa, a few weeks ago

[@moose764]

Thanks for posting this. I liked the look of this car so much that I combined a trd kit and my own fabricated clamshell front end and now have something very similar. (Pics can be viewed on Pinterest under Dave Brear my mr2) I’d be interested in your comments.

[@ambercorners]

Wow! The style doesn't suit me, personally- but I'm really impressed by the work you've put into this. Are the headlights completed or is that image photoshopped? I think the MC8 headlights are the only fixed version headlight I've seen that I like on the SW20. Nice job.

[@moose764]

amber corners No photoshop it’s all finished. I used the cut outs to make a plug for the lens covers and had them Vac formed. I fabricated the lights from composite honeycomb and added projector lights. There has been no tlc for a few years so in the process of upgrading and painting metallic grey. It started when I saw some pictures of a photoshopped mr2 design by grt aerodynamics and tried to replicate that. I’ll pop a pic on Pinterest. Thanks for your kind words

[@Liberty.Francis]

I am pretty sure this is someone's home built replica of the car. I would be willing to bet SARD has it locked away somewhere. Still cool to see this car none the less.

[@ambercorners]

+Liberty Francis Thanks for the comment! I actually plan to address this in a follow-up video, so keep an eye out. :)

[@ras4782]

didn't know of this

[@wrenchist]

WAIT JUST ONE DAMN SECOND.... Toyota's racing department BUILT a V8 MR2 with the awesome 1uz and NEVER thought it would sell well or make a good production line car? i like the MR2, but i wont buy something with such a humble motor that is rear engine. The only coupe offered with a 1UZ is a complete boat (SC400). They should have made a super bad ass rear engined beast (MC8 "defanged" of its racing bits). The fact toyota had a proof of concept race car and didnt even THINK to make it to real production is incredibly infuriating. the 1UZ is one of the best built engines of all time, and yet toyota was incredibly stingy on putting it into awesome platforms.

[@ambercorners]

+Keith Hahah. I hear you, Keith. Supercars don't sell very well, that's why Nissan never pursued the MID4 concept either (kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6rPgniaa7CVrMU). One more tidbit for you... One of the Le Mans Toyota Supra's ran a modified 3S-GTE -- The stock motor found in MR2 Turbos. ;) (on.fb.me/1NpdxqX)

[@wrenchist]

i understand the 3s is a good engine. it would have to be if both toyota and yamaha built it. but its still a 4 cl requiring a lot of boost to get power. while i think the whole "which makes more power" argument is completely stupid, but there is a solid argument that a V8 making the same power as a I4 will last longer than the 4 cyl.. granted that is if they are built the same and from the same materials. but i think you get the point.

[@ambercorners]

+Keith I do. Thanks for watching!

[@samwise1989]

The suspension would be in the same place as the stock car. You can see from the side view the rear wheel are much further back so My guess is they have bee mover into the boots for had some race at suspension made or done wishbone suspension

[@ambercorners]

+Sam Elliott Thanks for the comment, Sam!

[@vegetoe01]

+amber corners Looks like they've extended the rear to fit the V8.

[@Janier87]

That's the leather cover on the hand break my 91 NA has leather interior has the same looking hand break

[@ambercorners]

+Janier Javier Another subscriber pointed out the fact that these are actually quite common. My goof. Thanks for the comment!

[@stephenbianchi7141]

I've always wanted a japanese-V8 powered MR2. What kind of power can the transaxle handle? Would a transmission and V8 diff be required? Thanks for video. More specifaccly, thank you for your honest, unadulterated MR2 passion. Can't help but subscribe.

[@Provotekk]

As far as I know they used a Porsche 911 gearbox that was directly bolted onto the engine

[@ambercorners]

I wasn't aware of this, but that would be a very interesting detail if true! Do you recall the source of this information?

[@Wesley_C]

This Tuner MR2 never seen, how many years they build a MR2?

[@ambercorners]

Hi everyone. I appreciate your interest in my channel and with this vehicle in particular. Just a reminder that the channel was originally a vlog and I ramble in some of my videos about details that not everyone cares about. I've since created a separate video series dedicated to Japanese vehicle history with higher production value. Here is the playlist: goo.gl/l7Qnfs Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[@ambercorners]

I cover the Nissan Mid4 in my first history vid located here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6rPgniaa7CVrMU

[@scotthutchy6837]

+amber corners Can you tell me the name of the tune at 3.08? cheers.

[@ambercorners]

+Scott Hutchy Left U Into by Otis McDonald. :)

[@Feraz69420]

you should definitely make a channel about jdm history and I'll sub right away so let me know if you make the channel

[@ambercorners]

+Feroz Syedi Hey thanks! Right now it's a playlist. 3 vids so far. goo.gl/l7Qnfs

[@Squall762]

I was wondering what happened to this car. Wherever it is, I hope it is being taken care of.

[@jamesbeasley2623]

i need it i need it now

[@jeremyhare9515]

its been cut and made longer to mount the v8 longitudinal instead of transverse sorta like what the Hennessey venom is a cut and made longer lotus

[@skunkwork209z]

actually this picture you have, it was for sale couple of years ago if i remember.

