1998 Toyota Starlet: A 90s Mod Revival

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Colin Jones

1998 Toyota Starlet 90’s Mod Revival

Instagram: @crazycol1984

Performance Stats: 74 bhp

A Passion for Cars from the Start

I'm Colin from Sheffield. Ever since I was little, I always had a love for cars and used to go to a lot of local car shows. As soon as I passed my test, I was off modifying what I had—and that's a good 22 years ago. My neighbour Isra had lots of modified cars as I was growing up, and my close friend Stephen used to have a Cavalier GSI. My local area was just loaded with 90s-modded cars and loud audio cars.

The Build: A 90’s Mod Revival

This was a budget build with a small engine, but it's packed with personality. My black-painted Starlet features Custom Paints Rainbow XL glitter paint over the top, both applied from a rattle can. I painted it on the driveway at home because I wanted to do it myself. It’s a little 1.3NA powerhouse with an induction kit and a weld-on tailpipe.

Custom Modifications

The Starlet sits on Cusco coilovers and 17" Momo Arrows with tyres from Kilnhurst Tyres. The exterior boasts a bad boy bonnet to give it an aggressive look, a smoothed front bumper, custom side skirts, custom rear arches, and a custom rear bumper. It also features wide vented fibreglass front wings and a one-off smooth tailgate with a Toyota logo imprinted in. The Glanza spoiler completes the look.

Unique Interior and Audio Setup

Inside, the Starlet is all one-off. It has full red and black leather seats and door cards, a red leather roof liner, carbon fibre effect A-pillar trims, a black leather dash with speaker builds, and a Mounty steering wheel. The full Alpine audio system includes 4x 6" speakers in the dash, 2x 6" speakers in the front doors, 2x 6x4s in the rear quarters, and 2x 12" Type R subs in a custom boot build with Toyota logos. There are three amps, a PlayStation 2 built into the dash, and two screens—one up front and one in the boot build—running off an Alpine 178bt head unit.

The Wow Factor

The paint is crazy in the sun and sparkles like mad. The Momo rims sit perfectly, and the car rides like a go-kart on the coilovers. It feels like being stuck back in the 90s. When the boot and doors are open, crowds tend to flock around. My 10-year-old son loves it.

Toyota Starlet Build List

• Black painted Starlet with Custom Paints Rainbow XL glitter paint

• 1.3NA engine with induction kit

• Cusco coilovers

• 17" Momo Arrows with standard brakes

• Bad boy bonnet, smoothed front bumper

• Custom side skirts, rear arches, rear bumper

• Wide-vented front wings

• Custom smooth tailgate with Toyota logo

• Full red and black leather interior

• Red leather roof liner, black leather dash

• Full Alpine audio system

• PlayStation 2 built into the dash

• Custom boot build with Toyota logos

The Work

A lot of the work has been done by me, including the full rewire for audio, custom bumper, painting, and fitting the coilovers. Tyres and exhaust were done by Kilnhurst Tyres in Rotherham.

Future Plans for the Toyota Starlet

I'm looking at adding some chrome wheels and creating a crazy Max Power-style front bumper. I might put a bigger screen in the back and maybe some bucket seats.

Shout Outs

Big shout out to Kilnhurst Tyres Rotherham, Steelcitycruisers for doing the car showed when I was younger, Rothercruise, Box Monkey Customs, Custom Paints Sheffield, Tinsley MOT Centre, my mum and son for all the help and the push I needed to get it done, and my neighbours Stephen and Michelle for being there when I needed them.

Dream Car

Escort RS Cosworth

By sharing his journey and detailed build process, Colin Jones not only showcases his passion and dedication but also provides a valuable resource for car enthusiasts looking to embark on their own custom car projects. His story highlights the joy of DIY car modification and the vibrant community of car enthusiasts in Sheffield.

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UKTM no: UK00003572459