
Toyota Corolla GT (1983-87)
Production Total: 958,760
Recorded in UK 2024
Licensed=16 SORN=107

The classic Toyota Corolla GT from the '80s! A true icon. Let’s dive into the quirks and occasional hiccups that these spirited little cars might have had back in the day.
1. Front-Wheel Drive Transition: The 1983-87 Corolla generation marked a significant shift—from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive. Now, this wasn’t as straightforward as changing your socks. It came with its share of challenges. You see, front-wheel drive requires a complex mechanism to simultaneously transmit drive power to the road surface while steering the front wheels. But hey, it was a bold move, and it paved the way for the Corolla’s future.
2. Scuffs and Bubbles: Like any aging beauty, the Corolla GT might have picked up a few battle scars over the years. Here’s what some owners have reported:
o A small scuff on the front bumper (probably from a car park mishap—don’t we all have those?
o A hairline crack in the centre of the front bumper (oops, someone got a bit too enthusiastic).
o A tiny bubble above the rear wheel arch (character-building, right?)2.
3. Maintenance and Repairs: While the Corolla GT was generally reliable, regular maintenance was key. Here are a few areas to keep an eye on:
o Electrical Gremlins: Wiring issues can crop up, especially in older cars. Check those connections and fuses.
o Suspension Components: Bushings, shocks, and struts—make sure they’re in good shape.
o Timing Belt: If you’re still rocking the original one, consider replacing it. Preventative maintenance is your friend.
o Fuel System: Keep the carburettor clean and the fuel lines clear.
o Cooling System: Overheating is no fun. Check hoses, radiator, and thermostat.
o Brakes: Well-functioning brakes are non-negotiable. Brake pads, rotors, and fluid—inspect and replace as needed.
4. Haynes Manuals to the Rescue: Back in the day, if you wanted to get your hands dirty (in a good way), you’d grab a Haynes Repair Manual. These gems provided step-by-step instructions, wiring diagrams, and even pictures to guide you through maintenance, fault finding, and repairs. The 1983-85 Corolla GT was covered in one of these classics. Saloon, hatchback (including the GT), and liftback—all front-wheel-drive versions—were included. Just remember, it didn’t cover the rear-wheel-drive estate or the GT coupe introduced after September 1987.
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Generations
The Toyota Corolla—a nameplate that has gracefully danced through the decades like a seasoned ballroom dancer. Let’s unravel the generations of this automotive legend, shall we?
1. The Early Days (1966-1992):
o The Corolla waltzed onto the scene in 1966 as the E10 generation. It was a modest little sedan, but it had big dreams.
o Over the next few decades, it cha-cha-ed its way through various generations, each with its own flair:
E20, E30, E40, E50, E60, E70, E80, and E90—these were the early chapters of the Corolla saga. Two-door coupes, four-door sedans, and even a wagon or two joined the dance floor.
2. The '90s and Beyond (1992-Present):
o As the '90s swayed in, the Corolla decided to tango with longer life cycles. It flaunted its reliability, affordability, and efficiency—three moves that kept it at the top of the charts.
o Here’s a quick rundown of the more recent generations:
Ninth Generation (E120, E130): Bigger, roomier, and still charming. It grooved from 2003 to 2008.
Tenth Generation (E140, E150): Introduced in 2009, it even offered a larger 2.4L engine. Fancy footwork, indeed!
Eleventh Generation (E170): From 2014 to 2019, this sleek Corolla strutted its stuff. It even brought along high-performance GR models.
Twelfth Generation (E210): The current star of the show! Launched in 2020, it offers a choice of engines, including hybrids. And guess what? It’s still dancing—now with a mid-cycle refresh for 2023!
3. The Grand Finale:
o As of the summer of 2021, more than 50 million Corolla models have been sold worldwide. That’s like filling a stadium with Corollas and having a massive automotive concert
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Body Styles
The Toyota Corolla from the '80s—a time when shoulder pads were big, hair was bigger, and the Corolla was making its moves on the automotive dance floor! Let’s shimmy through the various body styles of the 1983-87 Corolla, shall we?
1. Four-Door Saloon:
o Picture this: a sensible, four-door sedan—the kind that takes you to work, the grocery store, and maybe even a weekend picnic. It’s like the dependable friend who always remembers your birthday.
2. Three-Door Hatchback:
o The hatchback was the cool kid in the Corolla lineup. Sleek, nimble, and ready for adventure. It said, “Hey, let’s hit the road, blast some '80s tunes, and find hidden shortcuts!”
