The Toyota Corolla AE-86 is an 80s icon. It’s very name, often whispered in awe and reverence, conjures up images of sideways action, lots of steering lock and clouds of tyre smoke.
Finding an original AE86 is nigh on impossible, particularly in Japan, where everyone who buys one wants to be the fastest tofu delivery boy on Mount Akagi. If it wasn’t for the success of the Initial D movie there’d be a lot more original AE86s and far fewer ones running with questionable modifications.
Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 GT-Apex
So this one that’s up for sale in Osaka, Japan is a rarity. It’s a 1984 model and is described as ‘ordinary engined’ and ‘no repaired’ and looks as close as you’ll get to a mint one. It’s even the GT Apex edition, one of the best, and comes complete with the Corolla’s fantastic 1.6-litre twin-cam 16-valve engine.
The interior looks pretty good, testament to the 43,000km it’s claimed to have covered. As a Japanese model it’s also got the steering wheel on the correct side (i.e. the right), ticking yet another box for anyone in the UK keen to get their hands on one.
The only problem is the price. Quoted at $23,120 that’s roughly £14 grand, although it’s not clear if transportation fees are included in that price. That’s a lot of cash for a thirty year old Corolla but to collectors this is one of the most sought after.
Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 GT-Apex
Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 GT-Apex
