Initialize

The "curse of the mechanic" as I call it, has been upon us again.  I say this lovingly, knowing full well that part of loving cars is owning more of them...
We've had our '93 Corolla (the boys named it "Yoda") for a long time now.  It's been dependable and easy to take care of.  We purchased that Corolla out of necessity, for something that would fit the four of us that wouldn't break down.  That car was good to us, but it was also the "dry white toast" of cars according to Pete.  About a month ago, a guy at the shop offered to buy Yoda.  Well Pete came home jumping up and down, because for the same price he was offered, he found his next car already.  With a knowing sigh I told him to do what he felt was right but this car had to fit the four of us and be RUNNING!  We already have a truck that doesn't run, and we can't run school and work without 2 functioning cars.  I asked Pete what his new car will be, and he says with a grin, "Get this, Christy.  It's an eight-six."


Real-life version of the Initial D AE-86

An eight-six is also known as the Toyota Corolla GTS, or the Toyota AE-86, one of the first affordable drift-racing cars.  It's an FR; front-engine, rear-wheel drive and despite it's age (believe it or not), it is a rare and coveted vehicle.  One of the reasons I already know so much about this car is because of the show Initial D, (get this) an anime show about drift racing in Japan (yes, Pete and I are geeks).  It's about Takumi, a humble kid who delivers tofu in his dad's AE-86 and becomes one of the greatest downhill street racers in Japan (see video below).  This TV show made the eight-six even more famous.  Now, the guys who previously owned Pete's car (also geeks) painted it to look exactly like Takumi's on the show with the exception of the "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" japanese writing on the side (and a few scratches/dents/rust spots).  Pete's plan is to change the paint-job eventually, but for now it looks just like the picture!  The boys love the car, their favorite thing is the pop-up headlights.

I have to say, I have honestly never ever had as much fun behind the wheel of any other car.  It might not look like much, and it might be from 1987, but this thing just flies.  It turns on a dime, and it's built to rev high.  It sounds fantastic.  Sometimes I find excuses just to drive it around.  If you can drive a stick, come by and take it for a spin sometime.