A tribute video to Tsuchiya Keiichi, one of the few who has made the AE86 a legend. Complete with the funky Japanese-American Initial-D style music soundtrack.

Over twenty-five years ago when Toyota initiated the launch of the Corolla GTS (now famously known by it’s chassis code, AE86) it was unbeknown to the world what impact this little coupe would have. The lightweight contender came onto America’s shores with as much fanfare as Bob Saget announcing a stand-up gig. Fortunately for us, the little Corolla GTS put on a much better performance.

For those who weren’t there, there’s only really three things to remember about the early 1980’s in America: Pac-Man, cassette tapes, and the rise of the Japanese performance sports car.

This Datsun 280ZX commercial aired in 1979 to advertise the new 280ZX as the ‘best kept car secret’.

“You wouldn’t put the pedal to the metal and burn the bowtie clean off that Corvette, but you know you could.” We just love how these commercials taunt us.

Just like this commercial, when we were kids we always told ourselves “some day” we would own a bad ass 280ZX. Vroom Vroom!