This 1988 Toyota Soarer GT Twin Turbo is a rare RHD JDM model never exported to the US. The following generation Soarer was sold here as the Lexus SC300 and 400, which should paint a pretty good picture of what these cars are about; speed, comfort, and stability. A true GT, in other words, and this one seems like a really nice example that’s avoided the drifting abuse or heavy handed modding many examples have succumbed to. Find it here at Japanese Nostalgic Car’s classifieds in Columbus Ohio (login required) for $11k OBO.

It looks quite nice outside with what appear to be straight panels wearing good driver quality paint. The angular two-tone body kit works well and could never be mistaken for anything but a Japanese product of the times. Wheels appear to be later Lexus items, but some low offset snowflakes of roughly the same size would be better suited to the car in our opinion. The large diameter exhaust is far from the most obnoxious we’ve seen, and is likely to put out a mild, deep tune – most Japanese made GT specific aftermarket systems are a world away from the buzzbombs frequently fitted to Civics.

The interior is said to be in excellent shape and looks pretty nice in photos, too.The bright blue Recaro looks a bit aggressive compared to the standard, oversized passenger side chair, but would probably look a lot better reupholstered in a darker color. A nice Nardi wheel, an aftermarket boost gauge, and a finicky looking head unit round off the cabin mods, a refreshing break from the over the top customization often found in many otherwise clean Japanese imports.

A two liter, twin cam, twin turbocharged 1G-GTE six put out 211 HP and, for such a small motor, a good amount of twist, too. This one looks very clean and is said to run perfectly. An HKS air filter is the only mod mentioned. Power is sent to the rears via a 5-speed manual transmission that’s said to shift well and is thankfully not topped by a ridiculously oversized, sparkly Lucite shift knob. Parts might be a bit difficult to source stateside, but thanks to large and enthusiastic support group on the JNC forum and elsewhere online, won’t be impossible.

Being an ’88, this car is now 50 state legal under DOT. California smog might pose a problem, but otherwise we can’t see many downsides. $11k or less seems like a reasonable ask for a fast, unique, comfortable car with what sounds like a really nice motor. True, most won’t give it a second glance if they don’t notice the steering wheel is on the wrong side, but that stealthiness sounds pretty appealing. Only those in the know will harass you during fill-ups.