Tag Archives: MR2

Poor Man’s Ferrari

The second generation Toyota MR2 wowed the world when it arrived in the early 1990s. There was simply nothing more exotic looking for even twice the price, earning it the status as a ‘Poor man’s Ferrari’.

We’d say a ‘Sensible man’s Ferrari’ too, as – being a Toyota – the MR2 was infinitely better built (and – dare we say it – better engineered) than anything coming from Maranello, and the turbocharged version was even pretty quick.

After a period of ‘banger’ status, SW20 MR2s are rapidly becoming sought-after classics, and Daniel Helms (aka danielsmocs) is the lucky owner of one in real life.

Capturing his car in Lego, Daniel has recreated the second generation MR2 in brick form, complete with working pop-up headlights via a switch in the cabin, opening doors, front trunk, engine cover and luggage compartment, sliding seats, and removable ‘glass’ roof panels.

There’s much more of Daniel’s build to see at both his ‘Toyota MR2 (SW20)’ album on Flickr, and via the Eurobricks discussion forum. Join us and other poor men via the links!

Ferrari-Lite

Lego Toyota MR2

It’s hard to do justice here to just how amazing the second generation Toyota MR2 was when it was launched in 1989. Toyota, like most of the Japanese manufacturers at the time, were on a roll. Even so, the arrival of the ‘W20’ series MR2 was one of the most shocking the automotive community had seen in ages. Looking like a mid-engined Ferrari and – in turbocharged form – going like one too, the effect would be like Hyundai launching a 458 rival today. Of course most people at the time didn’t know it was only humble Toyota with a four-cylinder engine…

Lego Toyota MR2

This brilliant Model Team recreation of the early ’90s Toyota MR2 is the work of serial bloggee Senator Chinchilla, and he’s absolutely nailed it. Featuring opening doors, a well-replicated interior, an opening engine lid and a realistic engine, Senator’s MR2 is packed with quality detailing. There’s more to see at his photostream via the link to Flickr above, and if you can find a good second generation MR2 for sale – buy it. Their values are only going to go one way…

Lego Toyota MR2

Twin Turbocharged Toyota T-Top

Lego Toyota MR2 Turbo

We have a well documented love of things with racing stripes here at TLCB. We also like turbos. Big ones that go ‘fushififish’ off-throttle. This creation is therefore ticking all of our boxes as it has not one, not two, but three racing stripes, as well as a pair of turbochargers.

Rhys Pieces is the builder, and you can see more of his excellent heavily-modified mark 1 Toyota MR2 on both MOCpages and Flickr. Fushififish!

Lego Toyota MR2 T-Ba

Open Happiness

Toyota MR2

Toyota MR2 Turbo

An unusual paint job for a race car, but somehow it seems to work. Dylan Denton is the creator behind this 1997 Toyota MR2 Race Car, complete with fizzy drink sponsorship. Unfortunately for us it got the Elves in the mood for sugar, and we’re still fixing The Lego Car Blog office as a result. So whilst we get busy with the gaffer tape, you can view the MR2’s full gallery on Flickr.