I've been a member of the Club4AG forum ever since it was first started, almost 10 years ago. Club4AG is definitely one of the best websites to go to if you are interested in learning about AE86s or 4AG powered vehicles. They have a good community, and a great tech section, and a lot of involvement with aftermarket sponsors and event promoters. Unfortunately, ever since we began this Speedhunters project, I've been so busy that I haven't been able to spend much time viewing my favorite AE86 related sites.
I just spotted this Levin coupe on Club4AG last night, and I think it looks nice and mean! Having a mean looking car with wheel fitment like this is what makes owning an AE86 so fun. Of course, the car isn't painted to anything near showcar status, but the owner of the car has his priorities right. Rocking some negative offset, fat lip having SSR Mark III wheels, the owner of this AE86 made his 15inch SSRs look like huge visually because of the way the car is slammed low without any fender gap, with low profile 45 series Toyo T1R tires giving the "rubber band" tire look. Parking it on the grass makes the tires look even lower profile because it masks the bottom part of the tires. Don't you guys think his wheels look bigger than 15s? I certainly do. Cool look! In case you were wondering, the wheel size are 15×8 front and 15×9 rear, which require a very slight fender pull in order to work correctly.
Just when look at the missing grill and think his car isn't complete, let me explain that running the car without a grill was a popular look (on kouki AE86 Levins) in the heyday of grassroots drifting in Japan – especially in the 2000-2001 timeframe. I think it only looks right when the non-grill having car has the kouki foglights (as seen here), otherwise the space between the headlights looks too big. I think this car looks cool with the kouki foglights and no grill; it adds to the aggressive battle machine look that the rest of the car is projecting.
The front bumper and chin spoiler are OEM Japanese Toyota zenki version, with OEM Japanese sideskirts, a set of rare "half-sized" window visors (Anyone selling a set of these? Let me know!), and a Japanese rollcage. You can tell it's a Japanese market rollcage because the upper mounting point on the crossbar provides protection for the passenger, not really the driver. Let's just assume that the owner of this 86 is thoughtful, and cares about his girlfriend's safety more than he does his own.
I think more cars should take a hint from the owner of this 86! Handle the stance, wheels, suspension, and safety first… worry about paint later!
More 86s to come; you can expect AE86 posts on Speedhunters all month. Live the 86 Life!
-Antonio Alvendia