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Toyota Supra · 1st gen (1979–1981)

1981 Toyota Supra

Sold as Celica Supra

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Learn

What changed

  • A 2.8L six replaces the 2.6L, the automatic is revised, and a Sports Performance Package becomes optional.1,2,3

What it came with

Badges
  • Celica Supra1,2

  • 2.8L inline-six (5M-E)3,4

    116 hp, 145 lb-ft · 1981

Transmissions
5-speed manual2,4,3, 4-speed automatic2,1,3
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive3
Trims
Base4
Packages
Sports Performance Package (1981)3,1,2

Compare with another year

Buy

Recalls

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

  • Avoid: Soft steering and suspension All years Less sought after One source so far

    Hagerty recalls Car and Driver criticizing the first Celica Supra's vapid steering and doughy suspension.2

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.

Sources

  1. Toyota Newsroom (Supra chronology)
  2. Hagerty (Supra history)
  3. Wikipedia (Supra)
  4. Motor Authority (Supra history)