“Exploring the Legacy of Toyota’s Sports Cars: From the Sports 800 to the GR86”

Toyota has a long history of producing some of the most popular and reliable vehicles on the road. The automaker has also ventured into the sports car market with a few notable models, including the Supra, MR2, and the 86. Interestingly, Toyota’s first sports car, the Toyota Sports 800, had one major thing in common with the company’s latest sports car, the GR86. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore how Toyota’s first sports car influenced the development of the GR86.


Toyota has created some of the most well-known sports cars in the automobile industry in the last 60 years, including the Celica, Supra, MR2, and GR86. The Toyota Sports 800, which debuted in 1965, was the first sports car Toyota produced and had one thing in common with its modern counterpart, the GR86. Although the Sports 800 had a small engine that produced 45 hp and 46 lb-ft of torque, it utilized a horizontally opposed piston arrangement, making it a “boxer” engine. The 2023 Toyota GR86 has a horizontally opposed engine as well, but it generates significantly more power, making 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. However, the two vehicles share few similarities besides the engine layout. The Toyota Sports 800, on the other hand, paved the way for future sports cars like the GR86 and GR Supra. Despite being tiny, the lightweight design, low center of gravity, and aerodynamic profile of the Toyota Sports 800 made it unique among its competitors. Toyota only made around 3,131 Sports 800s, with 300 of them being left-hand drive for the Okinawa market. Today, a few Sports 800s are available, with RHD models listed for roughly $30,000 and LHD models selling for up to $40,000. However, purchasing a 2023 Toyota GR86 may be a better bargain.


In conclusion, Toyota’s first sports car, the Sports 800, and the all-new GR86 share a common DNA that can be traced back to the automaker’s unwavering commitment to creating thrilling driving experiences for enthusiasts. Despite the difference in era and technology, both vehicles embody the spirit of Toyota’s pursuit of on-road excitement and agility. It is a testament to the automaker’s legacy of designing and engineering cars that are not just functional but also bring joy and excitement to drivers. As Toyota continues to evolve and innovate, it is exciting to see how the DNA of the Sports 800 and GR86 will continue to shape the future of the company’s sports car lineup.