1UZ-FE V8 Lexus Powered, Cobra-Blown, 1975 Corolla

Automotive enthusiasts come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. From the standard, classic, all original, muscle car junkies, to the fully modified, technology packed, race car aficionados, there’s stance fans, supporters of the VIP movement, you get the idea. So to come across a car with ‘No Style’ emblazoned on its upper windshield is a bit odd, especially when you look at this old Toyota and see there’s style and swagger everywhere you look.

Let’s not forget the old school niche, a segment of sport compact tuning that is fringe-ish but on the rise. This third generation Toyota Corolla is pure old school. It was a bottom-feeding commuter back in that day with an anemic 75 horsepower under the hood. When it comes to old school it’s more about where you end up not what you start with… and like many things in life the journey is where the real enlightenment takes place. Old school purists like to keep their builds in the era. They make mods that would have been available when the car was new. The flip side of the coin features enthusiasts who prefer to drop modern technology into their rides. Engine swaps that deliver the power and efficiency of modern fuel injection is their calling card.

One of the drawbacks of the old school scene is a lack of aftermarket support. A ’70s Toyota is not an EG Civic, there is no legion of parts and accessories waiting in the wings. While some of the classic old school rides do have nominal aftermarket support, you better have fabricating skills or access to fabricating skills if you plan to jump in the old school pool.

Mark Still of Southern California had no problem jumping in the deep end when it came to forging his 1975 Toyota Corolla into the stuff of dreams. With his background as a welder for major Hollywood production studios, he could fabricate almost anything he needed to turn his old freeway grinder into a one-of-a-kind machine built with a purpose. By looking at the vehicle in still photos, you might just see a normal satin black ’75 Corolla and nothing else. Take a closer look and you will notice that the only parts of the car that closely resembles a Corolla is the headlights and the steering wheel.


Starting with the standard Corolla, the old drivetrain was swapped out for a more modern Lexus SC400 front and rear subframe and suspension. The heart of the Lexus was also transplanted into the Corolla and, at 250 horsepower, the 1UZ-FE more than tripled the Toyota’s original output. Factor in the roots type supercharger Still scavenged from a Ford Terminator Cobra and the Japanese V8 could be cranking out somewhere in the neighborhood of 325 to 375 horsepower, depending on how much boost the blower is pushing and how aggressive the tuning is.

With all the modern trimmings going under the hood, the Corolla’s outer body needed to be ‘massaged’ in order to accommodate all the running gear. Fender and quarter panel flares were added to cover up the wider SC400 suspension components as well as the sticky tires. The hood was cut with the contour of the supercharger, simply to make it fit, no hood scoop or muscle car cowl needed. The interior of the car was also stripped until all that was left were the bare essentials. Two seats, gauges, and a steering wheel is all that is needed to enjoy the car and keep it on the road.

Everything that was done to the Toyota is all meant for one purpose and that is for it to work. Special styling cues or fancy paint jobs weren’t necessary for Still, just pure car and driving pleasure, hence the name, “No Style.” Still’s uniqueness and style comes from what he wanted out of the build… the journey. Everyone has their own vision and dreams, it’s how you make them reality that set us apart?

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