A rusty, rough Corolla is usually just a good candidate for scrap metal and engine donation, but this one is a rare convertible, done by a company called Griffith and likely sold at the Toyota dealer at the time. Does that mean it’s worth restoring?
The good news here is 67K miles, but that can also be bad news, as it has likely sat too much. Still, this Toyota isn’t mechanically broken in – just watch for corrosion and other neglect/sitting problem. Hopefully, new fluids and a good tune up will solve the idling problems confessed by the seller. Other good news is
The bad news here relates to cosmetic and possibly structural condition. One has to hope the rust is essentially on the surface with only minor rust-through. If the floor pans or anything structural have rust problems, this car is already upside-down at the current $995 bid. We do know it needs at least minor rust repair, paint, a new top, new seat upholstery, a dash cover and a good clean-up. Did we miss anything? All that said, one could deal with the mechanical bits, replace the top to prevent leaks and do a ‘driving restoration’.
Who would invest in this car? The only focus target customer who comes to mind is a former employee of Griffith.
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$995 with one bid and about 5.5 days to go
Hedgesville, WV
This has the potential to be an attractive, unusual car, but will it ever be exciting?
Profile shot reveals poor condition of top and some of the rust. Original steel wheels are cool.
Diving board rear bumper is surprising for a 1980s model. Usually, automakers had figured out better solutions by this time. Luggage rack is…classy?
For some reason, this car has a Sundancer badge, instead of a Griffith badge. Sundancer was, of course, an AMC convertible…
Interior looks pretty much shot – cheapo seat covers likely cover a total mess and are not there to protect pristine, original cloth.
Here’s evidence that the top goes down! Note the sun damage to the dash, but the welcome, manual shifter.
Yes, this car has a back seat. Were you conceived there?
Here’s a Griffith badge on a destroyed dash. Hopefully, some form of dash cover is available for this car.
Some trunk space is retained, but don’t bring a big cooler.
Engine compartment is dirty, but all there.
The seller has a random collection of parts! Radio is a nice touch!
Ad text:
1982 Toyota Corolla SR5 Sundancer convertible Griffith Limited Edition. Was told only 200 Corollas were converted. Car is very complete but has rust as shown in pics, top is torn and seams came apart. Looks like it was repainted many years ago and wasn’t done well. Body has very few minor pings and is very straight for its age with no signs of a previous accident damage. Has a power top but is not working-reason unknown. 1.8liter engine, 5speed, rear wheel drive. Car will start, run, drive and stop but sometimes will not idle and sometimes will idle smoothly. Engine seems to be solid with no smoke or unusual noises. Does not overheat or have any issues I am aware of. Transmission is smooth and tight. Clutch feels good but engages at far end of travel, Brakes stop well but have a slight drag when car is rolling. Exhaust is intact except muffler is off and pipe is rusted. Turn signals do not work, possibly no flasher, but have not checked. Front seats are in very poor condition. Comes with parts as seen in last pics including the top cover, original radio, door molding, 2 keys and a clear title. Car has 67k miles but has been sitting for years and needs restored. It does run and drive but will need gone over to be a driver. Good car for an original or custom build. If you have any questions email or call 304-xxx-xxxx. Thanks for looking.