5k: Turbo 13B Rotary Powered Hatch: 1982 Toyota Starlet
The Toyota Starlet KP61 generation was the first and only Starlet sold in the US Market and in 1985 it was replaced by the Toyota Corolla FX-16. It is a shame because the Starlet was setup with proper rear wheel drive and the FX was front wheel drive. It probably didn’t matter because both cars were mildly motivated by low powered 4-bangers, but when swapping in a more powerful engine the Starlet is preferred. Find this 1982 Toyota Starlet KP61 with 13B Turbo Rotary
for sale in Norcross, GA currently bidding for $3,550 reserve-not-met and $8,500 buy-it-now on ebay. Tip from Andy L.
Tipper Andy put it perfectly when he wrote to us:
Here is an interesting little car. I like the idea of fast hatch with
exotic power, but I almost never like other people’s interpretations.
Unlike the usual fast and furious fare, this one is not slammed,
painted neon-metallic, tinted out, skirted in plastic or bejewelled with
shiny glowing trinkets. Equally understated is the ad, unfortunately.
The exterior and engine bay appear tasteful, so maybe the rest of the
car is, as well. I am hoping the interior is devoid of pillar gauges
and the exhaust system isn’t made from dryer ductwork.
Understated the ad may be, but the car is certainly an extrovert. The turbocharged and intercooled Mazda 13B rotary engine under the hood that would have put out anything from 185 to 280 horsepower stock, but expect something in excess of 300 horsepower with the current setup. We really wish the seller had put more effort into describing the vehicle as the ad is extremely light.
See a cooler rotary powered 80s hatch? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
Sorry Andy – the ad says pillar and vent gauges, and you can make out the pillar gauges if you look carefully at the photos. Ah well. It's still 300hp in a 1700lb shell.
The best they can do if 4 stinking picture. Come on! I have some interest and it looks like a clean build but I am instantly turned off by 1) not enough pictures 2) business name "karboyz". That doesn't scream "We are about quality."
Pix are lacking but the detail under the hood looks pretty nice. A potent package from appearances. This car likely moves out very well…upgrade the brakes? More pix and detail would surely up the interest and confidence of all potentially interested. Now it seems a local would be best suited so they can look in person.