Factory Original AW11 Limited?

How rare would you guys consider a factory original 89 AW11 G-Limited (not the Blue super limited ones) that is in near on mint condition and other than reasonable replacements (shocks, bushes, filters etc) is as it was out of the factory? 
 
Despite it being "only an MR2" and not the X100, how important would you consider it to maintain its original condition? 
 
If the car were to be modified from its plated factory floor finish, but still within the standards of other factory trims (say from auto to manual using all factory parts, including cluster and dash changes) would it be a stretch to still call it "factory original"? What about if you did basic, subtle bolt ons like, larger SC pulley, EFI control and a none rusty, falling apart, restricted exhaust?
 
How far could things be modified to update original parts that are no longer available or usable and still call it original, providing that trim and presentation is kept as original as possible? For example, replacing the factory stereo with an updated head unit, amp and speakers but within factory locations. 
 
Basically, how stressed should I be doing this stuff and should I be shot for destroying a possibly limited "future classic"? 

Well that's a good question, the rego says 89 but alas after a Vin check, it is, in-fact, a November 88 (usual first rego deal). A further check finds everything else is an original QR model. A shame the rest wont match now I've swapped the gearbox although, despite the hole in the firewall, it doesn't have to be permanent.
 
My prothane bushes are on the way and looking at Tokico blue (only because I'd rather not spend $1800 for 2 sets of koni yellow, and whats the point when it will flex anyway), but may look at KYB GR2, munroe sensa tract or Gabriels as it will be more a daily/show piece than performance car. The new engine has already been rebuilt (not by myself) with a larger pulley in mind but I will be keeping the original engine either as parts or potentially as a second rebuild. Since this is the Q model, I was planning on replacing the speakers with reasonable quality equipment, but was reserved on the HU. I may look at the factory sat nav unit from a Klugar if it fits. I'd like to keep the factory amp, but I suspect it will provide a similar quality sound to that of a Nokia 6110. In any case, other than the HU it will appear very factory and any additional speakers/amps will be hidden from sight. 
 
I guess I could be thanked for not dropping the 3VZ in it then? Just as well I didn't have the space at my old place :P

Mine is an original '87 WJPQR. Only modifications prior to the purchase was a set of aftermarket rims (which I've already acquired some teardrops for restoration), aftermarket OEM style exhaust, and a respray.
The respray is the same colour code, however they added additional metallic fleck to give it a slight "show car" style to it, as well as adding some racing stripes. Overall it's not too distasteful though. Suspension is even factory on mine.
In regards to factory original, unless you find one with crazy low kms, don't feel guilty about anything you are doing. I am intending on doing period style modifications to mine; larger SC pulley, Recaro LX, Koni/Eibach suspension and already swapped steering wheel for a Nardi classic competition.
 
Unlike you though I am intending to keep mine automatic since I don't have any desire to do a manual swap. The auto is rare as it is but by all means not a slower car. My other car is a manual so I don't feel any envy towards all you other lads running SC/turbo setups in a manual. I'm spending the money to keep my engine bay as factory as possible but yeah don't limit yourself on what you can/cannot do.
 
My end goal is as long as I can potentially comply with historic rego (30 years in ACT annoyingly) then i'll be happy.

My 2c,
 
If you have an AW11 that is completely stock standard (or close to it) and in great condition, I would only be modifying it with parts that can easily be swapped back to the originals. No cutting holes, body kits, major engine mods etc.
But I think wear items should be replaced with OEM or better. Bushes, struts, disc rotors etc
 
With my own AW11 I am sourcing out all the little bits and pieces that are misisng to make it complete as possible. (Original jack, tool kit, trim etc)  I am trying to make the car as standard as possible with the exeption of the Gen3 3sgte / E153 in the back.
 
I reckon keep it clean and rust free and it will always be desirable when it comes time to sell.

To what ive noticed recently that the price of the aw11's are going up, when i brought mine got it at a low price cause thats what they were averaging in price and many that weren't in great nick were selling more so if the price was high no one would take interest, now they seem to be poping up in great condition and well looked after and i think they deserve the price.
I think now that there either in excellent condition or used as spares or a race car.
so it wont be long until there classified as a "Classic"
 
And with  the centre console still has the "MR2 Limited" badge intact that defiantly would be a unique factor as many may not have survived like your or at least faded! your car sounds like its been loved previously and seems yours still will be around when it hits 30 lol

Yeah, I'd always wanted an AW but after slowly upgrading over the years it had been getting put further and further back, then I was able to afford a couple of cars and this one just popped up. So I grabbed it, the more work I do on it, the more I'm enjoying it as a stock car. I can't wait to get it running and experience it... I've never even driven it!

So how does one do a VIN check? And what does it tell you?
 

The biggest trouble with the AW11 is that they sold 160,000 of the bloody things! yet in Australia, we sold less than 1000. This then has two problems..:
Minimal sold, means minimal people knowing about them.. or wanting them.. and searching for them used as a result.
yet in countries where many were sold (US, UK), there's still more than enough to go round. Good ones are pulling decent money in those countries, but how much is limited when you can still get ****ters for $100.
 
An AW11 will always be worth money though, especially compared to similar era Japanese cars (celica/prelude/etc); as the drivetrain layout is special, and like an mx5, its a true drivers car - a genuine fun sports-car.
Like a hilux (basic ute), or Patrol (basic 4WD); this sort of car always has a purpose. Cars like a VR Executive or SV21 Camry sedan are just cars.
 
On the topic of AW11 collectability, some things that will always stand out:
- special editions. Super edition 1 and 2, black edition, white lanner, etc.
- 1984 build cars. MK1A G-Limited's in white/black and red/black.
- standard desirable colours like red, two-tone white/grey, or special colours like the triple-grey or Sherwood tone cars.
- loaded 'G-Limited, Supercharger' cars - even a fully loaded automatic targa has its place..!
- absolutely original 'survivor' cars. All stock, original paint, engine, gbox, books/history, etc.
- and for the the Australian market - original aussie delivered cars.
 
Luckily though, i don't think AW11's will ever get any real value.
It's not something you want anyway, as unless you're wanting to sell, it has absolutely no benefit. it is nothing but bad things. Image, theft, higher cost of parts, afraid to use/damage it, etc.
WE know about these cars. I love them to death, and am happy not sharing them! :)
 
few interesting things to point out for this thread:
- 'Limited' is just G-Limited. Its the top spec model of the AW11, after S, and G.
- Australian spec cars were technically G-Limited's.
- 1989's are the only year we cant still import, but plenty came in when we could.
- 1989 updates came in in late 1988, so if you want an '1989' spec car, you can still get one.
- all 1989's came with the folding, update, colourcoded mirrors, chrome keyhole surrounds, the LED wing, and (if it was targa) the targa's were mirrored.
- The US outsold Australia on AW11's 100 to 1. Thats absolutely epic..!
 
 
<3 AW11's. enjoy them!