Classics by The Beach: June, 2026

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Old school cool meets new-ish school resto-mod in this absolute ripper 4A-GE-powered 1969 Corolla, resulting in a mean machine that doesn't just look the part but is in equal measure wolf - or fox, according to the rego - in sheep's clothing.  Alright, I admit that it's pretty lairy looking sheep attire - striking red duco, front and rear spoilers, a fat set of 13" Jelly Bean alloys and a race-inspired interior - but all that good gear's pretty much in keeping with the car's era.     

However, a standard KE17 Sprinter, as the fast back variant is known, was equipped with an 1166 cc twin-carby 3K-B pushrod engine, pumping out around 57 kW (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E10)).  That was lively enough for its day - especially in such a simple, light-weight shell - and certainly amenable to a bit of tuning but nothing in comparison to the 84 - 123 kW that can be had from the DOHC 4A-GEs fitted to Toyota's beloved AE86 range from the mid-1980s (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_AE86).  That's why this classic example has the potential to bite!

The installation's very neat and there's an alloy radiator with electric fans to keep the engine cool.  An AE86-compatible Toyota five-speed 'box has been fitted, too.

The heart of the beast:  Toyota's legendary 4A-GE four pot.

Of course, there were plenty more great vehicles on display at Classics by The Beach, Hobart's regular first-Sunday-of-the-month cars 'n'coffee, held at Long Beach, Sandy Bay.  So please take a look; you're sure to find something you like, be that an Aussie, British, US, European or Japanese marque.  Please enjoy!

 



International diplomacy, Classics by The Beach-style!  Let's hope the Portuguese and Japanese ambassadors have had a productive meeting.

A Toyota Crown Majesta V8, no less!


Port wine, Mr Ambassador?



This is either a Koenig wide-body Porsche 928 or a convincing replica thereof.  Either way, it's a stunning vehicle.  






There are lawnmowers with more tech than this 1915 Ford Model T.  And I say that admiringly, being no fan of the gadget-laden rubbish that pass for cars these days.  It's been nicely recommissioned in a sort of patina-spec meets home DIY configuration that leaves everything on show (also said with admiration!).  Nice!






It's hard to imagine a much more elegant saloon than this 1951 Riley.  Not only is its design achingly beautiful, it's also in first rate nick with deep, lustrous paint and glittering bright work.  Just lovely! 






An actual 4A-GE-powered Toyota AE86.








Datsun 240Zs don't get much better than this 1973 example.  It's ostensibly stock, other than a set of Wattanabe-style wheels, and is arguably better for not having been mucked about with.








Did you enjoy this post?  If so, why not browse the rest of the uppermiddlepetrolhead site?  There are loads and loads of classic, sports and performance vehicles featured, as well as stacks of car shows and motorsports events.  Even better, you can follow either the 'blog itself or do so via Upper Middle Petrol Head's Facebook page.  And please do like, comment and share!




U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)




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