Toyota Sera

The Toyota Sera, shown here in bright silver, is a unique two-door economy sports car that was sold exclusively in Japan. Originally conceived as a concept vehicle, the Sera made its debut at the 1988 Tokyo Motor Show, where it captured attention with its almost unchanged transition from concept to production. Built on the compact Tercel and Starlet platforms, it was powered by a 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine. However, it was the car’s striking butterfly wing doors—pivoting from the A-pillar and extending into the roofline—that truly set it apart. These distinctive doors featured curved glass panels that became part of the roof when closed, giving the Sera a futuristic appearance. When opened, the large glass surfaces, combined with a curved, rear-hinged glass hatchback, created a dome-like effect that flooded the cabin with light, providing excellent visibility and an airy, modern feel for both driver and passengers.

Production of the Sera began in 1990, with sales limited to Toyota “Corolla” stores in Japan, a type of dealership with a restricted lineup of Toyota models. Unlike the mid-engine, two-seater MR2, which was also sold exclusively in Japan through Toyota “Vista” stores, the Sera was a more practical 2+2 commuter vehicle. Despite its modest 108-horsepower engine, its lightweight design allowed it to reach highway speeds comfortably. Though it garnered positive reviews from the American motoring press, the Sera was never exported to the U.S. market, primarily due to its unconventional styling and door configuration. Gordon Murray, the designer of the iconic McLaren F1 supercar, even cited the Sera’s innovative doors as an inspiration for his design. However, Toyota stated that meeting U.S. safety and emissions standards would have required a complete redesign, rendering American importation impractical.

Notably, the Sera was the first Toyota production vehicle to feature projector beam-style headlights. Despite its limited market availability, several examples have made their way to the U.S. under regulations allowing the importation of non-U.S.-spec vehicles over 25 years old. These right-hand drive models were offered with either an automatic transmission or a 5-speed manual, the latter of which is featured in this particular car.

Specifications:

Engine: 1.5-liter inline-four, front transverse-mounted, dual overhead cam, 16 valves, electronic fuel injection., 108 BHPTransmission:5-speed manual transmission.Drive: Front-wheel drive.Performance: 0-60 mph (a leisurely pace); Standing quarter-mile (even more leisurely).Top Speed:Faster than a Volkswagen Beetle.