1985-87 Toyota Corolla GT-S
With my initial disappointment from the latest news and
pictures on the Toyota/Subaru front-engine RWD coupe,
I feel that an “appreciation” blog post is due for the car that I [pretend to]
know a lot about: the 1985-87 Toyota Corolla GT-S (a.k.a. AE86).
Sure, maybe I’ll change my mind when the production Toybaru/Subayota hits the streets. After all, the early hype on this new coupe did have some hints toward the “resurgence of the AE86.” But in the meantime, I won’t hold my breath.
To appreciate the Corolla GT-S’s original form, let’s take a trip back to 1985. Years before drifting hit mainstream, before there were Japanese cartoons about driving a “hachiroku” to deliver tofu, heck - when the only place to find a 4-valve-per-cylinder engine was in a Ferrari or Lotus. So what if the Corolla was only a 4-banger with 112 horsepower? It was lightweight, aerodynamic (yay! popup headlights!), had 4-wheel disc brakes, and best all - rear wheel drive. 0-60 in 8.9 seconds wasn’t exactly mind-numbing, but you sure thought you were going fast with a 7500 RPM redline! After all, the 4A-GE engine wasn’t designed to be high horsepower motor, but rather, a high-efficiency power plant to utilize a sub-2400 lb vehicle. With killer throttle response and “practical performance” (about 30 MPG on average), it’s no wonder that a variation of the 4A-GE motor was the engine of choice for the Formula Atlantic Series for a number of years.
For you Toyota enthusiasts out there, I am fully aware that the AE86 chassis doesn’t just cover the GT-S trim line. But let’s save the Corolla SR5’s SOHC carbed weaksauceness of 87hp for Chris’ Car Disgust blogs. Until the next affordable, lightweight Toyota front-engine RWD coupe or hatchback car gets produced, let’s keep appreciating this piece of Japanese history and benchmark. Many enthusiasts say it’s too late to find one at a good price due to the JDM-appeal, anime exposure, or drifting hype, but if you can find one in good condition at a bargain – it may not be a bad idea to get your cheapo hands on a quasi-collector car.
Photo is from Flickr user Bokchoys.
Rob the SVX guy on June 25, 2008 at 11:49 AM
It'd be a VERY good idea to pick one up, if you can find one in decent shape. A friend of a friend had one, bought it for under 2 grand about 10 years ago, sold it last year for $5,500 to someone who wanted to restore it and make it into a street/show/drift car. The rust free examples are gaining value quite quickly, I'd say.
Chris Hafner on June 25, 2008 at 12:19 PM
First off, I'd like to welcome Bernard. His name has been hovering mysteriously in the right column of this blog for months; well, here he is. Bernard makes a practice of tormenting me with Craigslist ads for Toyota Celica Sunchasers and old Dodge Colts. He'll fit in nicely here.
I've always liked the Corolla GT-S. It looked great, was quick, and was rear-wheel drive.
Mochi Mochi on June 25, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I can't tell you how much I want to rescue cars like this from the hands of butchers. I don't begrudge people the opportunity to do something they like with a car - like drifting. It seems fun. In some ways I guess, what the hell, a lot of these cars are rusting away - or people who have them just don't appreciate what they've got and they let them go to hell. But it is putting a lot of strain on the used market for cars like these. They are getting snapped up at an alarming rate. Finding a clean version of a great 80's japanese car, is like looking for a virgin in a bordello.
I've been distracting myself with trips to craigslist lately. The more I see these nice little cars either molested by tuners or sadly falling apart in uncaring hands... it breaks my heart. Such a waste.
These Corollas are clean. The lines are nice. The engines are great. They are actually the perfect car for today's market. We need more cars just like this.
BTW: the ToyoBaru looks like hell. WTF is wrong with the new wave of design. The new Accord is a nightmare - now the ToyoBaru. It just makes you want to slap those designers and say "What were you thinking - huh? - what were you thinking?"
