A 1979 Toyota Corolla Shines Again
Picture this: a 1979 Toyota Corolla that’s had a glow-up worthy of a Hollywood star. Two years back, it landed in the hands of its current owner, and since then, it’s undergone quite the transformation. Imagine if a gearhead Michelangelo took to restoring a forgotten masterpiece. The work included jazzing up the suspension, giving the interior a swanky new look, and dressing the body in a sleek Gunmetal Gray. Forget the old carburetor; now it’s got a Holley Sniper fuel injection and MSD ignition—a techie’s dream overhaul.
Exterior: More Than Just a Pretty Face
Let’s step outside first. The body isn’t just gray; it’s Gunmetal Gray with matching bumpers and trims, the automotive equivalent of a tailored suit. Highlights? 13” steel wheels, that unmistakable fender-mounted mirror chic, and fog lights to guide it through the mistiest dawns. Freshly tinted windows? You bet. Plus, those quarter panel air vents and pop-out rear windows scream classic style with a hint of modern edge. Oh, and let’s not forget the meticulous repaint job—it’s all in the gallery if you fancy a peek.
A Classic Stance
- 155/80 Uniroyal Tiger Paw tires with thin-whitewall chic
- Power-assisted disc brakes upfront, drum brakes in the rear
- Lowered suspension for that hunkered down look
- Adjustable coilovers and KYB GR-2 shock absorbers—sleek and stable
Interior: On the Inside, It’s Still a Classic
Let’s slide into the cabin; you’ll find the front bucket seats and rear bench have swapped their worn-out textiles for fresh black vinyl. The dashboard, door panels, and carpets? All coordinated like a fashionista’s dream. There’s a Holley Sniper EFI module presiding over the center console—a nod to both style and modern convenience. Amongst all this, a retro-style Bluetooth radio nods to the past while keeping up with today. And, somewhere amid the hand-crank windows and the classic heater, there’s a fire extinguisher, ensuring you’re all set for any fiery adventure.
Air conditioning is halfway there—a refrigerant line and bracket for the compressor still needed. It’s basically like walking in with no shoes on; you have to finish the outfit.
Dashboard Drama
- A custom three-spoke steering wheel frames a vintage dash
- 85-mph speedometer, tachometer, and combination gauges
- Odometer shows 33,000 miles, though true mileage is as mysterious as a plot twist
Under the Hood: Modern Mechanics
Now, let’s talk muscle. The heart of this beast is a 1.6-liter 2T-C inline-four, freshly rebuilt and amped up with Holley Sniper EFI and an MSD ignition setup. It had an oil change just last November—she’s well taken care of. Power? Delivered to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual box, of course. There is a teeny weeny whisper of fluid seepage at the rear differential, but come on, even the greats have their quirks.
So, if you’re looking for a classic with character, and a side of modern flair, this turns heads everywhere it roams. It’s not just a car; it’s a conversation.