1986 Toyota Celica GT review from UK and Ireland

The brakes were a constant problem. Rear discs replaced when I bought the car. Handbrake shoes were never much use, but it passed the MOT.

Drive shafts knocked on medium to sharp turns, but were cheap to replace the joints.

It liked to remove the tread from the front tyres, but this was my fault, rather lacking in mechanical sympathy then.

As it only cost £500 to buy, do the repairs for the MOT, tax and fill the tank, this was performance motoring on a budget.

It was rough round the edges, rusty wheel arches and a previous owner had a problem matching the silver/blue paint. The only thing that let it down was rot. The last owner was living right on the coast and the North Sea salt air had taken it toll on the underside.

It had all the toys inside that I wanted, electric windows, mirrors, aerial and sunroof. Air-con was used about 5 times. I saw 142mph on the speedo a couple of times. Argue over its real speed if you want.

Was sad to see it go, but it was disposable at £500. Still sitting in a field and starts first time, every time.