14th Mar, 2009 15:10
Stoneleigh Park
1977 Toyota Corolla Levin Rally Car
Estimated at £15,000 - £17,000
Lot details
Registration No: RJM149R
Chassis No: KE35901611
Mot Expiry: March 2010
Levin is the name given to the sportiest coupe versions of the Corolla, Toyota's ubiquitous small saloon. Based on the third iteration of the Corolla (TE30), current between 1975 and 1979, the TE37 Levin was powered by a useful 1588cc twin-cam engine producing 124bhp in standard form - more than an RS1600 Escort. However, this particular example is even more special. Believed but not warranted by the vendor to have begun life as a Team Toyota New Zealand rally car, it was apparently sold off after a successful season's usage. Thereafter, it became a clubman competitor contesting numerous rallies, autotests, sprints and hillclimbs (the most recent of which are documented in an accompanying RACNZ logbook). Entering the current ownership during November 2003, the Corolla was promptly shipped to the UK where its refurbishment was entrusted to John Welch Motorsport of Fleet and GP Engineering of Ewshot. While, the former got to grips with the seam-welded and turreted bodyshell, the latter concentrated on the mechanicals. Partially due to a desire to comply with current HRCR/MSA regulations the project had cost some £25,000 by the time work was finished in April 2006. Swapping its New Zealand registration number 'IN 915' for the UK number plate 'RJM 149R', the Levin is powered by a correct-type but replacement 2T-G 'Big Valve' rally engine allied to five-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Further benefiting from a Safety Devices rollcage, plumbed-in fire extinguisher system, intercom box, Gartrac adjustable pedal box and Terratrip, it also boasts a limited slip differential, high ratio steering box, Bilstein dampers, disc / alloy-drum brakes and Minilite-style 6x13 alloy wheels shod with Yokohama AO35 tyres. We are informed that since the refurbishment / upgrade programme was completed "no rallies have been undertaken, the only 'competitive' mileage being to carry out a short shakedown test to ensure that nothing fell off and that the handling and performance were, at least, up to expectations". Indeed, the Corolla has been dry stored for much of the last three years following the vendor's relocation to Thailand. An attractive, competitive alternative to the ubiquitous Escort that should attract sponsors by standing out from the crowd, 'RJM 149R' is offered for sale with a current MOT certificate valid until March 2010 and huge spares package (back axle, engine, gearbox, multiple body panels etc) which will need to be collected from Farnborough, Hampshire. More comprehensive details of the build specification and spares can be obtained from the H&H office.
Registration No: RJM149R
Chassis No: KE35901611
Mot Expiry: March 2010
Levin is the name given to the sportiest coupe versions of the Corolla, Toyota's ubiquitous small saloon. Based on the third iteration of the Corolla (TE30), current between 1975 and 1979, the TE37 Levin was powered by a useful 1588cc twin-cam engine producing 124bhp in standard form - more than an RS1600 Escort. However, this particular example is even more special. Believed but not warranted by the vendor to have begun life as a Team Toyota New Zealand rally car, it was apparently sold off after a successful season's usage. Thereafter, it became a clubman competitor contesting numerous rallies, autotests, sprints and hillclimbs (the most recent of which are documented in an accompanying RACNZ logbook). Entering the current ownership during November 2003, the Corolla was promptly shipped to the UK where its refurbishment was entrusted to John Welch Motorsport of Fleet and GP Engineering of Ewshot. While, the former got to grips with the seam-welded and turreted bodyshell, the latter concentrated on the mechanicals. Partially due to a desire to comply with current HRCR/MSA regulations the project had cost some £25,000 by the time work was finished in April 2006. Swapping its New Zealand registration number 'IN 915' for the UK number plate 'RJM 149R', the Levin is powered by a correct-type but replacement 2T-G 'Big Valve' rally engine allied to five-speed close-ratio manual transmission. Further benefiting from a Safety Devices rollcage, plumbed-in fire extinguisher system, intercom box, Gartrac adjustable pedal box and Terratrip, it also boasts a limited slip differential, high ratio steering box, Bilstein dampers, disc / alloy-drum brakes and Minilite-style 6x13 alloy wheels shod with Yokohama AO35 tyres. We are informed that since the refurbishment / upgrade programme was completed "no rallies have been undertaken, the only 'competitive' mileage being to carry out a short shakedown test to ensure that nothing fell off and that the handling and performance were, at least, up to expectations". Indeed, the Corolla has been dry stored for much of the last three years following the vendor's relocation to Thailand. An attractive, competitive alternative to the ubiquitous Escort that should attract sponsors by standing out from the crowd, 'RJM 149R' is offered for sale with a current MOT certificate valid until March 2010 and huge spares package (back axle, engine, gearbox, multiple body panels etc) which will need to be collected from Farnborough, Hampshire. More comprehensive details of the build specification and spares can be obtained from the H&H office.
Auction: Stoneleigh Park, 14th Mar, 2009
All successful bids must be paid in full by midday the day after the auction at the latest.
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