MR2 to celebrate 40th anniversary

The Toyota MR2 celebrates three key anniversaries this year. It’s been 40 years since the iconic mid-engined original burst on to the scene in 1984; 35 years since the arrival of the more upmarket second generation machine; and 25 years since the third generation model rekindled its grandparent’s spirit yet with an open-top twist.

While each of these anniversaries is important individually, the MR2 Drivers’ Club is inviting owners and enthusiasts to commemorate them together in one very special event. Arranged for Sunday 2 June at Hatton Country World, the club’s National Day 2024 promises to be the biggest gathering of MR2s for almost quarter of a century – some 600 at the last count.

Visitors are flying in from as far afield as Australia and the USA to attend, while owners from all over Europe are driving across in their MR2s in order not to miss out. Because the beauty of this event is that everybody is welcome. You’re not required to own an MR2 or even be a member of the club, although such is the enduring appeal of this model that by the end of the day we think you’ll probably want both!

Other than a nominal £2.00 parking fee, admission into the event is free for those who have registered their vehicle details on the gate list (register via link in National Day events information page). Everyone attending will also be given a programme, air freshener and commemorative anniversary sticker.

National Day 2024 is not a concours show, so the privilege of parking in the main display area is open to all MR2s, regardless of condition. This means that the display field will be a concentrated joy for MR2 enthusiasts, being filled with everything from low-mileage wonders to half-finished projects arriving on the back of a trailer. As there is plenty of space available, vehicle numbers will be bolstered by other Toyota club stands dedicated to models such as the Celica, Supra and GT86.

Remember to register your interest in attending the National Day 2024 through the events information page on the MR2 Drivers’ Club website.