Summary
- TOM’S Heritage launches its restoration program the Toyota Corolla Levin AE86
- Full restoration initiative includes exterior, interior and engine updates, new wheels and more
- Pricing starts at above $80,000 USD if providing donor car, or above $100,000 USD with car included
For lovers of the classic “Hachiroku,” TOM’S Racing is preserving the legendary drift car’s legacy with its latest restoration program for the Toyota Corolla Levin AE86.
TOM’S Heritage – the restoration department under TOM’S Racing – unveiled its Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 program, one that overhauls the classic RWD legend of the drift scene from top to bottom. The press release reinstates that this isn’t simply some repair of rust and a paint job, but in fact a holistic refresh of the entire car.
Keep in mind; this isn’t a third party, independent company or a third party making replica shells. TOM’S Racing has been a respected racing company out of Japan who has worked closely – if not directly – with Toyota for decades. Back in 1975, Toyota even gave Tom’s authorization to tune its vehicles, much like AMG to Mercedes or ALPINA to BMW. A restoration of such an important vehicle like the AE86 being handled by a reputable company like TOM’S speaks volumes for the project.
Besides the obvious exterior and interior updates that the program addresses, the engine will also receive attention, where the team will apply modern techniques and parts to give the 4-AG engine much needed durability and reliability. The NA1600 racing engine is used for development inspiration, and along with a larger bore diameter and in increase in cc, the restored engine is expected to make over 190 horsepower at just shy of 8000 rpm. This is a sizable increase from 167hp at 7,400 rpm of the original.
The restoration wouldn’t be complete without fresh new wheels, to which TOM’S Racing is delivering its iconic lattice-style four-spoke design, now in a two-piece variety. The result is a much more aggressive style that modernizes the 86, which keeping to TOM’S Racing’s tradition.
Naturally, such a top-tier restoration comes at a cost. TOM’S Racing is offering two pricing tiers: ¥13,200,000 JPY (roughly $82,660 USD) if you’re supplying your own car, or ¥16,500,000 JPY (~$103,300 USD) all in. Both prices do make mention of “and up,” so these are merely entry point prices for now and may increase.
