Archive for November, 2015

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Inspiration – 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS

November 12, 2015

A recent rental of a Subaru BR-Z (AKA Scion FR-S) was enough of an eye-opener to inspire a look into a couple of possible influences. It’s a relatively lightweight 2+2 coupe that, compared to most new cars, is surprisingly raw and engaging to drive. If you’ve despaired about the surfeit of cars that try to be everything to everyone, it’s definitely worth looking at this pure sports coupe that allows you to have some fun without getting into illegal territory. But enough of new cars, the first classic in this mini-series is a pretty obvious choice. Check out this 1986 Toyota Corolla GTS for sale for $4000 in Riverside, CA.

1986 Toyota Corolla GTS left front

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Heavenly RA42 – 1978 Toyota Celica GT Liftback

November 10, 2015

Here’s a car from the “wow, that still exists?” files. Many low and middle specification Japanese cars only lasted as long as their bodies, or in low-moisture/salt states, as long as their drivetrains would go on. And while the drivetrains kept going, the paint faded, the upholstery tore, and the interior plastics decayed, the dashboards forming their own miniature Hayward, San Andreas, and Cascade faults – hit that railroad crossing fast enough and the whole thing might come apart! Inexplicably, lone automatic examples of these cars seem to pop up every so often, just waiting for someone to pick them up, polish them, and photograph them with good lighting and a high-resolution camera before flipping at an exorbitant price through an online auction. Here’s a prime candidate for that treatment – this 1978 Toyota Celica GT Liftback for sale for $4000 in Longview, WA.

1978 Toyota Celica GT left front

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Porsche Creates A New Porsche – 1979 Porsche 924

November 9, 2015

The Porsche 924 maintains its less-than-desirable reputation, but look at other Porsches past that were disliked by “real” Porsche enthusiasts which are now very popular – the 356 and the 914, for example, or even the 911 targa. If that doesn’t help, try taking it out of the context of Porsche and evaluating it on its own merits – a front engine, rear-transaxle layout for good balance, a common engine with a Porsche-designed head and 95hp in North American spec, and a decent sized rear trunk for stowing all those hair products to keep your mullet and your lady-friend’s feathered hair in tip-top shape. Check out this 1979 Porsche 924 for sale for $3500 in North Plains, OR.

1979 Porsche 924 right side

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