Toyota Supra I (A40) photos

The first-generation Toyota Supra (factory index A40/A50) debuted in April 1978. In the Japanese domestic market, it was known as the Celica XX. The car was designed to compete with popular GT-class coupes of the era, such as the Datsun Z-series. Technically, the Supra was based on the Celica liftback, but its front end was lengthened by about 5.1 inches (130 mm) to accommodate new inline-six engines. Initially, it was offered with a 2.0-liter M-EU engine (125 hp) and a 2.6-liter 4M-E (140 hp), which was Toyota's first production engine featuring electronic fuel injection.

In 1980, the coupe received an update: the 2.6-liter engine was replaced by a 2.8-liter 5M-E producing 116 hp (for the US market), offering better low-end torque. A 4-speed automatic transmission was available as an option. The first-generation Supra was notable for its rich equipment levels for the time, featuring four-wheel disc brakes, air conditioning, cruise control, and an optional premium audio system. Production ended in 1981 as Toyota prepared to introduce an all-new platform.