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Celica ST162 (Mk4)Nov 1985

Celica ST162 (Mk4)

It was a big year for Toyota – with both the all-important Corolla and Celica going front-wheel drive.The latter turned out to be one of the surprise packages of the decade and helped change the public’s perception of Toyota as a maker of interesting cars.Somehow rising above its humble front-drive Corona-based platform, the ST162 Celica SX wowed the world with its sharp steering, impressive handling and good ride.Central to the astounding transformation was Toyota’s new family of twin-cam multi-valve engines – in this case a sweet-revving (to 7300rpm) 103kW/173Nm 2.0-litre fuel-injected four-cylinder unit (3S-FE).Adding to the driving pleasure was a European-designed three-door hatchback body that was as aesthetically pleasing as it was aerodynamic.A comfortable all-new cabin was just icing on the cake.A simpler, less powerful 86kW/168Nm 2.0-litre engine (known as 3S-GE) arrived in the two-door ST coupe version, providing a budget - if less alluring – alternative to the SX Liftback.The Celica had at last become a sports car.

Tarago YR21/22/31 Series IIOct 1985

Tarago YR21/22/31 Series II

The 1986 facelift (new bumpers, twin headlights, new colours and trim inside and out and a specification upgrade) also saw a change in model nomenclature.In the YR21 2.0 engine models, the GL was replaced by the GX.A range of 75kW/180Nm 2.2-litre 4Y-E fuel-injected four-cylinder models known as the YR22 series also appeared. The bigger motor added more power and improved driveability, and was fitted to the manual-only GLi and revised auto-only GLS.The GLS also gained a high-roof skylight and individual second row chairs, which reduced its carrying capacity to seven people.The 75kW 2.2-litre GLi XTRA TRAK 4x4 wagon (YR31) introduced a part-time 4WD system.By early ’87 skyrocketing sales forced Toyota to introduce a budget Tarago called the RV 2.2 manual.A year later a four-speed auto gearbox became optional on the DX YR21 2.0 petrol, GLi and GLi XTRA TRAK.In late ’88 the GX gained the 75kW 2.2-litre engine to become the GXi. At the same time a series of refinements were implemented across the range.In total just over 100,000 van-based Taragos were sold in Australia from 1983 to 1990.But this didn’t mean the end of the series, as the 1994 YR22 Spacia attests.

RB GeminiMay 1985

RB Gemini

Remember the RB Gemini? Few do. Only the name remained the same when this all-new, second generation model replaced the once popular decade-old T-car Gemini.Once again co-developed with Isuzu motors in Japan as the “R-Car”, the RB was a General Motors “World Car” in as much as it was sold in many countries under different names.Switching to front-wheel drive meant space and packaging progress from the cramped old rear-drive model, but curiously there was no five-door hatchback – vital for success in Australia’s small-car segment during the 1980s just a dumpy four-door sedan.Holden didn’t even bother bringing in the slightly more interesting three-door hatchback variant offered abroad.This, combined with utterly conventional engineering, mediocre ride and handling traits, lukewarm critical reaction and a lacklustre 52kW/117Nm 1.5-litre OHC four-cylinder engine, meant that few people noticed or cared.GMH didn’t help the issue by offering four disparate sub-2.0-litre models at the time – the Barina 1.3, Astra 1.5 hatchback and Camira 1.6 and 1.8 models – that, bar the Camira, didn’t feel like a real Holden anyway.Two models were offered – a base SL/X and well-equipped SL/E – in either three-speed auto or five-speed manual guises.Sadly for the beleaguered Holden, buyers were making beelines towards the spectacularly successful 1985 Ford KC Laser “bubble-back” and front-wheel drive Toyota Corolla.A minor specification and trim reshuffle in June ’86 was ignored, so Holden replaced the car only after two years with the Nissan-built LD Astra that it help co-engineer for local conditions.