Mochi Mochi on June 25, 2008 at 01:09 PM
The weird thing is that over the past two weeks I have been seeing a number of variants of this car on the road, and they have been totally turning my head. They look great. Seems like the fast back and the notchback both look great. Thanks for the post Chris.
Cookie the Dog's Owner on June 26, 2008 at 03:43 AM
@Mochi: "It just makes you want to slap those designers and say 'What were you thinking - huh? - what were you thinking?'"
I think it's more like, "Were you thinking in the first place?"
Brian on June 28, 2008 at 01:31 PM
I love this ride. I was trying to remember where I had heard the "AE86" label, then I remembered it was on a series of videos with Keiichi Tsuchiya, drift king, which begins here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzlrQHJYedk
He drifts the S**T out of the AE86.
Brian on June 28, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Here's the one with the AE86 used as a tutorial on drifing, part 5:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PdS19LviOY
Brian on July 05, 2008 at 01:34 AM
Here's another one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5kAV_5oAkg
The AE86 otherwise known as the Corolla GT-S being thoroughly abused by Keiichi Tsuchiya, "drift king." Man. That's black-top rally driving at its finest!
Colin on July 17, 2008 at 11:36 AM
The Japanese go nuts for the AE86!
Here's a Sprinter Trueno with a 6speed & Lexus IS250 engine (Toyota Alteza in Japan):
http://www.terra2imports.ca/import-japan121303368974922.htm
Asahi Light on December 01, 2008 at 11:55 PM
Great article. I think the AE86 or Corolla GTS 1985 will go up in $$$$$$ with the years. It is more than a car for drifting..It is a legend, an Icon!!! an Underground dream machine.
Zach Dugger on March 18, 2010 at 09:26 AM
i need to know how to trick out a 87 toyota corolla. any advice?
Chris M on August 01, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Thanks for the review. I bought a 85' GTS notchback new in 1985 as a 21 year old college student. At the time Celicas and Honda Preludes were the main competitors and the Corolla outperformed and out handled them. It was a great car. I'd let my friends drive it and they were always surprised by its power when they stepped on the throttle. I drove that car for ten years and never had any problems with it. I'd still be driving it today if not for an unfortunate incident involving a dog, a ditch, and a rain soaked road.
Dacoh on October 15, 2010 at 11:48 AM
I have a 1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S that I bought just after finishing college in 1994. I love the car! It is restored/modified with new paint, upholstery, etc. I just need to get the engine back in and it'll be a runner again.
steveboe on November 23, 2010 at 10:06 AM
I,ve had a 1985 toyota gts since 1988.people get me to pull down the window at stop lights and ask if i,d sell it.2 days ago i got a card on my window asking the same.i'm considering letting it go(with visitation rights of course)and a break down of his true intentions for the car.its got 147000 klm on it(i'm canadian)and a new clutch the body has a little rust but it runs great.how much do you think i should get for it?
Mike on March 06, 2011 at 05:55 PM
I have a Mint A86 85 GTS with the Ricaro style racing seats two 4GAE engines one with less than 30K from Japam the other origional needs a head with less than 60K on it been in warm dry storage for 14 years. Needs Motor put back in it. First 6 grand takes it. Bright red all origional NO RUST NO Dents Bright Red with Sun Roof. burnair@aol.com
FOX4LX on January 26, 2012 at 03:35 PM
Hi im a Jr. in HS and my buddy has a field full of old yota's and heard me talking about these. He told me he had some in his yard so i went and looked. He has 3 (and like 10 1st gen MR-2's with the 4-AG) of em, An SRS coupe, A GT-S hatchi but the elcetric is all burnt up and the one im more than likly going to buy he has a GT-S coupe that has front end damage. The motor will need to be rebuilt and stuff to get it running for its sat for 10years. But for this car to be in the yard the body is very clean (besides front end) and the intior is great. He told me $1000 and its mine. Is that a good price for it?
jane newton mango on May 25, 2013 at 06:26 PM
i have a 1986 toyota sr5 gts,good running condition,people always wants to buy it,maybe in 2015 will be hard to part,but just maybe