Photo: W. Orgera THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1997 Toyota Supra owned by William Orgera
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
With some Japanese cars setting records at the recent Monterey Car Week auctions, it's clear that enthusiasts are turning their attention to the Far East. Toyota enthusiasts still lament the decision to end production of the Supra, sold in the U.S. from 1979 until 1998. As a result, these older models are moving up in the collectability rankings. Orgera’s sleek, black coupe has only 46,000 miles, removable roof panels and engine upgrades taking it to 600 horsepower. “The Supra is a well-known car in the import industry and is often praised for its great performance and looks,” he says.
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2007
WHERE HE FOUND IT
A nearby owner advertised it in the local newspaper.
CONDITION
Orgera recites a list of well over two dozen modifications to the Supra. “The car has all original paint minus the custom bumper, side skirts and rear wing,” he says. “The fuel system has been upgraded with stainless steel braided lines and is running dual pumps in the tank. The interior has been converted to all black, with brand new Sparco (racing) seats and harnesses for the road course.” Drag racing tires contain the high horsepower and upgraded brakes increase the stopping power.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“If you have a budget, usually double it because nothing is ever a smooth and easy operation,” Orgera advises. “But it is always worth it in the end and always rewards me with a large smile on my face.”
VALUE
“The car is priceless to us and hopefully will never have to be sold and will remain in the family,” he says. The NADA Guides places a “clean retail” value of $22,925 on an unmodified 1997 Supra and has not yet placed it in the classic car category.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“This car is a family project,” Orgera says. “It was purchased by my father and me to bond and attended car shows. We sat down and planned each part of the build together. I have people follow me, asking questions and mistaking it with a brand new car, because it looks as clean, if not cleaner, as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. My dad and I often cruise with it and enjoy it together, and I hope to pass it down to my son in the future.”
1997 Toyota Supra owned by William Orgera
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
With some Japanese cars setting records at the recent Monterey Car Week auctions, it's clear that enthusiasts are turning their attention to the Far East. Toyota enthusiasts still lament the decision to end production of the Supra, sold in the U.S. from 1979 until 1998. As a result, these older models are moving up in the collectability rankings. Orgera’s sleek, black coupe has only 46,000 miles, removable roof panels and engine upgrades taking it to 600 horsepower. “The Supra is a well-known car in the import industry and is often praised for its great performance and looks,” he says.
HOW LONG HE’S OWNED IT
Since 2007
WHERE HE FOUND IT
A nearby owner advertised it in the local newspaper.
CONDITION
Orgera recites a list of well over two dozen modifications to the Supra. “The car has all original paint minus the custom bumper, side skirts and rear wing,” he says. “The fuel system has been upgraded with stainless steel braided lines and is running dual pumps in the tank. The interior has been converted to all black, with brand new Sparco (racing) seats and harnesses for the road course.” Drag racing tires contain the high horsepower and upgraded brakes increase the stopping power.
TIPS FOR OWNERS
“If you have a budget, usually double it because nothing is ever a smooth and easy operation,” Orgera advises. “But it is always worth it in the end and always rewards me with a large smile on my face.”
VALUE
“The car is priceless to us and hopefully will never have to be sold and will remain in the family,” he says. The NADA Guides places a “clean retail” value of $22,925 on an unmodified 1997 Supra and has not yet placed it in the classic car category.
THE BOTTOM LINE
“This car is a family project,” Orgera says. “It was purchased by my father and me to bond and attended car shows. We sat down and planned each part of the build together. I have people follow me, asking questions and mistaking it with a brand new car, because it looks as clean, if not cleaner, as it did when it rolled off the showroom floor. My dad and I often cruise with it and enjoy it together, and I hope to pass it down to my son in the future.”
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