Toyota AE86s, also known as Hachiroku (eight-six), are essentially typical 1980s Japanese automobiles to the untrained eye. While this was true when it was first launched almost three decades ago, it has now evolved into something far more interesting.
Above all, the AE86 is a wonderful car in which to learn about the nature of the rear-wheel drive, thanks to its classic RWD balance and graceful, mechanical simplicity, which has drawn drifters to it. It’s nearly 30 years old, and it shows in certain ways, while it could still teach some newer sportscars a thing or two about handling.
The Toyota Aiichi region of Japan is home to Toyota. According to Investopedia’s market study, it was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda and is now the world’s largest vehicle firm. Toyota has produced a variety of cars, trucks, and SUVs, as well as numerous concept cars, since its foundation, the majority of which are still on the market while some have been discontinued for various reasons.
With that, here are 7 things everyone probably forgot about Toyota Corolla AE86
1. Hachi-Roku and modifications
The AE86’s popularity in Japan earned it the nickname “Hachi-Roku,” which translates to “Eight-Six.” The AE86 is one of the most heavily modified cars in automotive history. With largely speed or drifting changes, as well as cosmetic upgrades, of course.
2. AE86 and Drift King
The AE86 became popular with Japanese hashiriya (Japanese street racers) in the mid-’80s, who raced in the Japanese mountain passes. The AE86 was the car of choice for Japanese racing star Keiichi Tsuchiya, popularly known as The Drift King, who helped promote the sport of drifting during this time. The AE86 was dubbed the Drift King’s Chariot at one point. Keiichi used the AE86 to show off the new sport of drifting on Japan’s mountain routes. In a video titled The Drift Pluspy, he demonstrated these abilities as well.
3. AE86 and ‘Initial D’
The Toyota AE86’s reputation gained a starring position in the “Initial D” franchise, which is one of the few items or platforms that can improve a car’s appeal. Initial D, a manga about a young street racer and his AE86, was a huge hit. Numerous animated programs, films, and even live-action versions have been based on popular comics. They all had one thing in common, though: the Toyota AE86 in the heart of the action, winning hearts as it sped through the highlands and glided around tight turns. The popularity of Initial D increased the price of the Toyota AE86. This price increase is jokingly referred to as the “Takumi Tax,” after the main character in the film “Initial D.”
4. Fast and Furious
Fast & Furious is a racing and high-adrenaline film franchise that has lasted for over a decade. Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift is one of the films. The AE86 had a brief appearance in this film. When Sean races DK in the parking garage, an AE86 Panda Trueno, famous for being the car of Keiichi Tsuchiya (Drift King of Japan), is placed prominently on a corner. Many automotive enthusiasts were ecstatic because they immediately recognized the vehicle.
5. Known by its codename
It’s unusual for a car to be better known by its factory code name. The majority of automobiles are identified by their model names, such as Camry, Mustang, and Camaro. Corvette, for example. This is not the case with this car, as practically everyone refers to it as the AE86, or even its Japanese version, Hachi-Roku.
6. Championship car
Chris Hodgetts won the British Touring Car Championship in 1986 and 1987 while driving a Toyota AE86. In 1988, the AE86 won the European Touring Car Championship. It became well-known in the British and European music scenes as a result of these records. The lightweight Toyota AE86 won the Manufacturer’s Championship by defeating automobiles like the BMW M6, Volvo 240 Turbo, Mazda 929, Holden Commodore, Alfa Romeo 75, and Mercedes 190E 2.3-16 with its 150 horsepower output.
7. Cult following
The AE86 didn’t sell well in the UK or continental Europe when it first came out, but it sold well in the United States (because of the size of the market) and Ireland, with the latter’s large rallying following no doubt a deciding factor. The AE86 evolved from a well-kept secret to a cult favorite over time, and as energetic, rear-wheel-drive compact vehicles faded away, the value of used AE86s began to rise. It is well understood that owning an AE86 entails more than just driving the car. It’s a way of life. The cars require virtually continual maintenance, repairs, and upgrades due to their age.
Sources: Car Throttle, Hot Cars