By the the 1980's most small cars had already made the switch to front wheel drive, starting with those in Europe.

Although Toyota had forged a reputation for quality and technological accomplishment, the Corolla lagged behind as one of the few remaining rear-wheel-drive 'C-segment' small vehicles. It was the 5th generation E80 model, that the switch was made. Not completely, however, as high performance 'Sprinter' models retained rear-wheel-drive, even though they shared the new generation look.

If you wanted front-wheel-drive performance though the SX 'twin-cam' model was the one to go for. The 4AGE 1.6 litre engine was very strong and revved highly, producing a maximum of 86kW (100kW in the following Corolla generation).

In Australia this model was available in the short 5-door hatch model as well as the londer tailer 5-door liftback 'Seca' model.

Unlike myslef, stuck with a baby-poo brown E30 wagon, my brother scored a bright red, big-wheeled E80 SX 5-door hatch. This delightful first car unfortunately met the fate of many similar rides, it that it formed a close and personal relationship with a light pole, and that, as they say, was that.

Fortunately, little brother was ok, but had to pick up a bus pass and get lots of exercise walking.

This Lego model has been created in Lego Digital Designer for Flickr LUGNuts 35th build challenge - Big In Japan' celebrating cars, bikes and trucks produced by the Japanese auto manufacturers.

Tags:   Toyota Corolla E80 4AGE SX Twin-cam hatch Lego model MOC miniland auto car LUGNuts challenge 'Big Japan' foitsop japanese

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