[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/toyota-ae86-cult-classics\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/toyota-ae86-cult-classics\/","headline":"Cult Classics: Toyota AE86","name":"Cult Classics: Toyota AE86","description":"Of the 43 million sold since 1966, the AE86 is unquestionably the finest Corolla ever created and is now without doubt a cult classic. What it lacks in punchy looks, it more than makes up for with its bellowing exhaust. So distinct is this note, that if one of these were to rev in the vicinity, you\u2019d know just what kind of car you\u2019d heard without even needing to look. The Toyota Corolla GT Coup\u00e9 AE86 engine is a 1.6-litre […]","datePublished":"2017-05-24","dateModified":"2017-10-10","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/#Person","name":"Matthew Collett","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/matthew-collett\/","identifier":5,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/64eca1152247aa111ace79ff1c03782b175df9dc21d2092364ff21e1cf5e38fa?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Toyota-AE86-feature.jpg","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Toyota-AE86-feature.jpg","height":520,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/toyota-ae86-cult-classics\/","about":["CLASSIC CARS"],"wordCount":363,"keywords":["Sprinter Trueno","toyota","Toyota AE86","toyota gt86"],"articleBody":"Of the 43 million sold since 1966, the AE86 is unquestionably the finest Corolla ever created and is now without doubt a cult classic.What it lacks in punchy looks, it more than makes up for with its bellowing exhaust. So distinct is this note, that if one of these were to rev in the vicinity, you\u2019d know just what kind of car you\u2019d heard without even needing to look.The Toyota Corolla GT Coup\u00e9 AE86 engine is a 1.6-litre 4A-GE, twin overhead cam with EFI producing 124bhp. It may not be the quickest, managing a modest 0-60mph time of 8.3 seconds, but it is a shining star in the circuit racing and rallying world. Perfect for drifting, this Corolla\u2019s cornering antics are much loved by fans and it has gained a reputation for its penchant for travelling sideways.As with any Toyota, reliability is a given and there is plenty of room to comfortably seat four adults, so when its not being thrown around a track it can behave very well as a manageable, secure family car. But of course that\u2019s not what this classic is best known for. In fact, it was perhaps made most famous by its appearance in the anime series \u2018Initial D\u2019, as this propelled it beyond just the Japanese drifting community.Built from 1983 to 1987, this hatchback was the last rear-wheel drive Corolla, delivering classic RWD balance and it first made its mark on British sports car history back in May 1985.The AE86 offers a welcome contrast to today\u2019s need for gadgets and electronics, instead delivering a raw driving experience where you can really connect with the road beneath your seat and wrestle with unassisted steering.The AE86 also goes by the name \u2019Hachi-Roku\u2019 or Corolla Levin GT in Japan, and there is a version featuring pop-up headlights known as the Sprinter Trueno.Over the years, this surprising car has developed quite a passionate following, especially online. Even with the arrival of its younger brother in the form of the GT86 that boasts power steering, sat nav and air conditioning, the original \u2018generic\u2019 Japanese car from the 80\u2019s is still a very desirable vehicle indeed."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Classic Cars","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/\/classic-cars\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Cult Classics: Toyota AE86","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/classic-cars\/toyota-ae86-cult-classics\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]