THIS OLD SCHOOL COROLLA TOOK A FEW UNLIKELY TURNS AND IT’S BETTER THAN EVER
- This Corolla features an engine swap with a 5sp manual driving the rear wheels.
- As part of a thorough restoration, it was resprayed in a shade of green from Lexus.
- Other upgrades include adjustable coilovers and a set of 15-inch Enkei wheels.
If you think of a Toyota Corolla and immediately picture a drab, uninspiring hatchback, well, you’re not entirely wrong. But before you dismiss the Corolla completely, take a look at this one. This isn’t the generic, forgettable commuter car you’ve come to know and mildly tolerate.
This second-generation Corolla Coupe has been seriously transformed into something that could actually put a smile on your face, if not for its looks, then definitely for its driving experience.
Read: Toyota Just Killed Every Gas-Only Corolla In Japan
Likely one of the few remaining second-gen Corolla Coupes on US roads, this one is up for sale in California. Under the hood, it’s packing a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine borrowed from a Japanese market Corolla, specifically a twin-cam 4-cylinder with a 3T block, a 2T-G cylinder head, and dual Mikuni sidedraft carburetors.
There’s no word on how much power it has, but all you need to know is that the engine is mated to a five-speed manual transmission that drives the rear wheels. Yep, this is actually a Corolla that should be a hoot to drive.
The Cars & Bids listing adds that a new set of adjustable coilovers has also been added, together with adjustable lower control arms, adjustable camber plates, and new strut rods. It also rocks aftermarket sway bars and sits on some sweet looking 15-inch Enkei wheels that match the car perfectly.
Cars & Bids
According to the seller, the Corolla’s bodywork has also been stripped back to the bare metal and was repainted in the current shade of green from the Lexus palette. This paint looks perfect for a car of this vintage. The interior has also been refreshed and includes a Momo Prototipo steering wheel, a Momo shifter, and class cloth and vinyl upholstery.
It goes without saying that you’re not going to win and traffic light races with this 1972 Corolla Coupe, but there’s no way of replicating the same kind of experience you get driving a compact, classic car like this in a modern equivalent. Nowadays, cars are heavy, laden with all manner of safety equipment that can get in the way of the experience. This Corolla represents a welcome reprieve from any current Toyota.
If all this has you itching to get behind the wheel of a classic, you can check out the listing at C/B over here and place your bid, but you better hurry up as time’s running out.
Cars & Bids
2025-05-20T18:45:52Z