The third generation Toyota Corolla isn't going to get you front row parking from the valet at a trendy club in Hollywood-- but you might get a few thumbs up in Long Beach...particularly if you head down to the Queen Mary during the annual Japanese Classic Car Show. Find this 1975 Toyota Corolla offered for $3,000 in South Los Angeles, CA via craigslist.
Being so ubiquitous has done irreversible harm to the Toyota Corolla's image as a performance car (OK, AE86 notwithstanding). It never really was a true performance car to begin with, being conceived as a basic little RWD econobox. Toyota did see fit to shove some sportier engines into the front of the Corolla over the years, including the famous 4AG-E. But the original 1600 twin cam was the 2T-G. With a head made by Yamaha and up to 125hp it was the little engine of choice for a Toyotaphile from 1970-1983. To my knowledge it was never offered in the US, but can be found in the occasional J-tin hot rod. Find this 1975 Toyota Corolla 2-door (TE31) with 2T-G swap for sale in San Francisco, CA for $3000 via craigslist. Tip from Kaibeezy.