Z31 300ZX Series 1May 1984

Z31 300ZX Series 1

The Datsun name had disappeared by now and so did any sports car pretence from the Nissan Z-car, hitherto known as a “personal” executive coupe.Around 65 per cent sold were automatics! Completely redesigned and re-engineered, the aerodynamic 300ZX also eschewed its classic in-line six-cylinder engine for a new 3.0-litre fuel-injected V6 (VG30E) producing a healthy and refined 124kW of power and 241Nm of torque.But the glutenous (1385kg) rear-wheel driver’s dynamics were orientated too far towards comfort for keen drivers to care, making the 300ZX the king of the boulevard cruisers as well as something of a critical laughing stock.Bland styling (featuring semi-retractable headlights) and a gauche (though very well equipped) cabin certainly didn’t help.Once again the T-bar roof was standard, along with luxury-car levels of gadgetry, while July 1984’s Limited Edition model added automatic air-conditioning, trip computer, compass, G-force measuring gauge, digital instrumentation, fuel consumption dial, gold alloy wheels and gold pin striping.This was truly the antithesis of the original 240Z concept.Certainly what the 300ZX didn’t need was a turbocharger, but that’s what January 1986’s Turbo facelift offered, pumping out 155kW and 319Nm for serious straight-line performance. A four-speed auto replaced the old three-speed auto unit.By now the Z-car’s price was also seriously blowing out and sales were in freefall as Toyota finally woke up to the market potential of affordable sports cars with the astonishingly good 1985 ST162 series Celica and the 1986 Supra.

70 SERIES LANDCRUISERJan 1984

70 SERIES LANDCRUISER

The 70 Series replaced the long-running 40 (and 20) Series in Australia in January 1985.Again, its main role was to satiate the ever-present demand for heavy-duty vehicles, but the exploding recreational vehicle (RV) market also had to be addressed.So while a ladder frame chassis with rigid leaf springs was retained and the body plates were thickened by 1mm, improved interiors, more comfort and better safety features like curved glass were introduced.As with the 40, two body types were introduced – the short BJ/FJ70 (soft- top and van) and the middle BJ/FJ73 (Fibre-Reinforced Plastic – FRP – hardtop), as well as the long-wheelbase FJ/HJ75 models.The ‘70’ Bundera was aimed straight at the RV market with a 74kW 2.4-litre 22R four-cylinder petrol engine and coil spring suspension.Other engines included the 66kW 3.4-litre 2H four-cylinder diesel unit, the 110kW 4.0-litre OHV 3F six-cylinder unit and the 76kW 4.0-litre 2H six-cylinder diesel motor.In early ’86 a 63kW 2.4-litre 2L-T and 71kW 3.5-litre 13B-T four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines were announced in some models, including Bundera.The 70-series had a makeover in March 1990, with minor trim and model adjustments.The big news was saved for the engine room. The all-new 72kW 3.5-litre SOHC 1PZ five-cylinder and 94kW/271Nm 4.2-litre SOHC 1HZ six-cylinder diesel engines were of a modular design, and usurped the old 3.4 and 4.0 litre diesel units, although the former was short-lived in this country.Meanwhile, the Bundera’s 2.4 turbo-diesel and 2.4 petrol units now produced 64kW of power and 215Nm of torque (up from 188Nm) and 81kW and 190Nm respectively.In late ’92 Toyota introduced another round of revisions to the now nine-model 70 Series, and finally junked the old 4.0-litre OHV 3F petrol engines for an all-new 4.5-litre 24-valve DOHC 1FZ-FE six-cylinder engine that delivered 158kW of power (up 40 per cent) and 373Nm of torque (up 30 per cent).The only other engine now on offer was the 4.2 1HZ six-cylinder diesel unit.A more creature comfort-orientated six-seater Troop Carrier RV model was introduced, while there was also new instrumentation and trim and an upgrade in safety.The Bundera vanished, leaving the three-body cab/chassis, utility and Troopcarrier models.In late 1999 yet another minor facelift saw the 4.2 diesel and 4.5 petrol engine’s outputs rise to 96kW/285Nm and 165kW/387Nm respectively.In late 2001 a 4.2 turbo-diesel unit pumped out 122kW of power and 380Nm of torque.

SV11 CamryApr 1983

SV11 Camry

The 1st-generation Camry was a revolution for Toyota a front-wheel drive medium sized family car that heralded a more sophisticated approach to design, packaging and drivability.Initially sold as a prestige alternative to the archaic Corona, the Camry arrived as a fully imported, well-equipped, 5-door GLi hatchback.Its aerodynamic styling, roomy cabin, impressive dynamics and gutsy 77kW 2.0L engine mated to either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed auto gearbox helped garner a loyal following.In August ’84 the Series II facelift featured a new grille, redesigned bumpers, revised cabin trim and more standard appointments.Performance dropped off slightly with the 75kW unleaded petrol version from early ’86.A handful of SV11 Camry sedans, with different specifications and engines, have been privately imported into Australia.

