Toyota Corollas aren’t generally known as head-turners, but this outrageous, German-tuned AE86 is one of the more captivating drift cars out there. With sections of the chassis tube-framed – likely due to crash repair – it’s bound to be stiff and handle well.

A single-turbo setup in conjunction with Toyota’s 2.5-liter 1JZ sits in the former home of the 4AGE engine, and thanks to a modestly-sized, Garrett 30/76 turbo, the package makes a responsive and usable 480 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque.

Those keen on blow-off valves will notice the distinctive HKS SSQV venting some of that extra into the atmosphere. With a different exhaust layout to that of the 4AGE, designers THG Driftschmiede decided to have the 1JZ’s exhaust exit just beside the passenger door.

A first-generation 1JZ mated to a Garrett 30/76 turbo is more than enough for this featherweight to blow billows of smoke.

Those familiar with the Toyota family of drift-friendly motors know the 1JZ came in a bevy of big sedans and coupes from the nineties. Gracing the engine bays of everything from the Soarer to the Chaser, this resilient inline-six is the baby brother to the Supra’s famous 2JZ, and being more plentiful, is a common swap. Of course, this iron-cast motor is much heavier than the 4AGE, but significant modifications to the body have helped counteract some of that change in balance.

Not only has the chassis been stiffened by the tube frame and the cage, but huge chunks of weight have been removed by punching the sheetmetal full of holes like Swiss cheese. A massive fuel cell sits over the rear axle, so some traction could be attained, even if it was incidentally.

On either side of that intimidating, side-exit exhaust, the tires are surprisingly narrow. Despite the extended track, massive negative camber up front, and overfenders giving them the appearance that they’re larger than they really are, they’re only 225-section, Extreme Performance tires attempting to harness nearly 500 horses, so lighting them up is not difficult. Despite this and the short wheelbase, the “Rocket Funny” AE86 looks far more poised and stable than one would imagine.

A simple exterior belies a comprehensively modified AE86.

Panasport-style wheels on the front axle and classic Enkei meshes at the rear are all cues back to the classic drift style, though the car is just about as far from an original AE86 as one can get without a carbon tub. Its interior has been stripped and a Sparco steering wheel, lengthened hydraulic handbrake, and Sparco fixed seats make up most of the interior. Replacing the analog gauges is a custom, carbon dash with only the necessary information relayed. Predictably, it’s been stripped bare.

The rear hatch has had its latches removed and a lexan window inserted for additional weight reduction, and only the bare essentials are left over. Even the iconic pop-up headlights were removed to lighten the Corolla, which to some might seem sacrilegious, but we’ll forgive THG Driftschmiede – the rest of the car makes up for that.