Toyota might not always be the first name that springs to mind when you think of sports cars, but a dive into their history reveals a lineage of truly exceptional machines. Forget the complex tech of today; let’s journey back to a time of simpler, more engaging Japanese coupes that captivated enthusiasts and steered them away from the usual muscle car suspects. These Toyotas weren’t about straight-line speed dominance. Models like the GT-S and MR2 Turbo offered something far more alluring: addictive cornering prowess that more than compensated for any lack of outright power. Their popularity and relative affordability, however, presented a double-edged sword. These gems could just as easily end up cherished by true aficionados or fall prey to misguided projects with questionable parts and intentions.
Fortunately, encounters like the one after Toyotafest with Duane Tomono and Janet Fujimoto serve as perfect reminders of the magic that happens when discerning enthusiasts see a restoration project through to completion.
Mention the code “AE86” to any car enthusiast and a flood of iconic imagery instantly comes to mind: Keiichi Tsuchiya, the legendary drift king; the tofu delivery car from Initial D; pop-up headlights slicing through the night; cherry blossoms dancing in the smoky trails of a perfectly executed drift; sublime chassis balance; and that unmistakably angular 1980s aesthetic.
The lightweight and heavily-hyped hachi-roku is more than just a car; it’s a cultural icon. But does the reality live up to the legend? Like many heroes, the AE86 experience can be a mixed bag, heavily dependent on the individual car’s condition. With countless variations produced globally, the quality of surviving examples is incredibly diverse. The AE86 you might spot down the street, burdened with fiberglass panels, questionable bodywork, and held together with cheap fixes and dubious modifications, is hardly representative of its true potential.
However, Duane and Janet’s AE86 GT-S is a different story altogether – a true gem in every sense. Appearing to have defied time since 1985, their car is a meticulously restored testament to what a perfect AE86 should be in 2017, and arguably still today. While Toyota never originally fitted SSR Longchamp XR-4 wheels, they complement the car impeccably, adding a touch of period-correct flair to the otherwise pristine and OEM-spec GT-S. Even the smallest details, like trim screws and rarely seen fasteners, are genuine Toyota parts. How does one achieve such meticulousness? Working for Toyota certainly doesn’t hurt.
While pinpointing the exact moment our automotive passions ignite can be elusive, Janet’s love for Japanese cars stretches back to the 1970s. Beyond these two immaculate Toyotas, her first car, acquired at 16 with a fresh driver’s license, was a 1972 Datsun 1200. Recalling it as “The slowest 1200cc ever made,” Janet remembers its struggles to reach highway speeds and even climb hills in her neighborhood. Undeterred, she began her career at Datsun soon after, later transitioning to Toyota where she has dedicated over 30 years to her favorite brand. So, the Toyota license plate frames on their cars? They’re not just corporate branding; they represent a genuine, lifelong connection to the marque.
Returning to the AE86, a close inspection from every angle—engine bay, interior, exterior—leaves you speechless. Everything is present, correct, and as it should be. Describing the sight of correctly upholstered GT-S seats, a stock 4A-GE engine, and an unmolested exterior as “refreshing” is a profound understatement. The sheer thoroughness Duane and Janet poured into this project, completed in their own garage rather than outsourced to a shop, is even more impressive than the final result. Their passion is evident in their eagerness to share the details and tribulations of doing things the right way, not the easy way.
Passion often extends beyond a single project, and Duane and Janet are no exception. Beside the quintessential 80s AE86 sits another red Toyota: a 1993 MR2 Turbo. Dismissive critics sometimes label these the “poor man’s Ferrari 355,” a comparison that completely misses the point. It’s doubtful that MR2 owners secretly yearn for Ferraris. One is an exorbitantly priced, high-maintenance machine that awkwardly blends Testarossa elements with overly rounded air intakes, while the other is an unpretentious, accessible, affordable, and cohesively designed sports car that prioritizes momentum and driving finesse over brute force. The choice, for many enthusiasts, is clear.
The MR2 Turbo has undergone a similar meticulous restoration as the AE86. Sharing the same vibrant red hue, it has been painstakingly rebuilt with correct parts, representing a prime example of how these cars can shine when properly cared for. While perhaps not as prone to budget-upgrade disasters as some Japanese sports cars, every generation of the MR2 has unfortunately suffered at the hands of those influenced by movies like the early Fast and Furious franchise. But, as you might expect, this MR2 is far from being one of those examples.
The wheels, like those on the AE86, are aftermarket but period-correct. Janet and Duane opted for high-quality, Japanese-made Work Equip wheels, lending the mid-engined, T-top Toyota a more aggressive stance and presence than the original wheels. The five-spoke Work Equips are a superb choice, adding a striking contrast to the car’s overall aesthetic with their blocky simplicity juxtaposed against the MR2’s rounded lines. Complementing the wheels are Tein Super Street coilovers, tucking the wheels snugly into the arches, and a Berk exhaust subtly enhances the engine note.
Beyond these carefully chosen modifications, this second-generation MR2 adheres to OEM standards throughout. The factory-turbocharged 2.0L 3S-GTE engine has been completely rebuilt using only genuine Toyota parts, including the turbocharger components. Similarly, the limited-slip differential was refurbished with OEM parts during its restoration. To ensure optimal handling and complement the coilovers, all bushings were replaced with fresh stock Toyota components – a welcome departure from the often-seen polyurethane bushings, which are better suited for dedicated track cars.
So, here we have two distinct Toyota Sports Cars from different decades, yet united by a common thread of exceptional build quality and a shared ethos. While their designs and intended purposes may differ, their underlying spirit remains remarkably consistent, embodying the best of Toyota’s sports car heritage.