Tarago YR20/21Feb 1983

Tarago YR20/21

The first-generation Tarago (named after a NSW town), with its futuristic wedge shape, wowed buyers with its futuristic design and car-like packaging.But it was still essentially a forward-control rear-wheel drive commercial vehicle-based eight-seater passenger van, with its engine slanted underneath the driver’s compartment.Known as the Space Cruiser in Japan, Toyota did incorporate a number of improvements over regular forward-control vans designed to overcome their inherit safety and stability concerns.Car-like coil suspension with anti-roll bars and a less truck-like steering wheel angle were the most obvious.Initially three models – base DX, GL and luxury GLS – were launched, powered by a 57kW/140Nm 1.8-litr 2Y-C four-cylinder petrol engine.From July ’83 the DX could also be had with a 48kW118Nm 2.0-litre 2C four-cylinder CR21RG diesel engine.Gearboxes were a five-speed manual only except for the four-speed auto found in the GLS, which also included power steering, dual zone air-con, power windows, a sunroof, alloy wheels, an ice box and – from October ’84 – cruise control and front seat armrests.On all models three rows of seats could accommodate eight with the latter two capable of reclining down flush.The Tarago’s attractive styling and interior made it an instant hit.In March ’83 Toyota responded to the petrol engine’s lacklustre performance by replacing it with a 65kW/162Nm 2.0-litre 3YC four-cylinder unit.These are known as the YR21 series Tarago.The DX and GL also gained a three-speed auto option

JB CamiraAug 1982

JB Camira

Few models were as maligned as the unfortunate Camira.Yet initially the first front-wheel drive Holden, created as part of General Motors’ J-car “World Car” program of the early '80s, caused a minor sensation, topping the sales charts, winning awards (including Wheels Car of the Year), and setting new standards in packaging efficiency and dynamic abilities against tired old rear-wheel drive heaps like the Datsun Bluebird and Toyota Corona.At the time few cars handled as well as the JB. Its engine was an export bonanza while Opel and Vauxhall in Europe picked up the Aussie-designed wagon.And people responded to it as a proper replacement for the long-gone Torana and Sunbird, especially after the lacklustre Commodore Four.Three Camira sedan models were released – a base SL, well specified SL/X and luxury SL/E.The spacious wagon arrived in April ’83, followed by the stripes-and-spoilers SJ, with its laughable “Your Mother Will Hate It” ad line.But two factors weighed against the JB: Holden’s fateful decision to use the 64kW/125Nm 1.6-litre OHC “Camtech” four-cylinder Family II engine in all models against larger 2.0-litre rivals and inconsistent quality control.The former was the result of the ’79 fuel crisis. Still, the 1.6 Camtech was a lively unit and a sweet steerer when mated to the four or five-speed manual gearbox, but it struggled with the three-speed auto and wagon variants.Plus many conservative Holden owners didn’t seek the specialised servicing an alloy-engined front-drive European-based sedan required, leading to overheating, electrical mishaps and other reliability woes.Adding insult to injury was the Camira’s cannibalisation of VH Commodore sales.By 1984 the JB was already considered a lemon and sales duly soured. The re-engineered JD couldn’t come quick enough. 85,725 JBs were built.

Mk1/L1 JackarooNov 1981

Mk1/L1 Jackaroo

HOLDEN’S Jackaroo sprang from the 1981 Isuzu Rodeo Trooper/Bighorn, a 4WD wagon competitor to the likes of the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser.As the Rodeo name reveals, the KB light truck served as a base for the Jackaroo, with a tough separate chassis construction and high and low-range 4WD underneath.However the design was very contemporary for a 4WD, with a two-door five-seater station wagon body sporting very obvious visual links to the Range Rover of the day.Two four-cylinder engines were introduced – a 65kW/140Nm 2.0-litre OHC unit (basically an enlarged 1.6 found in the ’75-’85 Holden Gemini) as well as a 45kW/130Nm 2.2-litre Isuzu diesel. Both used a four-speed manual gearbox.The original Jackaroo was no model SUV, with a rough ride, noisy and slow engines, poor on-road dynamics and a very limited range from a 50-litre fuel tank.However Isuzu and Holden worked diligently to improve the breed.In July ’84 the Jackaroo LS arrived, sporting more equipment, many trim changes and a more powerful diesel engine – a 55kW/170Nm turbo-charged version of the old 2.2 OHV unit.A year later – in July ’85 – a facelift brought the long-awaited four-door wagon versions, which ran alongside the two-door wagons up until the second-generation L2 models arrived in 1992.Also present was a larger petrol engine, an 81kW/184Nm 2.3-litre four-cylinder unit with a five-speed manual gearbox.Another facelift (L1) during April ’87 brought oblong headlights, while an 88kW/195Nm 2.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine replaced the 2.2 from July ’88. A four-speed automatic gearbox became an option with this powerplant.Likewise, at the same time, a 74kW/225Nm 2.8-litre turbo-diesel usurped the ancient 2.3 unit.