3. Five-Door Liftback:
o The liftback was like the hatchback’s sophisticated cousin. It had that extra door for convenience, but it still knew how to party. Imagine folding down those rear seats and loading up with camping gear or oversized houseplants. Practicality with a dash of flair!
4. Two- and Three-Door Coupes:
o These were the rebels—the James Deans of the Corolla family. The two-door coupe was sleek and sporty, while the three-door coupe added a touch more practicality (because sometimes you need to carry more than just your leather jacket).
o Now, here’s the twist: drivetrains!
• The front-wheel drive (FF) magic was sprinkled on the hatchback, liftback, and saloon models. It optimized interior space and comfort—perfect for daily commuting or road trips with friends.
• But wait, there’s more! The rear-wheel drive (FR) groove was reserved exclusively for the coupes. Why? Because rear-wheel drive adds a sprinkle of driving excitement and a pinch of sportiness. Those coupes knew how to cha-cha around corners!
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Engines
Under the bonnet of the 1983-87 Toyota Corolla and see what made these little legends tick.
1. Front-Wheel Drive Models:
o The Corolla’s front-wheel drive lineup had a trio of engines:
1.3-Litre 2A-LU: This little powerplant was like the espresso shot of engines—compact but peppy. It woke up with 58 horsepower (or 65 PS, if you prefer metric units) and did its duty efficiently.
1.5-Litre 3A-LU: Slightly larger, this engine offered a bit more oomph. It churned out around 71 to 75 horsepower (that’s 53 to 56 kW in fancy car lingo). Perfect for zipping around town or cruising to your favourite '80s tunes.
1.6-Litre 4A-ELU: Now we’re talking! This one came with electronic fuel injection (EFI), which was like giving the Corolla a digital caffeine boost. It flexed its muscles with around 112 horsepower (or 84 kW) in rear-wheel drive applications. Smooth, efficient, and ready for action!
2. Rear-Wheel Drive Coupes:
o Ah, the coupes—the rebels of the Corolla family. These sporty two-door wonders had their own engine lineup:
1.5-Litre Engine: Mounted longitudinally (that’s fancy talk for “lengthwise”), this engine was all about classic rear-wheel drive fun. It delivered a spirited drive, even if it wasn’t the most powerful kid on the block.
1.6-Litre Engine: Similar to its smaller sibling, but with a bit more grunt. Whether you were carving corners or just cruising, this engine had your back.
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Spares
Ah, the quest for vintage Corolla spares—an adventure worthy of a classic road trip! Let's dive into the treasure hunt, shall we?
**1. Autopartspro.co.uk**:
- Autopartspro is like the secret lair where car enthusiasts gather to find original parts. They've got a stash of goodies for the **Toyota Corolla** from various generations, including our beloved '80s models.
- Imagine shelves lined with brake pads, oil filters, suspension arms, and even wing mirror glass—all waiting to be adopted by a caring Corolla owner.
- Whether you're in the UK or Ireland, Autopartspro ships fast and free. So grab your toolkit and get ready to tango with some genuine Corolla parts! ¹
**2. Autodoc.co.uk**:
- Autodoc is like the online marketplace where car parts do a little dance, waiting for their perfect match. And guess what? They've got a soft spot for **Toyota Corolla** models.
- From timing belts to wheel hubs, Autodoc's got you covered. Plus, their parts come with a warranty—like a promise sealed with a high-five.
- So, whether you're in the UK or Ireland (or anywhere else with an internet connection), Autodoc delivers quality parts right to your doorstep. Cha-ching! ²
**3. Toyota Parts Direct**:
- Picture this: a virtual warehouse filled with **genuine Toyota Corolla parts and accessories**. That's Toyota Parts Direct for you!
- Secure payment? Check. Thousands of products in stock? Double-check. Next-day delivery? Oh, they've got that covered too.
- So if you need a new wing mirror, tailgate struts, or even a wheel arch cover (because, hey, even wheel arches deserve some love), Toyota Parts Direct is your backstage pass to Corolla bliss.
**4. eBay (Because Why Not?)**:
- eBay—the wild west of online shopping. But guess what? Sometimes you strike gold!
- Search for "GENUINE Toyota Corolla EE80 1983-87 RIGHT Wing Mirror" (yes, the caps make it more exciting). You might just find that elusive wing mirror painted in GREY. Isle of Wight? They've got you covered too.