1986 Toyota Corolla Levin

6:45am, Sunday morning. Nothing moved in the Bay Lough Car Park, it was too quiet. Here, where county Waterford meets County Tipperary, it felt like even the sun was taking the day off. It was too early even for the birds. The sky itself was gray with dark, menacing clouds that just made you want to go and curl back in bed. Why in the world would anybody be out here, enduring the harsh winds on a Sunday morning?! People are crazy...

All of a sudden however, a deep rumble broke the quietness. It sounded like a beast, looking for it's next victim. Two beams shot over our heads, like two search lights prowling for unsuspecting pray. And there she was, a clean Twincam approaching.

Barry, a long time Twincam enthusiast, bought this car back in 2011 from Cork. He seen it and just had to have it. First things to notice, are it's almost standard shape and VERY good overall condition. From front to back, everything falls into place making this car look like it didn't age a bit. But it only looks standard, loads of things were replaced or upgraded. The exterior was kept white/black, but it did receive a fresh paint using materials and procedures that were used back in the 80s. The contrast from the yellow lights and bronze rims, with the monochromatic paint only gives the car a more complete look.

But it doesn't stop here, the car looks good but also has to be fast and handle well. The 7-RIB engine received lots of goodies such as after market pistons, rod bearings, TODA cams & pulleys, Supra low impedance injectors and loads more, the list can go on and on. In short, not only the car can go fast, but it also handles well thanks to every bit of the suspension being upgraded.

Barry, in his own words:

"The car is a dream to drive, bar the clutch which is pretty much either an "on" or "off" kind of thing, so it's a bit rough. You can't beat the raw feeling you experience when driving an AE86, you feel every inch of the road through the pedals and the steering wheel. It's connected, it feels like YOU are driving."

"What I love about it? I love that it's mine, it's the way I want it. It's fully set up the way I like to drive it and it's a dream sideways."

As the day went on, the weather eventually got a lot better and we managed to shoot not only some good images but also the video seen bellow. Thank you Barry for taking to time to show us your car!