Across the world this weekend, fans of Toyota’s legendary Corolla AE86 have been gathering to celebrate 86 Day (traditionally the 6th of August). While technically speaking, 86 Day in the UK should be held on the 8th June (due to the way we write dates here!), the longstanding Corolla Brotherhood kept the worldwide tradition alive by holding their annual retro Toyota meet at Driftworks in Birmingham today.
Knowing just how excitable a group of Toyota fanatics can be, I headed to the location early knowing that the parking spaces would already be almost full prior to the advertised starting time – I wasn’t wrong! The first car that caught my eye was Chris “Paz” Parry’s legendary Levin, which you might remember from my recent video feature.
Paz has recently removed his 15″ WORK Meister S1 wheels and replaced them with a set of 14″ Volk TE37s. The new look is certainly different but I love it; red and bronze is such a classic look.
I was also a big fan of this really clean two-tone red and black Levin; the full interior and subtle blue tints on the rear windows were two features I felt suited this car perfectly.
This Levin was also absolutely immaculate, with the stripped-out interior and perspex windows hinting that a no-compromise approach was used with this build.
Although, you only needed to look into the engine bay to ascertain that. This truly was one of those engine bays that people claim they could eat their dinner off.
I’d seen this Levin Coupe doing the rounds on Facebook and eBay during the past week, so I wasn’t sure whether it was the seller or the new owner who had brought it to the meet. Either way, I was hugely jealous as it looked fantastic – clean, simple and authentic.
The Levin parked next to it arrived on a trailer, which I’m assuming could be because the owner had travelled from Northern Ireland with the car in order to attend (judging by the number plate). The deep green paint looked absolutely flawless – this was a seriously clean car.
It was awesome to see Lauren’s Trueno in attendance – I think the last time I saw this Corolla was when I featured it on here back in 2011. The engine and suspension have since had an overhaul, while the WORK Meister wheels also suit the classic white and black two-tone paint down to a tee.
As per last weekend’s Meguiar’s BBQ, bringing a dog to a car meet always seems to be the best way to meet people. Lauren’s canine friend Indy certainly had no qualms about checking out other people’s cars and saying hello!
This Levin ticked all the right boxes for me and probably best represents how I would modify a Corolla should I own one some time in the future. Aggressive wheel setup? Check. Partially stripped interior with mismatched Bride seats? Check.
Supercharger setup? Well, I wasn’t expecting that but sure, why not: check!
The Driftworks DW86 is barely a Corolla anymore in terms of mechanics, although the guys have always made sure that its appearance still remains true to the car’s Trueno roots.
Speaking of cars that aren’t really Corollas or even Toyotas at all, I decided to park my Y32 Cedric amongst the Toyota crowd. I’ve still got a few things to finish off before it sees the road again, but that didn’t stop Driftworks bossman Phil and Al of Trackday Films-fame from dropping some necessary hard poses for this photo.
I also brought my C33 Laurel out to play. Thankfully, parking it next to Dan Joyce and Rich Starkey’s respective yellow S15s helped me to blend in with the Toyota crowd a bit more.
This silver JZX100 Chaser also looked pretty cool and represented the four-door crowd well.
While we’re on the subject of four-doors, this gorgeous KE70 made me all kinds of jealous.
Throughout the afternoon, the Corollas just kept on rolling in and it was great to see just how much diversity there is in this relatively small scene.
AE86 owners are completely dedicated to the retro Toyota cause and will do anything to keep their beloved cars running as best they can. Some may be track cars, some might be country lane cruisers and others may be show cars but everyone involved shares the same passion for these hugely enjoyable cars.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to spend all afternoon at the event but in the short time I was there I saw enough incredible Corollas to make me seriously consider buying one just to enjoy on tight and twisty country lanes.
Many Japanese classics will come and go but, I can be fairly certain that in another ten or even twenty years time, the fabled AE86 Corolla will still remain as one of the most cherished.
There is just so much fun and enjoyment to have with what is one of Toyota’s most iconic creations – long live the AE86 and the worldwide celebration of 86 Day!
