To outsiders, AE86 fans might appear to be a bunch of elitist madmen that spend approach an excessive amount of money and time on their small capability, rear-wheel drive ’80s Toyotas. However when a ardour runs this deep, there have to be one thing about them that you simply simply can’t get wherever else.

Now don’t let that intro mislead you – I’m an AE86 fanatic by way of and thru – however I wanted to put in writing one thing relatable to attract you in, proper? As you may think about then, after I was invited to affix a trio of pristine white Corolla Levins for a touge run, I fortunately accepted the supply.

On a brisk autumn morning at a 7-Eleven on the outskirts of Tokyo, I used to be greeted by the candy sounds of three 4A-GE-powered automobiles buzzing in direction of me within the distance. Anybody acquainted with Japanese automobile tradition can be fairly accustomed to seeing modified automobiles parked in entrance of fashionable conbini (comfort) shops, and it’s a sight that by no means will get previous. This specific morning, I used to be joined by Umino-san, Shunya-san and Kaname-san, every of their respective AE86 Levins.

After grabbing some breakfast to go, it was up into the mountains in direction of Ōmugishiro Parking Space, a preferred place for automobile nuts to collect on weekends. It’s additionally a lovely place to absorb the views that Lake Okutama has to supply.

Following some mild mingling, we made our approach by way of quite a few Okutama’s lovely winding roads, stopping for a photograph break outdoors the enduring Showa Restaurant.

Now, there are many well-known driving roads in Japan, such because the well-known Hakone Turnpike, Skyline and Happohagara, however the roads that hint by way of the mountainous area of Okutama are true hidden gems. Surprisingly devoid of the standard weekend crowds, this touge is the proper setting for a spirited drive.

Roads like this create an virtually film set-looking backdrop whenever you’re working with a bunch of AE86s, made even simpler when there may be little to no visitors impeding on the shot.

While all Levins, every of those 86s are fairly totally different from each other. We’ll kick issues off with Shunya-san’s completely easy, white-on-black-bumper notchback. The steadiness of a kouki entrance bumper on the zenki chassis and RunFree flares on all 4 corners creates what for my part is the proper road stance for a Hachiroku. 

Shunya-san has stored true to the roots of the 86, retaining the 16-valve 4A-GE with the added necessity of ITBs and a TRD-style header.

Inside, the interval appropriate fashion continues with a pair of Bride Brix seats, Nardi Traditional steering wheel, and an compulsory cup holder within the centre sprint vent.

If interval correctness is the secret, Kaname-san has nailed it, along with his virtually fully inventory panda hatchback. The modestly fitted SSR MK-IIIs and full kouki package make Kaname-san’s automobile unmistakably an 86, even to the informal fanatic.

Kaname-san has additionally retained the manufacturing facility 16-valve 4A-GE with a easy consumption and exhaust improve.

It’s straightforward to go above and past whenever you’re constructing an AE86, however when roads like these are the doorstep, it turns into abundantly clear that simplicity and seat time are the one crucial substances for a very good time out.

Final, however so removed from least, we have now Umino-san’s white kouki notchback. For this automobile you’ll have to attend, because it deserves its personal put up the place we will dive into the nitty-gritty of what’s an unbelievable restoration. When you wait, I’ll depart you with this sneak peek at Umino-san’s consideration to element…

After a very good few hours and some hundred corners, we looped again round and into Okutama Parking Space and posted up in entrance of the Showa era-style retailer.

All so related however every with a very totally different character and look is what makes capturing three of the identical make and mannequin so particular to me. With the primary AE86 variants turning 40 this yr, it’s protected to say that nearly each mixture of engine, gearbox, styling and inside has been completed on these automobiles. However because the business begins to creep an increasing number of right into a world of automation and disengagement, the motion again to simplicity and seat time-inspired builds is obvious, particularly in these three.

Dwelling in Japan for over a yr and spending nearly all of your waking hours exploring workshops, circuits and automotive occasions makes it straightforward to change into barely numb to happenings that will excite even essentially the most apathetic automobile fanatic, nevertheless it’s moments like this the place I’ve to cease and pinch myself. With the ability to comply with three perfectly-built AE86s driving by way of the Japanese mountains was a surreal expertise – one which I needed each automobile fanatic might get pleasure from.

Preliminary D and web hype apart, I implore anybody that will get the possibility to leap behind the wheel of an AE86 to take it.

Completely happy 86 Day!

Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco