TORQUE GT ● BLOG
The red AE86 Trueno Sprinter you see below was sourced for a Personal Import client, who had big ideas!
Now im sure you're all familiar with Initial D and the car driven by Takumi Fujiwara.
The famous Panda car has acheived legendary status amoungst JDM fans. Many dream about having their own Initial D replica but the owner of this particular AE86 made his dream into a reality!
The body of the car needed to be completely stripped to provide a sound base for the Initial D black & white Panda style.
A huge amount of research was done on the details of the body to ensure it was as close to the original as possible, such as painting of the fuel tank flap and fenders.
All original stickers were refitted beneath the lacquer to protect them. Also, the Fujiwara Tofu Shop sticker was added to the driver's door.
To pay homage to the original Initial D car, certain parts were added or changed:
- Initial D Rear-view mirror.
- CIBIE fog lights
- RS Watanabe Eight Spoke (14’’ size)
- Trueno mud flaps
Upon the bodyshop's appraisal, the chassis revealed itself in very good shape, so no restoration was required. It was only treated against rust and humidity.
The engine was also in excellent shape, so only the brake master cylinder and clutch slave were swapped for new items.
As the engine was removed for painting, all consumable parts were changed (timing belt, accessories, oil, filters).
The entire exhaust system was also uprated to a Fujitsubo system that included a manifold, mid-section and Fujitsubo Legalis R exhaust.
Changes were only made to respect the original Initial D car.
- Italvolanti Admiral steering wheel
- Cup holder with cardboard cup
- GT Apex door panels and handbrake console
Follow Projet 86 for the entire build process!
Photography - Mickael Roux Photographie
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Has this fantastic AE86 inspired you to start your own JDM project? Perhaps you want to re-create an icon? Get started by checking out the 5 Step Personal Import Service...