Bathurst AE86 Race Car

Scattered all over this fine country, and in some others, are historic Aussie race cars that slipped under the radar and never received quite as much recognition as they so well deserved.

This 1986 Toyota Corolla AE86 GT coupe is undeniably one of the most successful cars to ever compete for respect in the Australian Touring Car Championship, and it has recently been purchased and revived by Toyota Australia employee Chris O’Connor.

“It is an original Group A race car that has not been restored and is as it was when it was last raced in 1989,” Chris explained. He had to replace a few minor components here and there, but the Rolla’s still kickin’ around on the same powertrain that dominated its class on Mount Panorama in 1988.

“This car was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records.”  The Toyota Corollas won 28 consecutive races over a 2 year period, and this particular car took the honours because it contributed the most towards that achievement.

“This car was the third Group A Corolla built in Japan for Toyota Team Australia in 1986. It was built with TRD ‘Group A’ specifications,” Chris tell us.

There is no interior other than a race seat, harness, roll cage, a few TRD gauges in the dash, fire extinguisher and a big kill switch on the floor. There is no sound deadening and very little plastic is left. 

“I hope to own this car for a long time and I plan to use it in the occasional historic racing events and make it available for promotional work to encourage more people to support the history of motor racing in Australia.”