The AE86 is a car model that was manufactured by Toyota from 1983 to 1987. It was a part of the fifth generation of Toyota’s Corolla sports car lineup and was sold under a variety of names, including Corolla Levin, Sprinter Trueno, and Corolla DX.
The AE86 was popular among car enthusiasts, especially in the drifting community, for its lightweight design and rear-wheel drive. It featured a 1.6-liter 4A-GE engine that produced up to 128 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission.
The car gained further popularity in the mid-1990s with the release of the Initial D manga and anime series, which featured a modified AE86 as the main protagonist’s car. The series helped to establish the AE86 as an icon in Japanese car culture and sparked a renewed interest in the car among enthusiasts.
Today, the AE86 is considered a classic car and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Its reputation as a fun and affordable sports car has made it a popular platform for modification and customization, and it continues to be a popular choice for drifting competitions around the world.
What are the most popular “86”?
While initial D has popularized the Trueno and Levin, there are other noteworthy models that reached popularity.
There were several variations of the Toyota AE86 produced during its production run, but some of the most popular models are:
Toyota Corolla Levin – This model was sold in Japan and featured a front-end design with pop-up headlights. It was often used in motorsports and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
Toyota Sprinter Trueno – Similar to the Corolla Levin, the Sprinter Trueno was sold in Japan and featured retractable headlights. It gained popularity in the Initial D anime series, where it was the car driven by the main character, Takumi Fujiwara.
Toyota Corolla GT-S – This was the model sold in the United States and Canada, and it featured a slightly different body design than the Japanese models. It was known for its sporty handling and rear-wheel drive, and it remains popular among car enthusiasts today.
Toyota Corolla SR5 – This was the base model sold in the United States and Canada, and it featured a less powerful engine and less sporty handling than the GT-S. Despite this, it remains popular among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the AE86’s lightweight design and rear-wheel drive.
Costs
When it was released (1983):
The price of the Toyota AE86 when it was first released in 1983 varied depending on the market and the specific model. In Japan, the base price for the Corolla Levin (coupe version) and Sprinter Trueno (hatchback version) was around ¥1.4 million, which was roughly equivalent to $5,000 USD at the time.
In the United States and Canada, the AE86 was sold as the Corolla GT-S, and its base price was around $11,000 USD. This made it one of the more expensive models in the Corolla lineup, but it was still affordable compared to many other sports cars of the time.
It’s important to note that inflation and changes in currency exchange rates can make direct comparisons between prices from different time periods difficult. However, it’s clear that the AE86 was relatively affordable when it was first released, which helped to contribute to its popularity among young drivers and car enthusiasts.
Today (at the time of writing this, 2023):
The cost of an AE86 can vary depending on several factors, including the car’s condition, mileage, and modifications. Generally, a well-maintained, stock AE86 in good condition can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 USD or more. However, modified or rare models can command higher prices.
It’s important to note that the price of the AE86 has increased significantly in recent years, largely due to its popularity among collectors and enthusiasts. As a result, it can be difficult to find an AE86 in good condition at a reasonable price.
Why get it?
Regardless, if you’re interested in the AE86, you may be looking into it for its lightweight design, rear-wheel drive, and versatility in a variety of automotive pursuits, from drifting and motorsports to tuning and pop culture.
Here’s a list of the top 5 things it’s known for:
- Lightweight Design: The AE86 was designed with a lightweight body and rear-wheel drive, which made it agile and responsive on the road.
- Drifting: The AE86 gained popularity in the drifting community due to its lightweight design and rear-wheel drive, which made it easy to slide around corners.
- Motorsports: The AE86 was often used in motorsports, particularly in Japan, where it was raced in events like the Fuji Grand Champion Series and the Japanese Touring Car Championship.
- Pop Culture: The AE86 gained additional popularity through its appearances in various movies, TV shows, and video games. Notably, it was the car driven by the main character in the Initial D anime and manga series.
- Tuning: The AE86 has become a popular platform for car enthusiasts to modify and tune. Many owners have swapped in more powerful engines, upgraded suspension systems, and added other performance parts to make the car faster and more responsive.