This magnificent 1988 Toyota Supra Targa Custom is a one owner vehicle that was the product of nut and bolt show quality restoration. The third generation Supra was produced from 1986-1992 and has become popular among collectors. This example was built in September of 1987 and was purchased brand new in February of 1988 by Mr. Craig Clemens who…
This magnificent 1988 Toyota Supra Targa Custom is a one owner vehicle that was the product of nut and bolt show quality restoration. The third generation Supra was produced from 1986-1992 and has become popular among collectors. This example was built in September of 1987 and was purchased brand new in February of 1988 by Mr. Craig Clemens who currently lives in Raleigh, NC. As the clean Car Fax report indicates it was driven an average of 6,000 miles per year and serviced routinely. It was truly Craig’s pride and joy. So much that in 2009 with 119,000 miles he decided to do a complete restoration. Craig’s vision was to restore the car to a much higher level than the factory did. The body was stripped to the shell and taken to bare metal. Everything on this car was restored or replaced new. Literally every nut and bolt was replaced new with most being stainless. Every gasket, seal and sticker was also replaced new. He claims to have invested over $60,000.00 which didn’t include a lot of his personal labor. The build was completed in 2012 and has less than 500 miles since completion. Since it was completed it’s been stored properly and appears fresh.
The exterior is absolutely stunning and in showroom condition. The original exterior body panels are laser straight with excellent gaps lines. The entire body was repainted in its factory original Super White color. The high quality deep paint is virtually flawless and was recently detailed to a brilliant shine. The factory installed cowl hood, ground effects and rear spoiler look sporty. The black window trim, black front chin spoiler and black body side molding complement the white color. It sports a factory installed Targa hard top which removes and installs quickly. When the top is removed it has a large opening which feels similar to a convertible. All of the tinted glass was replaced new throughout. The car sits on silver 18” BBS 10-spoke wheels that are wrapped with Michelin Pilot Sport 225-40-18 tires.
The comfortable interior was restored in its original Burgundy color which looks beautiful. It actually smells like a new car interior. It’s loaded with many factory installed features such as air conditioning, power mirrors, power locks, power windows, power driver’s seat with lumbar, leather shift boot, stereo system and Supra embossed carpeted floor mats. The only custom interior features include chrome door latches, chrome door strikers and knob for a switchable ignition coil. The rear split folding seat allows for extra cargo space. It’s equipped with the factory cargo cover, spare tire and tools.
The engine compartment is extremely detailed throughout with many custom parts. The attention to detail is evident everywhere. The backside of the hood was painted white and covered with the correct style hood insulation. The firewall, inner fenders and radiator support was painted white and then detailed to a brilliant shine. The car is powered by a new “7M-GE” 3.0L (2954cc) Inline 6-cylinder engine that was ordered as a long block directly from a performance company in Japan. This was the flagship engine of Toyotas arsenal with 4-valves per cylinder and dual overhead cams. This engine was factory rated with 200HP and 196 lb-ft of torque. The engine was dressed with matching white valve covers that looks amazing. The original owner signed the engine after everything was completed. Some custom features include the air intake, pulleys, Accel coil, MSD red wires, braided hoses, battery power cut off knob, stainless nuts and bolts. Some of the custom chrome pieces include the hood latch assembly, wiper motor cover, throttle cable cover, fuse box cover, alarm siren cover, cruise control unit cover, battery cover and radiator brackets. The engine breathes through a ceramic header and Bosal Performance 80mm exhaust with large chrome tip. This exhaust system sounds like music when shifting through the gears. The engine is coupled to the factory original “W58” 5-speed manual transmission. The transmission shifts smoothly with the new high performance clutch. The power is transferred to the pavement through the factory original rear end which was rebuilt.
The undercarriage is nicely detailed throughout with some custom parts. The floors were painted in a textured black paint for durability. The fuel system, steering system, braking system and suspension components were restored or replaced new. All of the stainless nuts and bolts really stand out. It’s equipped with yellow Bilstein shocks at all four corners. It’s also equipped with power four wheel disc brakes that include Rotora red 6-piston calipers on the front, red calipers on the rear, drilled and slotted rotors. The original owner’s manuals, original tool bag, Haynes Repair Manual and clean Car Fax report are included.
This vehicle has recently been completely serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included.
This is the first time this vehicle has been made available from the distinguished MS CLASSIC CARS Collection.
*The following ratings were provided by the consignor, based on a scale of ‘Poor’, ‘Fair’, ‘Good’, ‘Very Good’ or ‘Excellent’. (Excellent = 100% restored)