A car really doesn’t have to be in top condition to be lifted onto the podium. This nice Toyota Starlet proves that, which has not been untouched by the ravages of time. Techzle reader Robert Elderman spotted him in Arnhem. Thank you for sending.
Some cars star in ‘In het Wild’ because they were already rare when they came out, others have become rare with the passage of time. The latter applies to this Toyota Starlet from 1978. One of the cars that heralded the Japanese automobile conquest of the European continent. The really large numbers came with the second generation destined for Europe in the 80s, but you also saw this P60 generation regularly. Not anymore today and that’s no shame, after all, we are talking about a 42-year-old car that never really achieved enthusiast status.
That makes it even more fun that it is still there. It looks like it is a car that is still parked in the open air and, based on the relatively fresh MOT, it is also intended for (possibly even daily) transport. The current owner has had it for about two years now and does not seem to have bought it to bring it back in top condition. Just enjoy driving in original condition (those wheels aside), although we can imagine that you have to set aside quite a few ideals.
It is not entirely clear what is in the cream of the Toyota, but this Starlet was at least available with a 1.0, 1.2 and 1.3. Modest but for their time quite acceptable powerful engines, the power of which was transferred to the asphalt via the rear wheels. Yes, rear-wheel drive in a small car was still a thing back then. It must undoubtedly be a special experience to be on the road with this on a daily basis. It is only to be hoped that it will be taken care of as well in the long run. After all, it seems that the rust devil is now getting a scary grip on it.
Thanks for this nice spot, Robert!