1987 AE86 Levin GTV Built to Perfection
Plans for this AE86 Toyota Corolla Levin began with a simple roll cage for improved safety on the track. But things snowballed into one of the most thorough builds in existence.
AE86
The AE86 Toyota Corolla certainly needs no introduction. The compact, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive '80s Toyota has become an icon, aging like fine wine. It's down-right awesomeness have made it a cultural phenomenon, transcending the auto industry. The eighty-six's rising popularity in recent years has seen nice examples of the Corolla transformed into everything from show queen to drift machine.
Photos: Fast Car
Nicest in All of Europe
The example we're highlighting in this slideshow was first featured by Fast Car, where it was referred to as the best AE86 in existence in the UK. While appreciative of the complement, the man behind the build, Conrad Bradley would go as far as to call it the best in all of Europe. We may not be very familiar with the JDM scene across the pond, but a build like this would turn heads at any show in any corner of the United States as well.
>>Join the conversation about this AE86 Levin GTV right here in Club Lexus.
BEAMS Engine
Some purists will inevitably have a bone to pick with Bradley's choice of power under the hood of this Levin. Here, you will find a 2.0-liter BEAMS engine in place of the original 1.6-liter 4A-GE. But even the nay-sayers will undoubtedly be impressed by the sheer amount of effort and attention to detail that has gone into this creation. It all started when Bradley conceived the idea of owning an 86 as a track toy. He took his time finding one in nice enough condition.
>>Join the conversation about this AE86 Levin GTV right here in Club Lexus.
Snowball Effect
The initial plans included nothing more than installing a roll cage for safety purposes on the track. But as Bradley stripped the car down to its bare shell to be sent off for a roll cage build, he began formulating ideas for performance upgrades. He knew he wanted more power, so he decided to go with the 2.0-liter. And he also began thinking about a complete suspension overhaul.
>>Join the conversation about this AE86 Levin GTV right here in Club Lexus.
Attention to Detail
The engine bay structure had to be modified to fit the new mill, and the tunnel was enlarged to accept a 6-speed Altezza transmission. The phrase "no stone was left unturned" gets thrown around a lot in the automotive restoration/restomod realm. But it has never been more applicable than in this particular case.
>>Join the conversation about this AE86 Levin GTV right here in Club Lexus.
Built to Perfection
The results of all the work over Bradley's 12 years of ownership are this gorgeous street-legal track machine, with 210 horsepower from the high-revving motor and all the high-performance chassis and suspension parts you can find. That's why it's surprising to learn that Bradley had chosen to sell the vehicle. The track-ready Levin now resides with its new owner, who is (hopefully) enjoying it to its full potential.
>>Join the conversation about this AE86 Levin GTV right here in Club Lexus.
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