Sam Vukich 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16
The Toyota Corolla remains a pinnacle vehicle even by today’s standards, recognized as an ideal and reliable economy car. First introduced in 1966 as the E10 series, this specific feature highlights a 1987 E80 series FX16. This particular car came from Tennessee, originally purchased by an older gentleman who used it reliably. After the gentleman passed away, his wife, who unfortunately couldn’t drive a manual transmission, kept the car. As time passed, it became necessary to part with this well-regarded vehicle. The Corolla was then sold to the owner before Vukich, who oversaw almost a full restoration of the car.
Vukich was already involved with Toyota cars before acquiring this hatchback. In 2021, he sent his ‘87 MR2 to a local body shop, where it remained from February to August in the hands of an unresponsive shop. While browsing an online marketplace, Vukich came across this AE82 for sale at a price of $6,000. He found it intriguing, having seen the same listing the previous year, completely unchanged. In 2020, Vukich couldn’t afford the car, but by 2021, he had saved enough money to make the purchase. He put together a plan and asked his friends if they wanted to drive down to Tennessee to pick up this newly restored car. The next day, they left, and he later remarked, “The trip down was a hoot, and the trip back was even hootier.”
These cars originally came from the factory with a 1.6L inline-4 Toyota 4A-GE engine, known for its spirited performance, boasting 108 horsepower and a surprising redline of 7,500 RPM. This same engine powers Vukich’s Corolla hatch. The front-wheel-drive, 5-speed manual was kept tastefully stock, with almost no engine modifications—except for the time Vukich had to replace the bottom end after the car somehow snapped a crankshaft, despite having “all 90 angry horsepower it has at the wheels.”
While the engine remains mostly stock, the car’s exterior is a bit more impressive. It has been repainted in a Ford Metallic Grey with lightly tinted windows and sits on Drag-branded, Mugen M7-style wheels. Inside, the rear seats have been removed and replaced with a plywood and carpet bed to make room for an impressive stereo system.
This is a modest and ‘cute’ car of sorts, built with longevity in mind. Vukich plans to keep the car stock and in good visual condition, perhaps to show off along with its original dealership paperwork.