P910 Bluebird (Mk6)May 1981

P910 Bluebird (Mk6)

Absurdly launched as “The First Four Cylinder Limousine” while resurrecting the long dead (in Australia) Bluebird moniker, Datsun’s medium class 200B replacement righted most of its post-1600 predecessors’ wrongs nevertheless – thanks to elegant styling, more space, Australian-designed seats and rack and pinion steering.The four-door sedan and wagon GL and GX, as well as the new luxury LX sedan, were the designations, and each was powered by a revised version of the L20B 70kW/152Nm 2.0-litre OHC four-cylinder engine.A four or five-speed manual, or three-speed automatic, were the gearbox options.A limited run of late-’81 100 Bluebird GL Sports Special packs predated the youth-orientated TR-X sedan of June ’82, which boasted the usual firmer suspension and sports wheels, stripes and instrumentation addenda.A stripped-out fleet special simply called Bluebird also debuted, along with 2500 family-orientated Venturer packs, which added air-conditioning and heavy-duty cooling.In September ’83 the Series II facelift saw new bumpers, a redesigned grille, tail-lights, wheel covers and paint options.It also included a more powerful version of the venerable 2.0-litre engine (with 72kW of power and 155Nm of torque), some minor suspension revisions, the availability of digital instrumentation, updated seats and cabin trim, interior boot access and the addition of an LX wagon.A 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Bluebird GX added fancy wheels and trim to 500 cars in June ’84, while the Venturer pack returned in late ’84. The Series III facelift of April ’85 was the final.It resulted in an all-new 73kW/162Nm 2.0-litre CA20S four-cylinder engine for improved performance and efficiency, while new headlights, revised trim inside and out, an auto gearbox recalibration and model designation changes (now GL, GXE and GXE Ultra) completed the changes.Such updates were necessary, since the rear-wheel drive Datsun, already two years old in Japan at launch here, found the going tough.While the original Mazda 626, Mitsubishi Sigma, Toyota Corona and Ford Cortina were also rear-drive in ’81, by ’83 the newer front-wheel drive 626 Mk2, Ford Telstar, Holden Camira and – eventually – the ’85 Mitsubishi Magna soon dominated.Consequently this was the last rear-drive Bluebird. Its U11-series front-wheel drive replacement – virtually identical in appearance – was passed up for the R31 Skyline and its four-cylinder Pintara sibling.

W126Feb 1981

W126

BACK in late 1979, when Mercedes-Benz unveiled the W126 S-class at the Frankfurt motor show, it represented everything the almost century-old maker knew about cars.Its engineering depth ensured that it reigned supreme throughout the 1980s, seeing off two generations of BMW 7 Series, the all-new Jaguar XJ40 and Audi's flawed V8.So much so, in fact, that it was the yardstick for Toyota when it developed the first Lexus, the LS400, in 1989 - and that was a decade after the S-class debut.Initially a 125kW/233Nm 2.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engine mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox powered the entry-level 280SE, until 1986’s Series II update.More convincing was the 145kW/295Nm 3.8-litre OHC V8 and four-speed auto combo, motivating the long-wheelbase 380SEL and – from August ’83 – 380SE until the ’86 upgrade.From ’86 the W126 received new front and rear bumpers, revised side mouldings and other small detail changes, including suspension and steering revisions, to keep it competitive against newer rivals.The range now read the 135kW/260Nm 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder 300SE and – from ’87 – the 300SEL, both with a four-speed automatic and a 155kW/317Nm 4.2-litre OHC V8 in the 420SEL and – from ’90 – the 420SE.The range topper was the 560SEL, complete with a 182kW/400Nm 5.5-litre SOHC V8. Again all Mercedes of this period had a four-speed automatic gearbox.

