1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey

1998 Toyota Starlet SR. From a Glanza rep to a full restoration, Matt’s passion shines through every detail. Future plans include a turbo upgrade and a fresh respray.

1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey
1998 Toyota Starlet SR: A Passionate Restoration Journey

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Matt Sevens

1998 Toyota Starlet SR

Instagram: @Drongosr

From Apprenticeship to Obsession: A Lifelong Love for Toyotas

My name’s Matt, and I’ve been crazy about cars for as long as I can remember. At 34, I’ve spent most of my life around cars, thanks in large part to my dad, who was also a car enthusiast. My journey with Toyotas began when I started my mechanic apprenticeship at Toyota. That’s where my obsession with the brand took off.

I also run a local car club called Mansfield Modified. Club, which was originally started by my mate’s dad, Sinbad. Cars have always been more than just a hobby for me—they’re a way of life. Whether it’s tinkering in the garage or creating something entirely new, I’m always looking for ways to push the limits of what’s possible.

1998 Toyota Starlet SR

A Starlet’s Journey: From Dream to Reality

The Toyota Starlet SR has always held a special place in my heart. My dad had a modified Starlet for 12 years, and I knew that when the time came, I had to have one of my own. After passing my driving test, I went through a few different cars, but when this SR came up for sale, I jumped at the chance. Fourteen years later, I’m still in love with it and have no plans to part ways anytime soon.

Transformation and Restoration

Over the years, the Starlet has undergone a significant transformation. It was once a full Glanza replica before I decided to take it off the road a few years ago for a complete restoration. The car was stripped down to a bare shell, and every component was either replaced or rebuilt. My goal was to get it back to the best possible condition and ensure it’s ready to last another 25 years if not more. Countless hours have gone into this build, but I’ve enjoyed every single minute.

Unique Features of the Starlet SR

One of the things I love most about my Starlet SR is how unique it is. Originally, Toyota only released 750 of these SRs, and now there are fewer than 100 left on the road. My Starlet features some one-of-a-kind touches, like the front bumper, which is a Toms bumper moulded to fit the UK-spec front end, and custom-vented front wings. Every time I drive it, I can’t help but smile.

Build List: 

Exterior: 

  • Tom's front bumper was modified to fit UK spec
  • Bonnet vents with candy-red mesh
  • Custom-vented front wings with candy-red mesh
  • Crystal indicators 
  • Crystal headlights 
  • Crystal fog lights
  • Glanza side skirts with extension lips 
  • Glanza rear bumper with optional extra lip 
  • Livesport rear spoiler
  • Glanza optional extra mid-spoiler 
  • Reflet rear lights 
  • Custom painted door tops, scuttle panels, roof strips
  • Rear window tints
  • Custom sun strip 

1998 Toyota Starlet SR

Chassis:

  • Meister r zeta pro coilovers 
  • All bushes were replaced with poly bushes
  • Giz fab rear panhard rod
  • Cusco front strut brace finished in candy red 
  • White line rear strut brace finished in candy red
  • Fully rebuilt brakes all around with new lines and braided hoses
  • Rays Gram Light alloys finished in candy red

Interior:

  • Fully stripped and carpeted interior
  • OMP bucket seats 
  • OMP 4-point harnesses
  • Harness bar finished in candy red
  • Sparco steering wheel finished in candy red 
  • Candy red clock surround, centre console. Window switches 
  • Dragonball gear knob with bride Gator
  • Dragonball theme spare wheel 
  • Candy red pillar plastics 
  • Custom rising sunroof lining 
  • A pillar gauges 
  • Vibe under seat sub 
  • Vibe slick 6 rear speakers 
  • Vibe replacement front speakers 

1998 Toyota Starlet SR engine

Engine bay:

  • Engine bay respray in candy red 
  • Ram air intake with custom intake pipe 
  • Fully rebuilt 4EFE
  • 4EFTE flywheel and clutch
  • Hyper sports short shifter
  • Custom stainless steel cat back exhaust 
  • Lego battery cover finished in candy red 
  • Bonnet struts in candy-red
  • Alloy half radiator 

1998 Toyota Starlet SR

Who did the work?

Most of the work has been done by myself including all the mechanical work and spraying. My dad has been a big help with it all too! All of the stickers have been done by my missus Becky. A couple of my mates Damien and Ritchie have helped me out with any welding work I needed. The exhaust was done by a local company stainless exhaust specialist.

Future Plans for the Starlet SR

The next big project for my Starlet is long overdue—a turbo upgrade. I plan to boost the standard engine for now and rebuild my spare engine to handle even more power. I’m also planning to update the interior with new seats and add a few more personal touches. Finally, a full respray in a brighter white is on the horizon to give the car a fresh new look.

Shout Outs

A big thank you to my work at Trade Van Accessories for letting me do a lot of the work there. I also want to shout out:

Dream Car: What’s Next on the Wishlist?

If I could have any car, it would either be a Hakosuka GTR or a Gen 1 Celica. Both are absolute legends in the car world and would be a dream to own.

Please leave your comments on my story in the comments section at the bottom of the page, it helps the story get more views and reach the Printed Magazine, Thank you.

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