1986 Toyota Corolla EE80: A quest to survive the test of time
The Corolla EE80, part of Toyota’s fifth generation of Corollas, was one of the most popular cars of its time. But unlike most survivors that are today battered, swapped, and faded, Shahed’s car is remarkably close to how it left the factory almost forty years ago
Today the streets of Dhaka are packed with brand-new sedans, hybrids, and SUVs. Yet among the rush of modern metal, every so often you stumble upon something that takes you straight back to the 1980s. Shahed Hossain's 1986 Toyota Corolla EE80 XL is one such car.
It stands as a quiet reminder of a simpler era, when cars were stripped of luxuries and built with nothing but function and durability in mind.
The Corolla EE80, part of Toyota's fifth generation of Corollas, was one of the most popular cars of its time. But unlike most survivors that are today battered, swapped, and faded, Shahed's car is remarkably close to how it left the factory almost forty years ago. "I saw this car through a friend and instantly liked it," Shahed said. "I've always had a passion for retro cars. The first time I saw it, I just fell in love with it."
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This particular EE80 is an XL trim and is as basic as it gets. The front seats don't even have headrests. Seat belts were not offered as standard. The windows wind up with rolling handles. There is no power steering to assist the driver. Sitting inside is like stepping into a time machine, back to a period when the Corolla was built to be nothing more than a dependable family car.
Even so, Shahed has managed to keep the car stunningly neat. Most of its panels still carry the original factory paint in grey, albeit with a slight hint of blue. To give it a more premium touch, he later repainted the lower half in Nissan GT-R grey. The subtle dual-tone look makes the car stand out but never betrays its authenticity. "So far, it's still mostly in its original shape," Shahed explained. "Even most of the panels have original paint." The only other notable change are the aftermarket rims that suit the car's stance without overpowering it.
Under the bonnet lies the original 2E engine, a modest carbureted four-cylinder paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox. Despite its age, the car has only run 78,000 kilometres. "It's still on the original 2E engine with the 4-speed," Shahed said proudly, knowing just how rare it is to find an untouched EE80 today.
Driving it is where the charm lies. Shahed describes the experience as an old-school delight. "It gives off a retro feel," he said. "Even without power steering, it's still very easy to handle because of how lightweight it is. People think it looks low, but the ground clearance is superb." It doesn't drive like any of his modern cars, but that difference is exactly what makes it enjoyable.
Every outing with the Corolla becomes an event of its own. People stop, stare, and ask questions. "Those who saw these cars in the 90s come and ask me about it," Shahed explained. "They appreciate it and are fascinated by how pristine everything still is." For many, the sight of an EE80 brings back memories of family cars and simpler times, and Shahed enjoys being part of that nostalgia for others.
Practicality has not been a problem. Shahed insists that reliability issues are non-existent. "Parts are still available although they are getting rarer every day," he said. "The most difficult parts to source are the body parts, but the mechanicals are readily available and interchangeable with different Toyota models." That interchangeability is what has kept so many Corollas alive in Bangladesh, and it continues to keep Shahed's car running smoothly.
As for future plans, Shahed is torn between preservation and experimentation. On the one hand, the EE80 is such a clean survivor that it almost feels wrong to change anything. On the other hand, he entertains the idea of transforming it into a proper sleeper. "Either I'll keep it as it is or maybe build it into a sleeper car by installing a supercharged 2ZZ-GE engine," he said with a grin, knowing that such a swap would give the humble Corolla a second life altogether.
For now, though, the car remains a time capsule. It is neither a museum piece nor a neglected relic. It is driven, enjoyed, and appreciated for what it is. Shahed's EE80 proves that not every classic needs to be rare, exotic, or valuable to earn respect. Sometimes, it is the honesty of a car—the way it has survived against the odds—that makes it timeless.
In a city where the new replaces the old at breakneck speed, the 1986 Corolla EE80 is a reminder of an age when Toyota's reputation was built on simplicity and reliability. For Shahed Hossain, it is more than just a car. It is a story of love at first sight, of preservation, and perhaps one day, of reinvention.
