“I wanted to build something a little different, and a mate had the motor and ’box sitting around – over a few beers, it was joked that if I found a suitable project car, I could use the set-up. 

“I was already keen for a project, so the hunt began for a classic rear-wheel-drive Japanese car. I came across this Corona wagon on Marketplace, which I thought was unique and ticked a few boxes for me – rear-wheel drive, steel bumpers, 70s styling, and it still had all the original trims, which was a bonus.

“The stock engine was using oil as fast as you could put it in, but she was still a runner, along with the auto ’box, and still registered.

“Initially, it was going to be a case of ‘throw the unknown rotary motor in and see how we go’, but as a mechanic that had never worked on a Wankel, I decided to buy a rebuild kit and a DVD. I had the bridgeporting work outsourced, and then I re-assembled the engine with all-new seals and bearings in my kitchen – the cleanest space at home!

“I made custom engine and gearbox mounts, installed a few other goodies like the 48 IDA downdraught Weber carb, and got her running. I also took the car through engineering and got her on the road.

“In terms of styling, it was always going to be small, wide wheels, and I ended up going for 14x8s on the front and 14x9s on the rear. As a teenager, I was inspired by seeing 70s Japanese and UK cars in magazines, with cars like Escorts having low stance and small wheels.

“We gave it a quick respray in the factory colour code, and over the years, I have tidied up a few bits here and there when I have found them, like a set of mint-condition front seats and a full set of mint door cards.

“The front sun visor came off a Holden Gemini and was a great fit. I also installed the front fender-mounted wing mirrors for added style points. The roof racks I believe were a dealer option and have always been on there.

“It has been a very enjoyable vehicle to drive and still turns heads and starts conversations every time it’s out and about, even after over nine years of ownership.

“These days it seems to be a fairly rare vehicle. I intend to hang on to it and continue getting out to as many car shows as time allows!

“As the owner of Perth Polishing & Protection, it has also been a great workshop wagon at times and a great way to get out cruising with customers on the weekends!”