Toyota Rav4 Trueno GT Apex 1988
General description :
Model History
When the sixth-generation (E90) Corolla and Sprinter arrived in May 1987, the new Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno coupes switched to the same FF platform as their saloon and hatchback siblings. The three-door body style was dropped, leaving only a two-door notchback that bore a strong resemblance to Toyota’s popular Soarer luxury coupe. As before, the E90 Levin and Trueno versions were mechanically identical, with the Trueno distinguished primarily by its pop-up headlights and other slight styling differences.
AE92 coupes were not widely exported; they were not officially offered in Australia or most European markets, however the sixth-generation coupe was sold in North America. For Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) Truenos the 1600 16-valve DOHC engine (4A-GE) was retained. The previous GT, GTV, and GT APEX models also carried over, again sharing the naturally aspirated 4A-GE engine and a firmer suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars. All AE92 cars (except the GT) had four-wheel disc brakes, and the GT APEX featured power steering and dual-mode electronically controlled shock absorbers (called TEMS, for Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension).
Both the 4A-GE Levin and Trueno were incrementally faster than the previous AE86 models. 0-60mph was now in the mid-8-second range, with an unrestricted top speed of around 120mph. With front-wheel drive, power-on oversteer was no longer on the menu, although testers found that they could still hang out the tail by lifting off the throttle in mid-corner.
Equipment
Grey Metallic paintwork, Grey chequered velour sports seats, 14-inch two piece cross-spoke allow wheels, 1600 4A-GE 16v DOHC engine, Five-speed manual transmission, Pop-up headlights, Four-wheel disc brakes, Power steering, Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension (TEMS), Air conditioning, Electric windows, Electric folding door mirrors, Personal steering wheel, Razo gear knob, Pioneer stereo, Body-coloured mud flaps front and rear, Original Trueno overmats front and rear, Space saver spare wheel, Spare key, Original document pack.
Exterior
The AE92 notchback is a rare find in the UK, this particular example remaining in great rust-free condition having only arrived from Japan in late 2019. The paintwork is presentable all round with only a handful of discreet blemishes to report upon close inspection, but certainly nothing untoward for the age or mileage. There is absolutely no bubbling or rust to speak of, and of course the underside is also notably fresh. With its slender proportions, angular physique and pop-up headlights this underrated 80s coupe looks undeniably cool beneath our studio lighting.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The deeply bolstered velour sports seats are comfortable and supportive, both still presenting in excellent order with only the lightest of wear to the driver’s bolster worthy of note. Glancing across the dash there is no evidence of any sun damage or cracking, and in the footwells you’ll still find the original Trueno overmats. The sun does appear to have caught the tops of the rear seats but otherwise the upholstery remains in fantastic unworn condition. Subtle upgrades within the cabin include a high-quality Personal steering wheel, Razo gearknob, and Pioneer CD player. At the rear of the car the boot area is very clean and tidy, neatly housing the space saver spare wheel and tool roll beneath the carpet.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The engine bay presents in very honest original condition with no signs of any damage or poor repair. The free-revving 16-valve DOHC 1.6 is a real blast on test, and weighing in at just over a tonne this little Toyota is certainly no slouch. The five-speed manual gearbox remains feeling tight and precise and is a perfect accompaniment to the peppy 138hp engine. Since arriving at 4 Star the car has been fully inspected, ready for the new keeper to enjoy.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
The Trueno sits on upgraded 14-inch two-piece alloys. The wheels are in great order with only light age-related wear to the polished outer rims, and the tyres still retain a good level of tread. The four-wheel disc brakes have also been checked and are in fine operational condition, bringing the car to a halt quickly and in a straight line.
Being the ‘GT Apex’ level of specification, this Trueno comes equipped with dual-mode electronically controlled shock absorbers, or TEMS (Toyota Electronically Modulated Suspension). This system allows the driver to select between soft and hard suspension. In auto mode the TEMS computer automatically sets the shocks to ‘soft’ at cruising speeds, becoming firmer under hard braking, acceleration, or sharp steering inputs.
History File
The Trueno was first registered in Japan in August 1988. It landed here in late 2019 and was fully UK registered shortly after, with all necessary taxes paid on arrival into the country. Having resided on the salt-free roads of Japan until very recently the car has never been subjected to our harsh UK winters, and thus retains a remarkably clean and rust-free underside.
Within the History File you’ll find the original document pack, service book, owner’s manual, maintenance reports, and spare key. It is not uncommon for cars imported from Japan to arrive with little or no paperwork, but pleasingly there’s a good amount of Japanese history present with this example. The service book and accompanying documents show regular maintenance having been carried out over the years, also helping to verify the car’s low mileage of 84k miles.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/toyota-sprinter-trueno-gt-apex-for-sale/
1988 Toyota Rav4 Trueno GT Apex is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £6995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Toyota Model : Rav4 Model Version : Trueno GT Apex Engine size : 1.6 Model Year : 1988 Sub type : Pick up Location : Hampshire
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About Toyota
Toyota, a name that has become synonymous with reliability and sensibility in the world of automobiles. Let's take a leisurely stroll through the history of this remarkable Japanese marque.Our story begins in the late 1930s when a modest textile machinery company, Toyota Industries, decided to dip its toes into the world of automobiles. It was a humble beginning, but little did they know that they were about to embark on a journey that would change the automotive landscape forever.
Fast forward to 1957, and we have the introduction of the Toyota Crown, a car that signaled Toyota's ambitions to compete on the global stage. It was sensible, well-built, and it set the tone for what Toyota would become known for - reliability.
But if we're talking about Toyota's foray into the world of high-performance sports cars, we can't ignore the Toyota 2000GT. Introduced in 1967, it was a thing of beauty. Sleek, low-slung, and powered by a silky-smooth inline-six engine. It was Japan's answer to the European sports car establishment, and it put Toyota on the map as a builder of more than just sensible family cars.
Then came the Toyota Celica in the 1970s, a sporty compact coupe that captured the hearts of many. It was affordable, fun to drive, and it helped establish Toyota's reputation for building cars that were both practical and enjoyable.
But if we're talking about Japanese sports cars that made a statement, the Toyota Supra deserves a special mention. First introduced in 1978, it became a legend in its own right. With its powerful inline-six engines and rear-wheel drive, it was a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the track. The Supra is a car that enthusiasts still drool over, even today.
And then, there's the Land Cruiser. It's not just an off-roader; it's an off-roader that can do anything a Land Rover used to do, only better. Introduced in the 1950s, it quickly gained a reputation for being virtually indestructible. Whether it's crossing deserts, jungles, or frozen tundras, the Land Cruiser can handle it with ease.
But perhaps Toyota's most significant achievement is its commitment to reliability and sensibility. They didn't just build cars; they built cars that people could depend on day in and day out. It's no surprise that you see Toyota's on the streets of every corner of the world, from Tokyo to Timbuktu.
So, there you have it, the history of Toyota, a company that started humbly but grew to become a global giant in the automotive industry. They've given us reliable, sensible cars, but they've also shown that they can build high-performance legends and off-roaders that conquer the toughest terrain. Toyota is a brand that proves you can have your sensible cake and eat it with a sprinkle of excitement on top.