1986 Toyota Corolla

Much like the revered Statue of Liberty, the stunning pyramids of Egypt, and the glamorous Hollywood sign, the Toyota Corolla AE86 is a long lasting icon that has managed to transcend generations of tuners, and continues to lead the pack as one of the most regarded vehicles in the tuning community. Born in the mid '80s when performance and style were waning features in building cars, the AE86 represented the last line of Corollas that actually characterized values important to tuners.

The Corollas that soon followed, however, have become mere cutouts of this legendary car, focusing more on roominess, safety, resale value, and fuel economy. The Corollas of today are downright sissies in comparison.

Nonetheless, we're happy that, at the very least, the AE86's legend continues to thrive in tuning centers across the country in a variety of forms: show car, drift, time attack, street, and even drag. But our favorite is the feral form, marked by the rusted AE86 chassis, mismatched wheels, torn dashboard, and the unexpected look of happiness on the owner's face. Happy that regardless of what onlookers may say, or whatever his friends are whispering behind his back, he has a Toyota Corolla AE86, and that's all that really matters. Such is the allure of this legendary vehicle.

Likewise, such is the case of Sean Igawa of Honolulu, Hawaii. His AE86 surpasses all forms and creates its own breed. From the exterior alone, a sense of greatness is emanated leveling off with a degree of knowing that the body alone is merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg. And indeed, it is.

As the shop owner of Munky Wurks, Sean was introduced to the tuning game over 10 years ago when he purchased an '86 Toyota 4Runner turbo. A friend, like all good friends who are into cars, felt Sean was wasting the potential of his SUV. He advised Sean to read up on automotive modifications and create engine performance-Sean was automatically consumed by the madness. Later, in 2001, with a cesspool of information mostly on modifying Toyotas, Sean decided to buy a Corolla. He frequented Club4AG.com, detailed his plans for the car, and asked his friends to help him out. What became a mere side project ballooned into an all-encompassing world of AE86.

This Corolla actually started its life as a POS automatic SR5, which in AE86 terms means the crap that looked the part, but didn't have the balls to play the part, better known as your grandmother's daily driver. A friend donated a nearly dying GTS, which was scrapped; parts were then transplanted into the SR5. Afterwards came the overhaul of the chassis.

Running the style department of Sean's AE86 is a Run Free body kit, modeled Type II Trueno. This JDM kit features the necessary hardware, but Sean included the front and rear fenders to extend width, and a svelte full FRP hatch with wing. He then painted the bumpers a custom brown metallic to create a two-tone feel. He also added a Car Boutique hood and carbon-fiber J-Blood doors.

It's underneath the Car Boutique hood that makes this AE86 special. Loaded with an AE92 high-compression engine, a 4AGZE motor if you will, the Corolla blasts through the streets of Honolulu with impressive numbers. It's because, as the 4AG nerds know, the Z in that engine code stands for supercharged-which also translates to very fast. Modified with an HKS 10 psi pulley, the supercharger is helped by a Rein Hard 60mm exhaust, HKS high-flow catalytic converter, Toda cam gears, and a Koyo radiator. But what really gets it going is a custom V-mount setup that maximizes the air in the engine-all of which helped Sean win countless awards including Best JDM, Best of Show, and Best Performance at a variety of events.