For those who fancy adding an exotic JDM car to their collection, a good TE27 Corolla-based Sprinter would be a worthy find.
Built in relatively modest numbers from 1972 to 1974, they offered a serious performance platform for the day. There was even a more competition-focussed J version offered for those who wanted to race them.
At the heart of its appeal is the engine. Hagerty in the USA notes: “Toyota squeezed at least 110 hp out of the 1600cc four-cylinder 2T-G engine, thanks in large part to its Yamaha-blessed, dual-overhead-cam cylinder head.”
This first-gen Trueno has the correct engine with a five-speed manual transmission and limited-slip diff.
The Healey Factory in Melbourne has it on the market for $42,000.