[@jasonmartin9484]

Just curious I just got a 86 toyota mr2 should I put a v6 in and if so which engine. I'm new to rebuilding a car. not really looking to get serious hp in it so the easiest swap or maybe some after market turbo.

[@sshhaww2894]

I've never heard of this car before and now I just want to learn more

[@ambercorners]

+sean urie I will likely do one or more follow up video. Make sure to subscribe! Thanks!

[@ColtSSR]

Look like volk cv pro wheels, Ive got a set in my rx7

[@TimBaoht]

If anyone is digging through their brain for where they've heard that haunting sound before, check out Xzibit's Napalm.

[@somathkid]

Very cool vid, hope it's a real one but I've been thinking...with all this aftermarket work...is there a possibility it was just a stock one that they made into an MC8 look alike?

[@ambercorners]

+somathkid Thanks! I will be addressing your question in a follow up video. Stay tuned! :)

[@rolldog82]

It look like an nsx 👍 is this gonna be the 2021 Toyota mr2 produce by Porsche in the works 🤔

[@Understeerking]

This car is located in Japan. the guy brought it back from Europe.

[@ambercorners]

+bobk522 What you're saying makes sense as the vehicle was originally registered in Europe. Can you share the source of this information, please?

[@Understeerking]

+amber corners Sorry for the slow response. Last time i was in Japan i saw the car when it was in worse shape than how it is in the photos in your vid. He is planning on ditching the 1UZ and putting a built 3s in its place.

[@ambercorners]

No worries. I appreciate the information. Where in Japan did you see it? Do you have any contact information for the owner? Please email me if so. [e-mail] Thanks!

[@Understeerking]

+amber corners It was at a car storage park in Nikko Japan. I was there helping a friend and we spotted the owner working on it. I did not get any contact info from the guy because it was just passing by. Im going back in 2 months, so if we go back to the park I'll be sure to get the info for you buddy.

[@ScottiesVlog]

strange how so many rare japanese cars end up england at some point in their lifes.

[@typicalwrx]

I was wondering if a boxer motor can fit in a mr2 sw20?

[@ambercorners]

+Mark Jacinto I'm sure one could fit, but it isn't a common choice due to the wide variety of options already available. In fact, SARD utilized a 3S-GTE (Stock MR2 Turbo Motor) variant in one of their Le Mans Supra's. 300-600 hp setups aren't uncommon with this platform. It would be nice to keep the center of gravity lower, though; wouldn't it?

[@Nippledozer]

It would fit but if you're looking for speed... look elsewhere

[@GeoIsACrazyDude]

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH MR2 SW-Over9000

[@Nemoticon]

Very cool car. Damn fuggly, but cool.

[@GuhbsBeats]

Really like the style of video! Keep it up! If you ever want help with editing hmu.

[@ambercorners]

+Kryptonlte Thanks so much! :)

[@johnog8358]

Is this the one that some guy is building on Instagram , it's not one - it's him trying to make one from a mr2?

[@tamusbaby]

“Le-Mah” thank you for vid.

[@thehellboy567]

there's like a small glove box under the fog light switch

[@ambercorners]

Woah you're right! You even made me go out into the garage and look in my MR2. Great catch. Thanks!

[@thehellboy567]

+amber corners I wanna see what's in it! is it the fuse box because I didn't see it on the side of the dash

[@rulashammarjshamma939]

wow i never even herd about this car and i consider myself a car guy

[@hausmeisterengineering5952]

Strut towers look empty because clearly this mc8 has a lengthened wheelbase and a wider rear end.

[@lucywucyyy]

i would have expected this thing to be in a museum or kept at the toyota factory or something rather than just left in some random garage to die how much do you think its worth? also the reason theres no coilovers there is because the whole back of the car has been stretched the back wheels are way farther back, idk why they left the mounts there tho

[@yeseniacolon3234]

It started out right hand drive and was switched over to left hand drive

[@dgh938peg2]

Glad I could help with the magazine images here :) ... A close friend of mine in the MR2 community (he owns TRD1) looked to buy this when it came up for auction. Sadly it disappeared as quickly as it surfaced (just over a day live on the net) and he was unable to to get the car. I myself and part way through building a 'homage' modern replica found here.. www.mr2oc.co.uk/forums/125/138751.html

[@ambercorners]

Are you the original photographer, or did you put scans online? Either way I'd like to credit you! Also, I'm going to create an account on the UK MR2OC board so I can check your build out. Thanks!

[@dgh938peg2]

No - not the original photographer unfortunately. Just lucky enough to stumble across the magazine for sale on eBay :) .. No credit required my friend but thanks for asking - just glad I could help.. Where did you find the video footage from Le Mans 96 & 97 though? I looked & could not find anywhere.

[@josephelias9081]

why was this not on Gran Turismo 1???!!!?? 🙈🙈

[@neilw5198]

did the le mans version run the v8 or toyota v12.

[@ambercorners]

It was also powered by a V8, but a twin-turbo variant.

[@theriseofthelastkinglk5688]

What are the wheels on the car 2:14

[@Ky2]

volk racing gt-c

[@SuperJulian357]

That's fucking amazing