When will the original design and construction of a car become an obstacle? For many of us (including myself) the urge to change a car will often take place before the keys are in hand.
The Toyota AE86 is a perfect example of this; They are many things for many people and, with the right changes, can become an incredibly capable machine despite its inherent shortcomings.
While some owners remain faithful to the purist approach, the preservation of the original 4a-ge engine and accompanying walking equipment (again guilty), what if you would never have those parts to start with?

Case-in-point: the AE86 that you see here, owned by Robbie Durant.

That name is perhaps somewhat known; Robbie Co-Dreve In addition to Travis Pastrana in the Rally Association (ARA) Rally Championship for the Pandemie, which spent more than two decades in the Navigatorstoel.

This AE86 is more than just a car for Robbie – it serves as a rolling portfolio for its expertise in electronics and wiring. His work includes everything from Formula 1 to WRC cars, and this project is a showcase of that skill.

The car started as a rolling scale of Dytko Sport in Poland, a company that is known for its expertise in the “Professional design and construction of unusual cars for collecting and racing.” The scale had already undergone important changes, including Nissan S14 subframes front and rear, as well as a roll cage.
More work was needed to bring the car to its current shape, including extra reinforcement to ensure that the build met the high standards that are needed for what is essentially a business card on wheels.
The outside is relatively modest, with a vintage TRD-inspired livrei. Composite panels have replaced the original metal bonnet, the front fenders and the start -up lid to save weight.

European AE86 enthusiasts perhaps recognize the Hasselback lip that is attached to the front bumper, a rare dealer citness in the past.

The Corolla bears a further inspiration of the meeting of Robbie and carries 15-inch braids wrapped in 205/50R15 semi-slicks. CBY-style arches replace the stock units for the wider wheel and tire package.
Öhlins DFV dampers are equipped with all four corners of the car, and since these photos were taken, the fronts have been upgraded with AP Pro5000 cell pipers with 2-part discs designed to fit in a 15-inch wheel.

But it is in the interior and the engine room where Robbie has really been able to demonstrate his skills.

Motec supplied the M880 ECU, C127 DASH, PDM16 and a CAN keyboard, all professionally integrated with Deutsch -Connectors and an adapted wiring -loom -in -loom in Raychem R25 tubes.
This high-end electronics package leaves little to be desired, with full data registration, a 25MHz GPS for speed and track mapping and brake pressure sensors.
All critical controls are neatly arranged on an adapted panel mounted on the steering wheel, with the can keyboard housed in a 3D-printed mount.
A few parts with Motorsport heritage have also found their way to the car, a Prodrive Group a Impreza Hydraulic Hand brake and a passenger foot plate stored from a WRC Mini Clubman built by Diepgebouw among them.

Corolla-Purists, put your bracket-er is not Toyota 4A-GE in the motor compartment. Instead, a Honda F20C of an S2000 takes place at the location of place, gulps air through Jenvey individual gas valve bottomies and exhaling through a customized exhaust system.

Thanks to a 45-liter fuel cell, refueling comes in the boot, with core performance pumps and fittings that keep the electricity stable.

Depending on the noise regulations, an exhaust of a side distance in the sill makes an alternative exhaust route possible when permitted. Otherwise Robbie runs a conventional decay system.
The combination of car and driver has proved to be very capable and disputed for the fastest time at events such as the Curborough Sprint Day.

Although this car may never be satisfied with those who mainly appreciate originality, the performance speaks for itself. From a motorsports perspective, selecting the right parts for the task that the AE86 -shell could just as easily have been an Opel Kadett, MK2 Ford escort or something similar.


Although the character of the Corolla has changed drastically from its 4A-ge and live axle roots, who have never had those parts under his property and therefore no nostalgia to think, Robbie was able to concentrate on building a really fast and Well executed car – one that also looks good.
Chaydon Ford
Instagram: chaycore
AE86 stories about Speedhunters
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