SP Rides: The Standout Starlet

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BY MICHAEL KITCHENS

Name: Tommy Dolormente
Age: 43
Occupation: Engineer TechnicianHobbies: Cars, food, travel
Year/Make/Model: 1981 Toyota Starlet
Color: White
Engine: Original 4kc w/ AC, stock carb w/ So-Cal Speed Shop Big Horn stack, MSD coil, Magnecor Competion wires, Headers by Martelius Racing to a 2-inch pipe exhaust system by Rad Motosports, High efficient radiator by Aloha Radiator
Exterior: Stock KP61 body, Original paint and stripes from the Toyota factory, Custom modified steel bumpers, JDM grill and taillights, Crystal clear H4 headlights, Modified KE70 front lip, Custom side skirts, Replica TRD rear spoiler, D1 lugnuts, Rolled fender lips
Interior: Stock interior other than the seats that were re-upholstered by Antiques to Modern (front Honda Civic buckets, rear OE), Grant wood steering wheel, Dragonball No. 7 shift knob, Clarion deck with Pioneer speakers and 6.5-inch Bazooka amplified subwoofer, TE72 sport coupe center console and don’t forget my Hula Girl
Suspension: Owner installed custom air suspension (parts sourced thru Bagriders.com) includes Shortened front struts with UAS bags, Rear UAS bags, KYB shock all around, 3/8-inch lines, Accuair VU4 manifold, Viair 400C compressor, Specialty Suspension seamless tank, AVS 9-switchbox and water trap, T3 front strut bar
Wheels/Brakes/Tires: Hayashi Racing Takechi Project Hart 14×6.5, OE calipers with Brake Labs drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads, Stainless braided lines, Federal Formoza FD1 155/55-14 front, 155/55-14 rear

The American version of the Toyota Starlet enjoyed a relatively short career on U.S. soil. Known as the KP61, the diminutive RWD hatchback graced our shores for a scant four years, even while commuters appreciated the automobile for its reliability and excellence in gas mileage. Thirty-four years after its introduction to America, Tommy Dolormente appreciates this car for being the ugly duckling of the classic Toyota world.

He happened upon this 1981 Toyota Starlet and jumped at the chance to own this rare vehicle. With only a handful found on the island and most sitting and rotting away in backyards, this car was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

Still, the bone stock car was in need of an immediate refresh. Dolormente rebuilt the top half of the 4K I4 engine and paired it with MSD coil ignition, Magnecor Competition wires and headers by Martelius racing. Rad Motorsports installed a custom exhaust system that was mated to a 2-inch pipe, while the old workhorse was culled by a high-efficient radiator installed by Aloha Radiator. The stock carb was given some bling with a So-Cal Speed Shop Big Horn stack, while a T3 front strut bar dresses up the engine bay.  Overall, the car only has 116,000 original miles on it — an incredibly low number by today’s standards.

The stunning white paint is all-original and has been lovingly restored to its original luster by Dolormente.  The minor dings and scratches are a testament to the care and attention this car has had throughout its years. The three-door hatchback sports black moldings with the original striping accented by custom front and rear bumpers with a JDM grill and rear taillights. The car also sports a modified KE70 front lip, custom side skirts and a replica TRD rear spoiler.

As for the car’s interior, the front seats were swapped out with 2000 Civic models and then reupholstered by Antiques to Modern in a matching cloth and leather combo. A Grantwood steering wheel, Dragonball No. 7 shift knob and a TE72 sport coupe center console now grace the inside. For kicks and giggles, a hula girl graces the dashboard and sways with aloha on every turn.

This Starlet is slammed thanks to the owner-installed and custom-air suspension setup.  The handpicked kit features shortened front struts with UAS bags, KYB shocks all around while the lift and drop is handled by a Viair 400C compressor and Specialty Suspension tank. An Accuair VU4 manifold and AVS 9-switch aid in the controls. This allows this hot hatchback to drop it low on to the Hayashi Racing Takechi Project Hart wheels. The tuck is so deep the Federal Formoza FDs are practically shoe-horned into the fender wells. The OEM calipers are aided by Brake Labs drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic pads with stainless braided lines.

This car is definitely a standout for its rarity, but Dolormente loves it for being unique. “Everybody likes the Celicas, Hachis and Mangos,” he said, “but I’ve always been partial to liking the cars that no one else.”

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