If small, lightweight and nimble are the three main qualities you look for in a car, you are about 20 years too late, as the Toyota AE86 was built between 1983 and 1987, in Tokyo. It featured a 1.6-liter twin cam engine, which drove the rear wheels through a very positive five-speed transmission. It had a maximum power output of 130 hp and maximum torque was a respectable 150 Nm (110 lb-ft).
The US market, sadly, only got a de-tuned version of the engine, producing only 112 hp and 136 Nm (96 lb-ft). Most cars featured all-round ventilated disk brakes, MacPherson strut independent front suspension, and a four-link live rear axle. Despite having both rear wheels turn at the same speed, the AE86 is regarded as a very fine handler, which can be driven fast (and even drifted) with relative ease, especially when compared to more powerful and complicated machines.
There were many different versions and body styles made throughout the years, with different headlights, rear lights, various body kits, spoilers and different rims, but they were basically all the same. Usually, the lower-spec cars for the American market did get some mechanical corner-cutting, as they featured drum brakes on the rear, as well as softer suspension and a simpler rear differential. These cars were and still are a modder’s dream, as they are robust, easy to work on and most mods suit them very well, if done with taste and care.
Photos courtesy of Shepper via Flickr.
There were many different versions and body styles made throughout the years, with different headlights, rear lights, various body kits, spoilers and different rims, but they were basically all the same. Usually, the lower-spec cars for the American market did get some mechanical corner-cutting, as they featured drum brakes on the rear, as well as softer suspension and a simpler rear differential. These cars were and still are a modder’s dream, as they are robust, easy to work on and most mods suit them very well, if done with taste and care.
Photos courtesy of Shepper via Flickr.