FYI: Dive into the AE86 Enthusiasm at 86Fest Ireland 2024
As an AE86 aficionado who has driven this iconic car daily for over three years, I fully grasp the Irish fascination with the "twin cam."
In 2021, I made my way solo to Ireland for 86Fest, a festival that was scaled down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, I had always hoped to return. This year, a friend and I landed a last-minute budget flight from Amsterdam to Ireland on the morning of the event, thanks to Paddy being unable to attend.
Arrival and First Impressions
We left home at 5am and arrived in Dublin around 11am, greeted by the characteristically grey Irish skies. Our destination was Mondello Park, Ireland’s premier racetrack, which played host to the largest gathering of AE86s outside Japan for that day.
Nostalgia and Diversity
Having owned multiple cars, my nostalgia for the Corolla AE86 was keenly felt amidst the sea of different models, colors, and customization styles. Walking around Mondello Park, it was thrilling to see Corolla Levin with fixed headlights and the iconic Sprinter Trueno with pop-up headlights, as well as the coupe and hatchback variants.
The Day’s Highlights
While my personal favorite remains the Levin Hatch, it was phenomenal to see so many AE86 models in action. The track buzzed with activity as over 50 AE86s, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged, raced and drifted, evoking memories of ’90s and early 2000s drift videos. Car enthusiasts continually swapped tires to extend their drift sessions on the skid pan.
Showcasing Irish Car Culture
Simultaneously, the exhibition area displayed a variety of AE86s, from ’90s drift-inspired machines to meticulously restored originals. Among the notable cars was the ‘UK spec’ model with rally spotlights and a substantial roof antenna. It’s a testament to the vibrant Irish car culture rooted in doughnuts and figure eights – staple manoeuvres for showcasing driving skills.
The Parade Lap
Perhaps the most unforgettable feature was the parade lap, with over 200 Corollas and rare Toyotas, making the event feel like a scene from ‘90s Japan. Leading the parade was the celebrated green D1GP Bride AE86 brought from Japan by Neil Sheehan of Juicebox, driven by its original creator, Ryota Yuasa. After nearly 20 years and extensive restoration by current owner Paddy Connors, seeing Yuasa drive this legend again was a poignant moment.
Legends on Display
The parade featured other legends like the Bee*R AE86, a widebody creation previously owned by the late Kiyonori Imai. Its massive front fenders are hard to miss. Also drawing attention was Neil Sheehan’s renowned black Trueno hatchback, known for its modifications inspired by early 2000s D1GP aesthetics.
Expanding the Horizon
The AE86 stars of the show were joined by other Toyotas, including newer models like the 86, JZX, Carina, old Corollas, and Starlets. This event also spotlighted the impact of the early 2000s Japanese car import boom in Ireland, enriching the local automotive community with unique cars and parts.
This Toyota-centric fest has piqued my interest in exploring more Irish automotive events and discovering hidden JDM treasures across the Emerald Isle.
We’ve captured an array of photos from 86 Fest Ireland 2024 for you to peruse and enjoy.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
