Highlights

• A very original looking example of the popular FX-GT which was sold as the GT-i 16 in the UK 
• Boasting a sensible original mileage for its age and presenting in fine condition 
• Complete with a recent, advisory free MOT until January 2024 

The Appeal 

This example was imported to the UK from Japan at the end of last year and certainly seems to benefit from the corrosion free and highly original condition associated with such imports. This FX-GT is in much rarer automatic form opening it up to a broader market that either needs or wants a self-shifting transmission. These are a rare sight on UK roads in the 2020’s and all the better for it.

The History and Paperwork 

• This FX-GT rolled out of the Toyota City factory in 1991 
• The car was designated for its home market of Japan 
• The FX nomenclature signifies the three-door hatchback body configuration 
• The GT designates this car as having the powerful 4A-GE 16 valve engine 
• The car seems to have spent it life up to 2022 on the salt-free roads of Japan 
• At the end of 2022 the car was imported to the UK 
• The car was first registered here in February 2023 
• The paperwork associated with the car is a little limited 
• It amounts to the current V5 in the name of the first UK owner 
• The car’s current MOT is also present in hard copy 
• This is an advisory free test which is valid until January 2024 

The Interior 

• The interior of the Corolla has a lot going for it 
• It is not only roomy and practical but also in charming period presentation 
• The condition is excellent throughout, too 
• The upholstery is finished in a very 1990’s appropriate black and grey chequered velour 
• This appears to have aged very well and in an almost unmarked condition 
• The front seats are heavily bolstered for optimal support in the corners 
• Smooth velour headrests are built in for additional support and safety 
• The rear seats are identically trimmed and in an equally fine condition 
• These are split / fold items which can be lowered to maximise luggage space 
• The dashboard is finished in black vinyl and in great order 
• The white on black gauge set sit in a hooded binnacle 
• This includes a speedometer and odometer calibrated in kilometres  
• Being the sports model, a number of supplemental gauges are fitted 
• The enthusiast’s eye will be immediately drawn to the 7.700 rpm red lined tachometer 
• The centre console is home the heating and air conditioning controls 
• Below this sits the original Toyota double DIN radio and cassette head units 
• The big, three-speed automatic gear selector sits behind this 
• This is a switchable unit with economy, sport and manual modes 
• Carpets, headlining, door cards and side panels all look to be original 
• A couple of cracks are noted to the plastic trim of the front door cards 
• The only non-standard item noted is the fine-looking OBA steering wheel 
• This is a three spoke alloy wheel with deeply varnished wooden rim 
• The boot is a good size and very well shaped 
• This is finished in original grey carpet and no luggage shelf is present 
• The under-floor area houses an original space saver spare wheel 

The Exterior 

• The FX-GT cuts a sporty shape with original body kit and alloy wheels 
• It is presented in bright white livery which appears to be in good shape 
• Inevitably, for the car’s age, there are a few marks and touch-ins 
• These have been diligently photographed for your review 
• The bodywork looks to be in great shape with no obvious corrosion noted 
• The sportiness is emphasised by the original fit GT body kit 
• This consists of extended from and rear body-coloured bumper covers 
• The flanks of the car are fitted with deeper side panels 
• Built in, body coloured rear mud flaps are also featured 
• The original looking alloy wheels look bright and exuding a good shine 
• These are six double spoked items in a 15-inch size 
• The condition is good throughout with just the odd mark and scratch in evidence 
• A matching set of radial type tyres are fitted in a 195/50 configuration 
• The various, original marque and model badges and decals are all present 
• A set of Toyota window wind deflectors are fitted 
• Light lenses and cabin glass all appear to be in good, original condition 

The Mechanics 

• The FX-GT is fitted with the widely admired 4A-GE engine 
• This is respected for its high-revving power delivery and its robust and reliable nature 
• It is a four cylinder, 16 valve twin cam 1.6L unit with a Yamaha designed head 
• Power output was originally rated at around 130 – 140bhp at 7,200 rpm 
• Power if fed to the front wheels via a three speed, switchable automatic transmission 
• The engine bay of this example looks to be highly original and in good order 
• The original alloy fitments are present and correct as are the data plates 
• Some further cleaning and detailing could improve the presentation still further 
• The underside of the car looks very clean and corrosion free  
• It is straight looking with a recent protective finish in evidence 

Summary