MQ PatrolJun 1980

MQ Patrol

The all-new MQ Patrol was a decisive step towards civility.Improved space and comfort, a less truck-like interior presentation, better handling, ride and braking characteristics and new drivetrain options brought the Nissan back into contention against its rapidly evolving Range Rover and Toyota LandCruiser rivals, as well as new competition from Mitsubishi (Pajero) and Holden/Isuzu (Jackaroo).Initially only a new manual-only 70kW/215Nm 3.3-litre SD33 six-cylinder diesel engine was available, with a revised (though short-lived) 90kW/280Nm 4.0-litre OHV P40 six-cylinder unit and a car-derived 88kW/201Nm 2.8-litre OHC L28 six-cylinder petrol engine arriving from April ‘81.The redesigned body styles were a three or four-seater Hardtop, Cab Chassis and utility, with two four-door wagon (including a well-equipped seven seater) variants following from October.In late ’81 the seven-seat Deluxe wagon became available with a three-speed automatic option.Two years later a more powerful 81kW/255Nm 3.3-litre SD33T six-cylinder turbo-diesel option was launched, along with refinements to the suspension, the standardisation of a limited slip differential across the range, a five-seat Hardtop and a revised dashboard.New five-speed manual transmissions were also phased in.By ’85 there were 21 Patrol variants, including a two-seat Patrol Hardtop for rural use.An updated 84kW/270Nm 4.0-litre OHC P40 six-cylinder engine debuted.Nissan also better matched the Patrol’s suspension for Australian conditions, and included power steering as standard on all models.

TE GeminiOct 1979

TE Gemini

The TE Gemini marked the model’s halcyon days. Holden altered almost every panel to create a sort of mini VB Commodore – then Australia’s favourite car.The coupe disappeared, new wheels, cabin trim, seats and instrumentation were implemented, the SL/X replaced the SL/E, and suspension modifications improved the harsh ride while not affecting the TD’s accomplished handling.Power dropped again (in the interests of fuel economy – a big selling point back in ’79), to 50kW and 110Nm.The omnipresent mechanical din was reduced too. Initially Gemini sales skyrocketed against ageing rear-drive rivals like the Ford Escort, Toyota Corolla and Datsun Sunny, until Ford’s original (KA) Laser blitzed all others and popularised front-wheel drive small cars to Australians.Suddenly the “Gem-Gem-Gemini” seemed very old and cramped indeed.The Sandpiper II special edition was all Holden could hurl at the Laser, along with a sluggish 40kW/105Nm 1.5-litre diesel SL/X sedan sourced from Isuzu that proved popular with country folk.

MK1 CourierNov 1978

MK1 Courier

ALTHOUGH Mazda shareholder Ford in America had been marketing a badge-engineered version of the Mazda B-series truck as the Courier since 1972, it wasn’t until November 1978 when Australians saw it.With a 2865mm wheelbase, the Courier was built in Japan to compete against the likes of the Toyota HiLux one-tonne trucks.Initially two utility and cab-chassis models were introduced, the base Courier (1000kg payload) with a 59kW/132Nm 1.8-litre carburettor-fed four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a four-speed manual gearbox, or the better-equipped 750kg-payload XLT.Front disc brakes arrived during 1980, while a 46kW/122Nm 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder base utility with a 1000kg payload was launched in April ’81.A Ford Laser-like square headlight grille was implemented in February ’82. In November ’82 a slightly larger, 58kW/138Nm 1.8-litre petrol engine replaced the 59kW unit, and was fitted with a five-speed manual gearbox.

UC SunbirdMar 1978

UC Sunbird

The same changes to the UC Torana apply here, except that the well-specified Sunbird SL/E joined the base, SL and (later) Deluxe models from September ‘78.The SL/E brought with it the “new” Australian-designed Starfire 1.9-litre four-cylinder motor – actually it was a development of the 1963 EH-vintage 2.85 “red” motor, cut down to four cylinders.And it proved a monumental disappointment – developing just 72kW/157Nm.That may have been an improvement over the earlier Opel 1900’s 60kW/140Nm that it replaced in all Sunbird models, but it barely bettered the German engine’s pre-‘76’s ‘dirty’ state of tune.Critics howled “Misfire!” yet the maligned motor went on to even greater infamy in the misguided VC and VH Commodore Four, as well as the awful 1980/81 Toyota Corona.So the Torana era ended in a whimper.Still, 53,008 UC Torana/Sunbird models were made when the series ceased in September ‘80, to make room for that four-cylinder Commodore Starfire and, eventually, the equally derided 1982 front-wheel drive Holden JB Camira.

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