Beigefish: 1980 Toyota Corolla TE72 Wagon
The E70 generation of Corolla was the last to be sold as rear-drive only with all bodystyles featuring North-South engines and the power sent to the correct end of the car. The subsequent generation was split by Toyota between two platforms, with the AE86 coupe/fastback being RWD and CE80 / AE82 (everything else) being WWD. So if your heart desires a ‘rolla wagon for drifting or proper burnouts, this is the newest version available. Find this 1980 Toyota Corolla TE72 Wagon for sale in Whitefish, MT for $5,000 via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.
This particular example is a fetching shade of appliance beige, and seems pretty original apart from the wheels. But they compliment the boxy styling and quad round headlights well enough. The seller calls the color “Steve Irwin” Beige which seems to suit the utilitarian yet friendly nature of this little beastie, ready to tackle outdoor adventures. Except snow. The seller says this car is being sold because it is “completely worthless in the snow,” after moving it from the Portland area to the snowy climes of Montana (“I would have liked to have seen Montana….gkkk“).
The seller does mention a long laundry list of recent maintenance, including an engine rebuild of the 3T-C 1.8L 4-cylinder, so it seems like a great starting point for a wagon enthusiast, even if the price is a bit steep for a 27-year-old economy car, and it only wheezed out 75hp brand new. Survivors like this aren’t getting any more common however, and sometimes you have to pay to play.
See a better J-Tin RWD ‘goon? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
CFlo just discovered that his wife’s BMW 2002 needs a new diff. Who has an E21 LSD laying around that they need to get rid of?
I paid $350 for a very rusty one of these a long time ago. I loved that thing. It was bombproof, and yes, I tried. I made several ill advised 1000 mile plus trips in it with only enough $ for gas to get where I was going. Fun Fact; if you pull out the interior panel on the liftgate, and lay at an angle, a 6 footer can sleep comfortably in the back.
HFRO reference, FTW.
Don't forget the rabbits.