One of my friends picked up an '81 Toyota Starlet a couple weeks ago. It's been at another guys house, but he had to get rid of it so it's going to reside in my garage for a little while until he can get it down to his house.

Maybe I've just been living in a cave, but I'd actually never heard of the car until he started looking at it. It's in desperate need of some serious loving but seems like it has a lot of potential. It needs a new clutch, we went ahead and pulled the tranny last night. It's funny, this thing's tranny/clutch makes the miata look like a monstertruck.

Pics:

 

My parents bought a Starlet brand new. Last new car my family purchased actually. Paid like $3500 or so I think Dad once told me. I still remember seeing them drive up in it. Not exactly a roomy car for a family of 4, but we made it work. I never would have guessed they would become so sought after. I'd love to have one now!

 

Why are they so sought after?
Light and rwd?

 

60 Series
Production 1978–1984
Body style(s) 3-door hatchback
5-door hatchback
5-door station wagon
Layout FR layout
Platform P60
Engine(s) 2K, 3K & 4K
Transmission(s) K40 (4-speed)
K50 (5-speed)


I've always loved those, I would take one any day

 

Some people really build these things up. 4-AGE engines are a big thing to swap in. I imagine you could make one hell of an autocross car out of one of those. Nevermind the sleeper factor