Yesterdays Hero's

I obtained my licence in the mid-nineties when grey imports of JDM classics grew popular. Dealerships and importers were becoming ubiquitous as was the second-hand market for these cars. Most were highly modified but, by virtue of Japanese emissions laws, relatively low mileage. Many of these cars were well supported by a growing network of specialist spare part importers, performance upgrades and some shared componentry with Australian-delivered vehicles. With the majority turbo-charged, tuning options were plentiful, offering young enthusiasts an entry into the performance scene at competitive pricing. Insurance companies also started to respond with similarly reduced policy costs.

It is easy to list several examples. Toyota offered the AE86, Starlett, Supra and Soarer, Nissan the Skyline, Pulsar GTI-R (so-called 'Rex' eater) and Sylvia. I could go on, but you get the idea. If you couldn’t afford one of these JDM icons or were hesitant due to each car's dubious history, there were some performance-orientated cars, perhaps with some quirks, lacking in popularity, or simply seen as B-grade solutions available that were built in Australian or delivered to Australia.

Today's article is a homage to these forgotten cars. Cars that haven’t survived, or become as collectable as their JDM brethren. For the sake of order, I have decided to work through manufacturers in turn, focussing on less popular models that were still genuinely performance-orientated.

Exa Turbo (1983)

Sporting a 1.5-litre Turbo delivering 77kW at 6500rpm via a 5-speed manual. Reminiscent of the wedge design popular in the 80s, the Nissan Exa Turbo delivered compelling straight-line performance, cornering, however, was more entertaining than dynamic.

ET Pulsar (1984)

Entirely developed in Australia, the ET Pulsar was a reasonably refined package for an 80s hatchback with front and rear disc brakes, improved suspension componentry, 14-inch alloys and a plush interior. Sadly most of these were tuned within an inch of their lives in the 90s and early 2000s, and few made it out alive. The two-tone brown, with gold wheels, remains a great-looking car.

Exa Targa (1986-1990)

Available in 1.6 litre and later a 1.8 twin-cam four-pot, the Nissan Exa’s party trick was the Targa roof. I spent over a year looking for one in my youth, test-driving many vehicles in varying states. The engine was willing to rev in the absence of legitimate power, it felt eager and engaging. The rear seat was suitable for infants or those without legs.

Nissan Pulsar SSS (N14 & N15 variants 1992-1999)

Both variants ran the venerable SR20DE, (non-turbo) in Australia. With sporty, yet understated looks, the Pulsar has had a strong following in Australia, sadly we have not seen a sporty variant in some time. The N14 and N15 models inspired turbocharging, wild body kits, air filters and obnoxious exhausts in the 90s. In 2013 Nissan released the C12 SSS variant, but due to docile looks, uninspired performance (even with turbo), doughy handling and rivals with better options, it never really retianed the popularity of previous models.

KC TX-3 Laser (1990-1995)

The TX-3 was the sporty Laser, available in three variants, a naturally aspirated 1.6 and turbo-charged front-wheel drive and all-wheel-drive. The turbo versions were highly sought after on the second-hand market in the late 90s and early 2000s. Many fell victim to modifications beyond their internal capabilities, over-eager p-platers and the sex-spec craze. Not a big seller when new, most have not survived.

Ford Probe (1993-1997)

The Probe name was meant to inspire visions of the future as opposed to encouraging proctologists to buy them. In Australia we received only the V6, 24-valve quad-cam Mazda-derived motor, with an early version of variable valve timing sitting on the MX-6 chassis. This version of the Probe, incidentally was the first designed by a woman for Ford US. I owned one, it was the first good, reliable modern car I owned. The V6 was willing and engaging, with handling more akin to a grand tourer than a pure sports car. Sadly due to a sticker price over $50,000, few were sold.

KB Laser ‘White Lightening’ (1983)

In 1983 Ford sent 500 Lasers, 250 2-door, and 250-five-door hatchbacks down the road to IHI industries for the fitment of a blow-through carburetor turbo-charger. Recaro front seats were added as well as special white alloys (actually steel) and some reflective decals. Weighing under a tone, these cars were a riot to drive. I owed a five-door variant and added a conspicuous blow-off-valve and turbo gauge. Alas, it did not survive.

Mazda MX-6 (Gen1 1987-1992)

Built in 1987, and remained in production until 1992 when the Gen 2 was released. The MX-6 was a coupe body on top of the 626 chassis, using the same 2.2-litre four-cylinder. The turbo version of this car was a relatively unknown entry point into tuning in the 90s. So bad was the torque steer that one reviewer noted that planting the throttle would result in a left turn, and suddenly releasing the throttle the opposite would occur. It did come with some pretty cool tech, adaptive suspension and the four-wheel steering as options.

Mazda MX-6 (Gen 2 1991-1997)

Sharing the same chassis and V6 as the Probe mentioned above, except it also included four-wheel steering. Whilst the Probe had flowing, clean lines the Gen 2 MX-6 looked more like a squashed fish.

Suzuki GTI (1984-1997)

I owned one of these, albeit briefly. It looked great, was extremely agile, and was one of the quickest cars in first gear, running to 50kph before necessitating a change. Strangely for such a small car, the ergonomics weren’t great. Even at a modest 176cm, I needed the front seat back subsequently forcing me to reach out of my seat to find first gear. Build quality was pretty cheap and the car wasn’t the most robust, hence many have not survived.

Mitsubishi Cordia GSR (1980-1990)

The Cordia GSR was trialled as a highway pursuit vehicle by NSW police and was reportedly the first turbo-charged car used by Australian Police. Driving the front wheels, torque steer was part of the journey, however in a straight line the Cordia could outrun its more esteemed and highly collectable rear-wheel drive brother, the Starion.

Toyota Corolla GTI (1991)

The GTI Corolla was powered by the famed 4AGE, good enough for the naturally aspirated engine to crack the magical 100kW mark in the 90s. Expensive and lacking in outright performance compared to other hot hatches of the day meant this car was rare then and more so now.

So few were sold, alas I couldn't source a true photo. In Australia, we only got the four-door version, with funky hubcaps designed to mimic alloys. There are some pictures online of two-door variants. The most honest representation can be found here https://www.carsguide.com.au/toyota/corolla/price/1991/gti-sports

Honda Prelude Series 3 (1987-1991)

Before the advent of VTEC, and K-swapping the series 3 Prelude was an elegant, well-equipped sports car for the late 80s early 90s. Long nose, deep seating position and pop-up headlights. Mated to a willing two-litre DOHC engine good for 116 kW coupled with four-wheel-steering made for an engaging package. Incidentally, the 4WS was mechanical, and therefore more robust than the electrical HICAS system employed by Nissan.

Proton Satria GTI (1994)

Handling tuned by Lotus, the engine by Mitsubishi and styling by a boy racer. For a time Proton owned Lotus, and they leaned into this knowledge to develop a sharper edge to the Satria’s handling. Add to this the DOHC 1.8 litre GSR Lancer derived motor, minus turbo, and you have respectable performance and eye-catching looks. Sadly Proton failed to make market inroads in Australia, or anywhere else outside Malaysia, so not many exist today.

Holden Calibra (1991-1995)

Launched in 1991, the Calibra was a modern, original-looking coupe with an engaging 2-litre 16-valve powerplant. Due to lagging sales, Holden released an all-wheel-drive turbo-charged variant in 1993 cable of 0-60 in 6.8 seconds. Very impressive for 1993. However at over $55,000, very expensive for the time if you consider the average yearly wage app was approximately $30,000. In 1995 a V6 model was released. I’ve never seen the V6 or turbo version in the wild. Reviews are mixed across the range.

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