Panda Perfect
Sometimes its best to just work with a winning formula. This Trueno is the perfect example of working with whats out there to create a timeless Gem. The AE86, especially a Panda schemed Trueno is probably one of the most iconic cars lingering on the top of any Japanese car enthusiast.
Back in 2007 Sean had a very similar dream. Sean had dreamt of owning one for a long time, he always preferred the white over black and his second preference was black over graphite so he was pulled between two.
After searching Irish shores he had no real luck so he decided to contact a car seller in Japan to see if he knew if there was any about that met Sean’s standards.
Luckily the Japanese contact had located a fully original white over black Trueno going through auctions which Sean had always dreamt of owning after a few bids his dream came true! The AE86 was officially bought in late 2007.
As it made its long journey to its new home the dream of owning one became surreal, his love for the car started when it touched Irish soil on the 14th of February which we all know is Valentines day and on that day Ireland gained another spotless rust free AE86!
With the car home safe, Sean now had a blank canvas that he could work on. He finally had the chance to put together the 86 he had always wanted. Not only was this going to be the car of his dreams but Sean wanted to turn this Trueno into a daily driver.
The 20v engine had only over 100,000kms on it and the body having 200,000kms, he kept the car extremely well serviced over the 8 years of owning the car and as you can see, today it’s no different.
As time went on it he wanted to give it his own touch but try and keep it as original as possible so he decided to upgrade a few parts. He located a brand new TRD boot lid with a rear parcel shelf and brand new set of Redline Rear lights.
The winning formula has always been a nice set of wheels on a more or less stock body for the 86, so Sean decided to get his hands on a set of Equip 03 wheels through MCN sport. With the right ride height and some tasty 15” Equips Sean has created yet another timeless stunner.
This car is Panda perfection. A timeless, simple well balanced daily driven build, something we just can get enough of.
Big shout out to Luke Staton for some fantastic pictures and gathering some words for Juicebox. I’m sure it wont be the last time you will see his work on here.
Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Handling/Transmission
Work Equip 03’s 14×8.5 -12 Front and Rear
Bc Coilovers front and rear
Cusco front strut brace
Custom rear strut brace
Full polybush kit
Exterior
TRD rear bootlid spoiler.
Fresh Redlines
No need to mess with a classic!
Engine
4age 20v Blactop engine
Dual core radiator
TRD Thermostat
Stainless manifold
Blitz Realise TTR cat-back exhaust
Flexible De-cat