French, German, Italian, British, Japanese – we all have a preference for certain youngtimers, classics or vintage cars on two or four wheels. Joey (28) also has his own preference, his heart beats for (older) Japanese cars, specifically the Toyota Starlet. He calls it an addiction that he acquired when buying his first car, which he will probably never get rid of.
The Toyota Starlet, the gray mouse?
Almost everyone is familiar with the Toyota Starlet, the small, mischievous Japanese that was built by Toyota in four generations from the 80s to the late 90s. Progressive, yet simple technology and good driving characteristics made these cars very popular with each generation. Even today you sometimes see them on the streets, although usually not in the same condition as Joey's 1991 Toyota Starlet.
This Toyota started life as a gray mouse: a standard 1.3 12V engine purred happily under the hood. For more than 28 years with its previous owner, who then decided to stop driving at the age of 92. The car was awarded to an enthusiast and thus ended up with Joey. The car did not remain standard for long. The original engine was replaced by a 1.5 16V with various minor adjustments, and the chassis was overhauled for driving on the Nürburgring and on sunny summer days. Visually enough has also been done to the car. The car is equipped with a bumper set and lighting from the Toyota Starlet GT-Turbo from Japan.
Sharing exciting pleasures
For Joey, his Starlet is very important. His previous Toyota Starlet was his first car, which he bought seven years ago. Unfortunately, the Japanese steel of this car was not resistant to the rust devil and with four tons on the clock, the car had to make way for this beautiful gray example. All good parts and upgrades were transferred and improved where necessary. Over time he collected knowledge, parts and also friends he met through his hobby. For him, it is not only the car that counts, but also the valuable friendships that this hobby brings. Finally, sharing your fun makes it even more fun.
Toyota Starlet fanatic
Joey can now be called a real Toyota Starlet fanatic, because once he starts talking about his car, it is difficult to keep him quiet. Together with his friends he regularly takes tours through the beautiful Frisian landscape and every now and then they can also be found at the Nürburgring in the Eifel.
A project car is never finished, says Joey. He is always looking for new improvements to his Toyota. In every article about enthusiasts of youngtimers, classics and vintage cars, it always appears that the experience comes first. It just remains different than modern cars. The value is not in the money, but often in the memories you have of it and the fun you can experience from it.
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Oh man, I have such a soft spot for that P8. After reading this article I spent the rest of the evening on the well-known car sites. But the garage is already full... You can always dream.
I have sometimes seen film compilations of driving skills of drivers who demonstrate their tough driving skills on the Nürburgring. Hilarious, but a lot of money is cremated. A shame for such a nice car. A tough-looking so-called 'Domstrebe' will then 'egnie' save you. And the guardrail also does very nasty things to the outside of a car. At least keep it with two wheels on the asphalt and keep the painted side up anyway 🙄
I don't see a roll cage. Idea?
some dangerous things Joey: but good stuff!!