To outsiders, AE86 fanatics might appear to be a bunch of elitist madmen that spend approach an excessive amount of money and time on their small capability, rear-wheel drive ’80s Toyotas. However when a ardour runs this deep, there have to be one thing about them that you just simply can’t get anyplace else.
Now don’t let that intro mislead you – I’m an AE86 fanatic by and thru – however I wanted to jot down one thing relatable to attract you in, proper? As you’ll be able to think about then, once I was invited to affix a trio of pristine white Corolla Levins for a touge run, I fortunately accepted the provide.
On a brisk autumn morning at a 7-Eleven on the outskirts of Tokyo, I used to be greeted by the candy sounds of three 4A-GE-powered vehicles buzzing in the direction of me within the distance. Anybody acquainted with Japanese automobile tradition might be fairly accustomed to seeing modified vehicles parked in entrance of standard conbini (comfort) shops, and it’s a sight that by no means will get outdated. This specific morning, I used to be joined by Umino-san, Shunya-san and Kaname-san, every of their respective AE86 Levins.
After grabbing some breakfast to go, it was up into the mountains in the direction of Ōmugishiro Parking Space, a preferred place for automobile nuts to collect on weekends. It’s additionally an attractive place to soak up the views that Lake Okutama has to supply.
Following some mild mingling, we made our approach by quite a lot of Okutama’s lovely winding roads, stopping for a photograph break exterior the long-lasting Showa Restaurant.
Now, there are many well-known driving roads in Japan, such because the well-known Hakone Turnpike, Skyline and Happohagara, however the roads that hint by the mountainous area of Okutama are true hidden gems. Surprisingly devoid of the same old weekend crowds, this touge is the right setting for a spirited drive.
Roads like this create an nearly film set-looking backdrop once you’re working with a gaggle of AE86s, made even simpler when there may be little to no visitors impeding on the shot.
While all Levins, every of those 86s are fairly totally different from each other. We’ll kick issues off with Shunya-san’s completely easy, white-on-black-bumper notchback. The stability of a kouki entrance bumper on the zenki chassis and RunFree flares on all 4 corners creates what in my view is the right avenue stance for a Hachiroku.
Shunya-san has saved true to the roots of the 86, retaining the 16-valve 4A-GE with the added necessity of ITBs and a TRD-style header.
Inside, the interval appropriate type continues with a pair of Bride Brix seats, Nardi Traditional steering wheel, and an compulsory cup holder within the centre sprint vent.
If interval correctness is the secret, Kaname-san has nailed it, along with his nearly utterly inventory panda hatchback. The modestly fitted SSR MK-IIIs and full kouki equipment make Kaname-san’s automobile unmistakably an 86, even to the informal fanatic.
Kaname-san has additionally retained the manufacturing facility 16-valve 4A-GE with a easy consumption and exhaust improve.
It’s straightforward to go above and past once you’re constructing an AE86, however when roads like these are the doorstep, it turns into abundantly clear that simplicity and seat time are the one essential substances for an excellent time out.
Final, however so removed from least, we have now Umino-san’s white kouki notchback. For this automobile you’ll have to attend, because it deserves its personal submit the place we are able to dive into the nitty-gritty of what’s an unbelievable restoration. When you wait, I’ll go away you with this sneak peek at Umino-san’s consideration to element…
After an excellent few hours and some hundred corners, we looped again round and into Okutama Parking Space and posted up in entrance of the Showa era-style retailer.
All so related however every with a totally totally different character and look is what makes capturing three of the identical make and mannequin so particular to me. With the primary AE86 variants turning 40 this 12 months, it’s secure to say that nearly each mixture of engine, gearbox, styling and inside has been completed on these vehicles. However because the business begins to creep an increasing number of right into a world of automation and disengagement, the motion again to simplicity and seat time-inspired builds is evident, particularly in these three.
Residing in Japan for over a 12 months and spending the vast majority of your waking hours exploring workshops, circuits and automotive occasions makes it straightforward to turn out to be barely numb to happenings that might excite even probably the most apathetic automobile fanatic, but it surely’s moments like this the place I’ve to cease and pinch myself. With the ability to observe three perfectly-built AE86s driving by the Japanese mountains was a surreal expertise – one which I wanted each automobile fanatic may get pleasure from.
Preliminary D and web hype apart, I implore anybody that will get the prospect to leap behind the wheel of an AE86 to take it.
Completely satisfied 86 Day!
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
