1982 Toyota Corolla SE review from Australia and New Zealand

When I acquired the car it was riddled with rust and the original 3A-U 1500 had a blown head gasket. Other than that, everything else is still holding together even after 22 years.

The 3A-U was replaced with a 2T-GEU that has had its emissions gear and fuel injection stripped off, and twin downdraft Mikuni carburettors fitted.

Serious performance difference. :)

When I bought this car I knew it wasn't a common model and figured it was worth spending the time to tidy it up.

It turns out this model is getting more rare with every passing day, especially in the hardtop body shape.

Since the old 1500 was goosed and I'd just totally refurbished the bodywork a retrofit of the Levin/Sprinter 2T-G twincam 1600 seemed logical.

The car isn't a FAST car, but it does have plenty of torque and handles beautifully for a car this age with superbly light steering.

The interior is very nice for a car of this era, as an SE it comes with factory woodgrain trim, deep carpets and plush seats.

Having come from a 1984 Nissan EXA Turbo, this car is far more sluggish, however the EXA couldn't drift... rear wheel drive is the most fun ever!

This car is the direct predecessor to the famous AE86 as seen in the Japanese anime and manga series InitialD, and in this example is powered by the legendary 2T-GEU, direct predecessor to the inhumanly powerful 4A-GE.

With some more work this car will fly, and having spent no more than $700NZ on it I've scored a bargain.

The performance is adequate, exhaust note is sweet, appointments swell, and appearance is magical. This is a car that will last aeons, as long as the rust is kept at bay.