What's a nice non-Z06 etc C5 go for these days, 1/2 of the money this sold for? 1/3rd?
The AE86-chassis Toyota Corolla GT-S gets a lot right: relatively lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and an engine that loves to rev. Perhaps not surprisingly, that formula has led these cars to be popular in various forms of motorsports like drifting and circuit racing.
Fast forward to today, and demand–as well as prices–look to be on the rise. How much so? A 1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S, the USDM version of the AE86, just sold for $40,000 over on Bring a Trailer.
The car does look to be stock, though the listing notes blemishes, faded paint, rust around the sunroof, and evidence of paintwork on the doors, fenders and hood. As well, this Corolla has 112,000 miles on the odometer.
Based on a few other recent sales of AE86s on Bring a Trailer, the $40,000 winning bid looks to be unusual–at least for now: Aside from the 86 in question, the highest prices seen are $30,250 for an S2000-powered example, followed by $24,500 for a relatively stock ’86 GT-S.
Is this $40,000 Corolla an omen of prices to come, or is this just a case of someone simply overpaying for something they really wanted?
What's a nice non-Z06 etc C5 go for these days, 1/2 of the money this sold for? 1/3rd?
pres589 (djronnebaum) said:What's a nice non-Z06 etc C5 go for these days, 1/2 of the money this sold for? 1/3rd?
actually nice? 1/2 of this... but the C5 doesn't have nearly the cult following these do..
Wow. I just don't get it. They're cool and all, but barely $10k cool. And certainly not $40k cool. It's not even pristine. I'm starting to believe the money laundering theory.
Pretty sure you could get a Toyobaru and enough CF parts to bring it down to an AE86's weight at that price. Even without the popup lights, that seems like a way better deal.
In reply to spacecadet (Forum Supporter) :
I understand the emotional response / cult following thing and how it can affect the price but this just seems silly. I'm not a big C5 fan but there's not much a hatchback C5 can do that this can do better aside from carry small things / people in a back seat. And I think I'd feel like I did okay for the money standing next to my new-to-me $20k C5 vs. this car for $40k. Or even the same money.
In reply to pres589 (djronnebaum) :
I say with with a wry smile and a hint of sarcasm......
The problem with your thinking... is inserting anything resembling logic... into a collector car auction....
Hagarty puts out a top ten list every year of future collectables. Out of my 8.25 cars I have 5.25 of the cars from the last two years.
Let the market do what it wants. I will try to remain cutting edge haha.
For $40k, I figured it would be a better example.
It would be one thing if it was a number one or even number two example with low miles, but for what is advertised, I'd rather put that money into a modern 86–new or used.
I'm convinced the last 14 months has driven everyone, literally, not figuratively, everyone insane.
Displaying 1-10 of 60 commentsView all comments on the GRM forums
You'll need to log in to post.
