When the first Toyota Celica Supra appeared in 1979 I was both fascinated and confused. The long nose gave an impression of power and indeed, under that hood was a single-overhead-cam inline six which reminded me of similar engines in more exotic fare; for all intents and purposes it ought to have been a Grand Tourer in the classic continental style. Yet everything from the cowl on back said 'Celica' and while the Celica was a very nice sports-compact it had never masqueraded as a performer. Nevertheless the Supra offered its own charms. It was, as we sometimes say about certain middle-age women, "pleasantly attractive." Buyers could choose between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic with overdrive. Options included power windows and power locks, Cruise control and, in 1980, leather-trimmed seating and automatic climate-control. A tilt steering wheel, zippered pockets on the backs of the front seats, tonneau cover under the hatch and AM/FM/MPX 4-speaker stereo radio were standard. The Supra also introduced Toyota's first electronic fuel injection system. MK2 Supras began drawing away from their Celica roots and MK3's, by far the most handsome, established the marque as a serious performer. Sadly, the final version, like Nissan's 300ZX and Mazda's RX-7, was absurdly expensive, even absurd in its whaletail appearance, appearing just as the economy encountered a major roadblock. All of which makes the MK1 Celica Supra an interesting collectible at a bargain basement price.