26 Toyota Supra

Demand for Japanese performance cars took off in the 1990s with the arrival of the Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Evo and Nissan Skyline, but the best-looking of the bunch was the Supra. Gorgeous lines and an aggressive rear spoiler made the hot coupé stand out among the Mondeos and Vectras, but the real draw for enthusiasts lay under the bonnet.

The Supra came equipped with the nowlegendary 3-litre Toyota 2JZ engine, available in naturally aspirated guise, producing 220bhp, and as a twin-turbo variant with a power output of 276bhp. We Brits were even luckier, with the turbocharged export model rated at a whopping 320bhp. Both UK and JDM turbo models received a six-speed Getrag ’box, with less powerful models making do with a five-speed, though all could be specified with a four-speed automatic.

Many Supras have lived hard lives, been modified extensively and run on a shoestring. For that reason, we’d steer clear of tired turbos and opt for a clean, low-mileage naturally aspirated model with a manual ’box.