Following on from our recent coverage of the Toyota 86 Racing Series Launch, Toyota Australia invited us to cover their now-regular #Festivalof86.
It was clear on arrival, that these owners were very serious about their 86s, and not just there out of convenience.
Attendees were treated to the worlds first public viewing of the Toyota 86 Shooting Brake Concept.
I didn’t totally hate it, but the internet was very divided in opinion over it. [Matyi: the ass reminds me of a CRX!]
Toyota’s Design Chief, Nicolas Hogios who is responsible for its birth was floating around on the day posing for the occasional photo.
Even more exciting, was that Tetsuya Tada AKA Tada-San, the Chief Engineer behind the 86 had flown in from Japan to attend the festival.
You could tell the man was having a great day, not minding having his photo taken and taking in all the unique variations on his creation…
Even stopping to sign interior and exterior pieces for fans!
Once we’d got the catch-ups and introductions out of the way, it was time to venture out and have a look at was was on display for the day. It’s safe to assume that the driving simulator was well used through the day.
Skidpan rides were raffled off throughout the day…
Various traders had their cars and parts on display…
As well as some thoroughbred Toyotas.
Of course there were also a small handful of AE86s there…
and even sneaky Subarus.
Clever plates paying homage to Initial D, from which made the original 86 quite famous.
Some wanted more wing than others…
While for some, a ducktail was enough.
There was no shortage of personalisation.
Undoubtedly, the Rocket Bunny variations turned the most heads on the day.
Towards the end of the day, various awards were handed out for categories like: distance traveled, vehicle stance, appearance and level of modification.
With all of the presentations and speeches over for the day, all the attending 86s including the track-built versions were allowed to cruise the track together.
The day ended with a group photo…
With Tada-san standing most proud.
Many thanks to the team at Toyota for having us on the day!