Toyota Corolla 2010

This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , Since its launch in 1983, the Corolla AE86 Twin Cam has been a popular choice for competitors in grassroots motorsport. The combination of a revvy, powerful-enough engine in a small, lightweight chassis with rear-wheel drive has seen parallels drawn with the MkII Ford Escort. Much like the ‘Blue Oval’ car, it was the rally circuits where the Corolla first found fame and, even today, the model remains competitive at Historic/Classic 'Group A' and 'Group N' events.After just four short years, Toyota retired the fifth generation of the Corolla with all future generations changing to front-wheel drive. The retirement did little to abate the car’s popularity but, with a shortage of original Irish/UK-spec cars, Twin Cam competitors and fans alike were forced to look further afield for fresh cars. Japanese-specification Levin and Truenos soon began to arrive on the boats from Japan, bringing with them a new form of motorsport in which the car already excelled – drifting.During the height of the boom, even bare shells were commanding substantial amounts, primarily fuelled by drifters, with many 20-year-old cars changing hands for the price of a brand-new Corolla. While things have settled down now, quality road cars continue to appreciate and the AE86 is undoubtedly a very desirable modern classic, JDM royalty if you will.Presenting in truly outstanding condition, this AE86 has been subject to a meticulous restoration by A1 Body in Newtownabbey in 2022, including a full bare-metal respray in 6A5 Metallic Black, with attention paid to every detail to bring it up to an exceptional standard. The car has covered less than 2,500 miles since completion, underscoring the care and attention lavished on it, retaining its stunning condition throughout. Aesthetically it is further enhanced with period-correct 13-inch Revolution wheels giving it that lovely OEM+ look.Originally a 1986 JDM-delivered car, first UK-registered in 2010, it has been sensitively converted to UK specification and benefits from having a Hi-Torque 4A-GE engine fitted, mated to the original manual gearbox. The Hi-Torque engine was essentially a refined evolution of the highly acclaimed 1600 Twin Cam engine, now developing 130bhp and 150Nm of torque, compared with the earlier 120bhp and 110Nm of the standard unit, offering a broader spread of usable power. True to the AE86’s character, it remains thoroughly revvy, maintaining its 7,600rpm redline.In preparation for sale, the car has been serviced and MOT’d by DH Autos (Decky Hall), during which the timing was re-set. The spark plugs and leads were also replaced recently, further ensuring reliable starting and smooth performance. The restoration has preserved the AE86’s lightweight, nimble nature, making it a joy to drive in any setting, or simply own as a highly collectable Japanese classic.This AE86 offers a rare opportunity to acquire a fully restored example, combining period-correct style with modernised reliability. With so many AE86s succumbing to rust and hard lives, this outstanding example provides a ready-to-drive classic that is as enjoyable behind the wheel as it is to admire, and is sure to continue appreciating in value.