The Toyota Supra Mk3, or A70, often stands in the shadow of its more famous successor, the MK4. However, for true enthusiasts, the MK3 holds a unique charm, blending 80s angular aesthetics with potent performance potential. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about recognizing a generation of Supra that carved its own path, and in the right hands, can be as captivating today as it was decades ago.
Front quarter view of a metallic green Toyota Supra MK3 parked outdoors, showcasing its pop-up headlights and wide body.
One prime example of the MK3 Supra’s enduring appeal is showcased in Sasatani-san’s meticulously rebuilt JZA70. Living in Japan, the author of the original article has been repeatedly drawn to this generation Supra, even suggesting it might aesthetically surpass both the MK4 and the current MK5 models. This sentiment speaks volumes about the MK3’s design language, a departure from the rounded forms of the 90s and a statement in its own right.
Close up of the Toyota Supra MK3's front headlight and fender, emphasizing the sharp lines and metallic green paint.
Rear three quarter view of the Toyota Supra MK3 highlighting its wide body, custom rear spoiler and aftermarket wheels.
Sasatani-san’s Supra MK3 is a late-model, factory wide-body version, powered by the revered 2.5L twin-turbocharged 1JZ-GTE engine. This engine is a significant draw for MK3 enthusiasts, known for its robust performance and tuning potential. The fact that this particular car is a final iteration of the A70 generation adds to its desirability and collector value.
Side profile of the metallic green Toyota Supra MK3 revealing its sleek silhouette and sporty stance.
From Barn Find to Showstopper: The Supra MK3 Transformation
Before Sasatani-san acquired it, this Supra MK3 had been in long-term storage, boasting an incredibly low 20,000km on the odometer. While the original black paint was still presentable, the years of inactivity had taken a toll on the mechanical components. This presented Sasatani-san with a unique opportunity: a blank canvas to create his vision of the perfect MK3 Supra. He opted for a comprehensive refresh, steering the car towards a blend of GT cruising comfort and refined style.
Front view of the Toyota Supra MK3 with its pop-up headlights raised, showcasing the clean engine bay and aftermarket strut bar.
Interior shot of the Toyota Supra MK3 focusing on the Alcantara dashboard, steering wheel and door panels.
Close up of the Toyota Supra MK3's aftermarket forged wheels with intricate spoke design and metallic finish.
Like many car enthusiasts, Sasatani-san’s automotive journey included a diverse range of vehicles before settling on the Supra MK3. His past cars, including an Accord, Odyssey, and even a WRX STI, while respectable, didn’t quite align with his personal taste and driving preferences. The Supra, however, resonated with his appreciation for grand tourers and a more relaxed, yet stylish driving experience.
Three quarter view of the Toyota Supra MK3 parked on a paved surface, with focus on the car's overall stance and wheel fitment.
Front view of the Toyota Supra MK3 highlighting its aggressive front bumper and wide body design.
Low angle shot of the Toyota Supra MK3 from the front, emphasizing its ground-hugging appearance and aftermarket front lip spoiler.
GT Cruiser, Not Track Monster: The MK3 Supra’s Refined Approach
In its Group A racing days, the MK3 Supra faced challenges against the dominant Nissan Skyline GT-R, often deemed too heavy and underpowered for top-tier competition. This historical context reinforces the MK3’s natural inclination towards grand touring rather than outright track performance. Sasatani-san embraced this character, building a Supra that excels as a comfortable and stylish cruiser.
Rear view of the Toyota Supra MK3 showcasing its integrated rear spoiler and quad exhaust system.
Close up of the Toyota Supra MK3's custom integrated rear spoiler and metallic green paint finish.
Front three quarter view of the Toyota Supra MK3 in motion, showcasing its driving presence and wheel design.
The Supra underwent a complete ground-up rebuild, incorporating subtle yet impactful custom touches like the integrated rear spoiler. The metallic green paint, borrowed from Daihatsu’s Hustler kei car, adds a unique and JDM-inspired flair. This choice of OEM color is a subtle nod to Japanese automotive culture, whether it’s a reflection of conformity or simply a cost-effective paint solution, it undeniably complements the MK3’s lines.
Side view of the Toyota Supra MK3 parked in front of a building, emphasizing its long hood and overall proportions.
Rear quarter view of the Toyota Supra MK3 with focus on the aftermarket wheels and wide rear fenders.
Detailed shot of the Toyota Supra MK3's aftermarket wheel, showcasing its intricate design and polished lip.
Sasatani-san’s professional background as a garage and garden designer seamlessly blends into his automotive passion. His company, Slybucks Design, handles both garden and wheel design, reflecting a consistent aesthetic sensibility. His designs, whether landscaping or forged wheels, are characterized by organic, repeating patterns, creating a sense of natural yet futuristic elegance.
Close up of the Toyota Supra MK3's forged wheel with detailed spoke design and center cap.
Interior view of the Toyota Supra MK3 showing the Alcantara seats, dashboard and center console.
Engine bay of the Toyota Supra MK3 showcasing the rebuilt 1JZ-GTE engine with clean wiring and polished components.
Under the Supra’s elongated hood, the engine bay is equally refined. A complete engine overhaul revitalized the 1JZ-GTE, ensuring smooth power delivery and ample torque, ideal for daily driving and comfortable cruising around Osaka. This focus on drivability underscores the GT ethos of this build.
Close up of the rebuilt 1JZ-GTE engine in the Toyota Supra MK3, highlighting the twin turbochargers and polished intake manifold.
Detailed view of the Toyota Supra MK3's engine bay, showcasing the clean and organized layout of components and hoses.
Wide shot of the Toyota Supra MK3's engine bay, emphasizing the overall cleanliness and attention to detail in the engine rebuild.
Interior Luxury: Elevating the Supra MK3 Experience
Stepping inside Sasatani-san’s Supra MK3 is a revelation. Recognizing that a comfortable and luxurious interior is paramount for a GT car, he completely re-trimmed the cabin in Alcantara, with expert craftsmanship by 9010design. This transformation elevates the MK3’s interior from its 90s origins to a modern luxury car standard.
Interior of the Toyota Supra MK3 focusing on the Alcantara door panel and speaker installation.
Interior shot of the Toyota Supra MK3 showing the Alcantara seats, dashboard, and center console with ambient lighting.
Close up of the Toyota Supra MK3's Alcantara stitched dashboard, highlighting the material texture and craftsmanship.
Just as one wouldn’t furnish a luxury apartment with basic, uncomfortable pieces, Sasatani-san understood the importance of a refined interior in his classic Supra MK3. The Alcantara upholstery provides a tactile and visual upgrade, creating a truly premium cabin environment.
Interior of the Toyota Supra MK3 showcasing the Alcantara wrapped steering wheel and gauge cluster.
Interior detail of the Toyota Supra MK3 showing the Alcantara seat upholstery with diamond stitching pattern.
Interior of the Toyota Supra MK3 with a wide view of the Alcantara dashboard, seats, and door panels, showcasing the overall luxurious feel.
The trunk houses a high-end sound system from Onu Factory and an air suspension system from Praxis Japan. While practicality might be slightly compromised with the sound system components, it further emphasizes the focus on cruising comfort and a premium experience.
Trunk of the Toyota Supra MK3 revealing the custom sound system installation with amplifiers and subwoofers.
Close up of the Toyota Supra MK3's trunk showcasing the detailed sound system components and wiring.
Full rear view of the Toyota Supra MK3 parked outdoors, highlighting its wide body, rear spoiler and exhaust system.
This build perfectly illustrates the versatility of the Supra lineage. Unlike the Skyline GT-R, often associated solely with performance and track prowess, the Supra, across its generations, embraces a broader spectrum of styles and modifications. Sasatani-san’s MK3 Supra stands as a testament to this adaptability, proving that this generation can be just as cool, if not cooler, than its more celebrated successors when reimagined with a focus on modern luxury and refined grand touring.
