So are these ones with the black hatches (and black painted bumper) the GTS version? Was that special in some way that differs from the other P Types. Just trying to get the info on that black hatch and rear bumper scheme. I always liked it but I can't figure out if it signified something (like this GTS version) or if it was just another color option or....?
In the US, there were actually 2 models of the Celica Supra, the Supra L-Type and 'the other one'. In fact, Toyota never mentioned a P-Type. This came later by owners so they could describe 'the other one' more easily.
In Canada, there was the Supra, and the one with the flares, commonly called the P-Type was called the Celica Supra GTS. The GTS decal was NOT from the Celica GT-S, which came with a plastic GTS badge.
Celica GT-S badge
Canadian Celica Supra GTS Decal
The GTS decal was only used in 1982 and 1983. However, the P-Type was called the Supra GTS in 1984/1985/1986 as well.
I will find a Canadian sales brochure which does mention the GTS model, just to prove that I'm not feeding you a line of hooey!
In both Canada and the US, the 1982 and 1983 cars ALL came with black painted hatches (except for white IIRC) to add a little Japanese style.
At the time, North Americans hated this, so for 1984 and up, the black hatch went away. Now, looking back, I think I like it. The Japanese always liked a little 'surface entertainment', so the 2-colour paint, the body wedges at the the rear to highlight the rear side markers, the add on fiberglass flares were all part of the Mk 2 introduction. Remember, in 1982, this was a jaw-dropping car, from specifications, styling, and performance.
For boring old Toyota, they went a little crazy with this car.
Today, I think these details are a perfect hint of 1980s, a great time to live.
Dale
