Fantasy Junction

Description

1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S Twin Cam (auction ends Wednesday July 22nd)

Chassis No. – JT2AE88C3F0145005
Exterior Color – Silver and Black
Interior Color – Grey Cloth and Black Vinyl
Engine – 1.6 Liter inline 4-cylinder
Transmission – 5-speed manual
Current Miles– 114,407
Current Ownership – Purchased 2019
Miles driven by Current Owner – 5,300 miles



General Overview



When Toyota first began importing cars into North America, no one ever imagined that by the 1980s they would make up a sizable portion of US new car sales. Known for their thrifty and lower cost offerings, Toyota built some sneaky performance variants as well. One of the stealthier models was offered in the Corolla lineup – the AE86 GT-S Liftback. Technically a compact sport coupe, the Corolla offered seating for four, fastback styling, and shockingly, a twin-cam 16 valve 4-AGE engine shared with the mid-engined MR2, 5-speed transmission, rear wheel drive, and an optional limited slip differential. With a whopping 7,500rpm red line, variable induction, and improved engine management, the capable engine put out 112hp which was impressive considering the 1984 V8 powered Mustang GT put out 175hp. But the real fun was in the twisties via improved suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, where the GT-S could put a lasting smile on your face even on a daily commute. These engaging driving dynamics translated to the track as well, with the AE86 chassis finding considerable success in Group A touring car racing and becoming a “cult classic” for its role in the rise of drifting culture. Indeed, most surviving AE86 examples have been heavily modified for track or drifting use. Exceedingly few original, unmodified examples remain, making this car a notable standout.



History of this GT-S



According to its original window sticker, this first-year USDM GT-S was highly optioned including power steering, AM/FM cassette upgrade, electric sunroof, cruise control, rear window wiper/washer, the all-important limited slip differential, two-tone paint, air conditioning, and carpet floor mats. The car was sold by Queen City Toyota, Manchester, NH to the first owner on May 13, 1985. The car remained with the original owner in Vermont until it was sold to the current owner in 2019, with just over 106k miles at that time. Notably for a car coming out of the East Coast, the original owner endeavored to preserve this car as much as possible, and dutifully laid the car up during winter months to avoid the corrosive effects of salted roads.



After the current and second owner purchased this car, it was driven from Vermont to their home in California and a major service was performed by The Toy Shop in San Francisco. This included the installation of a new timing belt, new tensioner, new camshaft seals, new crankshaft seals, new platinum tip spark plugs, transmission fluid flush, new remanufactured starter, new thermostat, and new clutch slave cylinder. In 2022 a set of Uniroyal 185/60R14 tires were installed, and a new fuel pump was installed in 2023.



General Condition



Today, with 111,407 original miles indicated on the six digit odometer, original ownership documents, and current Carfax, this AE86 GT-S presents as a remarkably well-preserved icon of 1980s car culture. The current cosmetic condition is in keeping with preservation and originality including the majority of the paint, which retains very good gloss, smooth surfaces, and very good overall color, indicative of a car that has been properly stored, maintained, and preserved by the original and current family owners. The finish, while largely original, show signs of age including typical front facing road chips and front turn indicator cracks in the molded plastic housings. Under prior ownership, the sunroof panel was repainted, and the hood, front fenders, and headlight buckets were also refinished under prior ownership following contact with a deer (it is noted that the radiator support was also replaced with an OEM replacement unit). The exterior finish includes the one-year only LARGE Twin-Cam 16 door graphics and optional two-tone paint, along with other desirable features including the distinctive pop up headlights, rear wing, and electric sunroof. A set of rare factory “pizza cutter” wheels with center caps are mounted wearing Uniroyal Tiger Paw 185/60R14 radial tires installed in 2023.



The original black vinyl and grey cloth interior presents with factory features and finishes including the high back contoured bucket seats, center console, and a preserved dashboard. The driver’s side seat bolster is worn from use, and discoloration is evident in the cloth surfaces, but the material and foam is serviceable and admirable given the original condition. The door panels, carpeting, and side panels all have a very nice quality feel to the original, though aged finishes, as does the headliner and rear storage area, all of which are also factory original. The dashboard features clean and contrasting gauge faces, molded black dash padding, working factory air conditioning that blows cool air, a factory padded steering wheel, and upgraded factory audio system with treble and bass adjustments, Dolby Noise Reduction and cassette player, all of which function properly. The 5-speed manual transmission paired with optional Limited Slip Differential is the ideal combination for the high-revving twin-cam engine. The electric sunroof opens and closes smoothly, the rear storage area is clean and well-kept, and the hatch operates easily when opened and closed. The rear storage area houses a spare tire and tire changing tools.

Under the hood, the engine bay and twin-cam engine deliver an impressive and correct presentation including correct fuel-injection, proper components, twin-cam specification head, and correct finishes reflective of this series production. The undercarriage displays excellent unibody floor pans, no visual signs of structural damage or chassis pan repairs, and correct suspension components. This Corolla is accompanied by a set of original owner’s manuals, the original window sticker, original purchase inspection checklist, a car cover, two Corolla branded bras, a bolt on set of rear window louvers, a set of carpeted floor mats, and service records under current ownership.



This is a great opportunity for an enthusiast to acquire a rarely seen original “hachiroku”. Loaded with desirable options, twin-cam engine, 5-speed manual, and LSD, this Toyota Corolla GT-S Twin Cam 16 is ready to bring back all the delights of the 1980s, proudly participate in local or national Radwood events, or suit up in your Member’s Only jacket, pop on your Vuarnet sunglasses, and cruise into the sunset with the windows down, sunroof open, and your best mix-tape blaring.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608