Earlier this week I posted a photo of a German AE86 and Toyota GR86. Only a few days prior to that I already encountered my first GR86 in the wild!

Toyota GR86, I see you through the grate!
Toyota GR86, I see you through the grate!

Hunting a Micra, finding a Toyota GR86!

I actually went hunting for a strange polka-dotted Nissan Micra I saw earlier in the parking garage. It unfortunately already departed by the time I returned. But as I made a small detour through the parking garage my eye caught a familiar tail light through the grate above me. So naturally I drove up one floor to take some photos.

A freshly new red 2023 Toyota GR86!
A freshly new red 2023 Toyota GR86!

I already noticed the white-on-black numbers, thinking it was a reference to the MF Ghost 86, but when I came closer it wasn’t. Three numbers: 1, 2 and 3. Does anyone have an idea what it means?

Toyota GR86 with some numbers on the side. What do they mean?
Toyota GR86 with some numbers on the side. What do they mean?

Upon close inspection, I found the three numbers have been applied individually. So perhaps it joined a rally?

Toyota GR86 imported from the US of A

Then I noticed these stickers behind the windshield. Apparently, this Toyota GR86 originated from New York state and it passed inspection over there. Naturally, this raised some eyebrows.

This Toyota GR86 used to be registered in New York state before importing it in the Netherlands
This Toyota GR86 used to be registered in New York state before importing it in the Netherlands

I looked up the very recent license plate and it revealed that this car was first registered outside the Netherlands on the 28th of February 2023. It was first registered in the Netherlands in November 2023. As of the end of 2023, Toyota doesn’t offer the GR86 in the Netherlands anymore. Perhaps someone wanted one but couldn’t get his/her hands on one and decided to get one from the United States? And perhaps then also did an epic road trip in ti and spent some quality time in the US?

Conclusion

I really have to congratulate this owner on his/her perfect taste! The GR86 is in my opinion the best-looking colour and has the stubbornness to get a dreamcar from abroad!