The Hachiroku!

Ever wondered why it was called the Hachiroku? Well Hachi means '8' in Japanese and roku means '6'. Put them together and you get Hachiroku or 86! The AE86 Toyota Corolla/Sprinter is by far Japans most famous car, thanks to a Tofu delivering boy in Initial D and because of its drifting capabilities. 

A few Sri Lankan's lust behind perfect examples like this (younger guys mainly), the older generation have already forgotten the 86, classing them as old and useless. Sad, but this is the true story. This is why these cars are so rare and even if u do find one its in very bad shape. Most people do not know what this car is all about or what it has done to the Toyota image, and this lack of knowledge is causing cars like this to disappear.  

Introduced in 1983 the Trueno/Levin coupe was the last rear wheel drive Corolla/Sprinter. That feature and its almost 50/50 weight distribution meant it was a huge bundle of fun! And thats what made this car famous the world over and it also showed that the Jap's too could make a good sports car.

This is probably one of the very few well looked after examples in Sri Lanka. It has been painstakingly restored down to the last nut and bolt. Gotta love that profile. 

The difference between the Trueno and the Levin was that the Levin got fixed headlamps and the Trueno got the lovely retractable ones! 

The sticker has taken a fair share of beating, but it really does add character to the car. Something this has in bucket loads. Modern Toyota in the background was a coincidence! 

The wheels have been replaced with authentic JDM 4 spoke ones with plenty of rubber around them! Just the way i like it on these old cars. 

Other mods include an OEM Spoiler & front lip, stiffened suspension, every single bush has been replaced to Poly Urethane ones. Rear discs and also Limited Slip Diff. 

You gotta have a shot with those lights up! Lovely! You can see the front lip from this angle, and also the lifted hood struts to aid cooling the mighty engine under it! 

Oh and a what a glorious engine it is! A 4AGZE (which means its Supercharged) powers this little beast. Its pretty quick and it makes a lovely sound to die for.

On the interior, you see a classic Nardi Steering Wheel (Obviously!), a short throw gear box, bucket seats and Drift style E Brake. 

Put everything together and you get one really cool and nostalgic ride that gets a lot of looks from passers by. As the owner says its a very humble car, but a car that is a piece of automotive history. Have to thank Heshan  Jayawardena who is an all round really nice guy for letting me shoot his car and for maintaining this 86 in the way it is. Wish i was lucky enough to own something like this. Let it live long......

By Charith Kulasiri