1988 Toyota Tercel and Transition Bikes Sentinel

1988 Toyota Tercel 4WD

The early 1980s Oil Crisis, triggered by Middle Eastern revolutions, meant hard times for the automotive industry. Chasing more efficient engines and lower-cost production, even the design firms had to let go off their higher tier, top Yen employees for, dude from the lunch room designs. The ’88 Toyota Tercel embodies that philosophy to a T. Despite lines inspired by a Mikado game, and an engine that barely moves this breadbox, they got one thing right: the drivetrain. Toyota couldn’t compromise on the very thing that made their vehicles so capable. The 4WD Tercel floated over snow and dirt. Like the Justy from Subaru; small, boxy and underpowered cars with incredible drivetrains took the world by storm. Unfortunately, there was little access to high-grade steel in Japan, and most of these cars either wrapped themselves around trees on local rallies or rusted into nothing on salted North American roads. There is, however, one remaining that thrives on the Vancouver’s North Shore; BIG TERK. Liane picked up this slightly improved Tercel for her mountain biking adventures around the province, and this place is all the better for it.

Hi Liane, quickly introduce yourself to the millions, ok maybe thousands of random mountain bike and car enthusiasts. 

Hi! I’m Liane, I live on the North Shore and I spend my time exploring the forest and keeping this old Toyota alive.

Where did the cars enter your life? Are you a gearhead, or do you just like ‘some’ cars? (previous cars, etc)

I’ve always liked cars. My first car was an ’89 Toyota Camry — deeply uncool at the time, but incredibly practical. Looking back, that’s probably why I was immediately smitten with BIG TERK. There’s some real nostalgia for me in 80s Toyotas. All of my cars have been practical until this. BIG TERK is the first one I bought purely as a project rather than out of necessity.

I took a couple of auto classes in high school, and since then, I’ve picked things up the hard way. I usually have just enough knowledge to convince myself I can handle a job — and then I learn a few frustrating lessons along the way.

Most “quick” jobs take at least a full day and cost more than I expect.  I enjoy the getting dirty part of it – not so much the fucking things up part – but it’s so incredibly satisfying to figure things out.

Tell us a little bit about the “Big Terk”. How did you come across it? How’s the journey been so far?

I befriended a mechanic named Steve while I was deep in the weeds with an absolute lemon of a car I’d bought. He’s semi-retired and would stop by to help troubleshoot and point me in the right direction.

He sent me the listing for BIG TERK. It was being sold by the original owner at the tippy top of capitol hill in Burnaby. He told me he didn’t have room for it, but that I should get it. I got in touch with her immediately.

The owner bought the car as a commuter and kept it after she retired as a grocery getter. She held onto it because the 4WD was unbeatable for getting up her hill in the snow. Her phone was buzzing with people wanting to buy it, but she was excited to sell it to someone who wanted to work on it.

I love how simple this little car is, and how differently people relate to it. These were everywhere in the 80s, so people constantly stop me to ask about it and share their own nostalgic stories.

Can you tell us about the mods you’ve done?

One of the best things about this car is its online cult following. The 4WD Tercel community has documented just about every experiment imaginable, so if you’re thinking about a mod, chances are someone has already tried it.

After taking care of the basics — fluids, bearings, bushings, all the unglamorous stuff — I focused on suspension, brakes, and wheels.

The lift is very much a franken-setup, pieced together from various donor vehicles with the help of forum knowledge. I upgraded the brakes using MR2 components, which helps rein in the overwhelming power of the stock 1.5L 3A engine… Jokes aside, it makes a noticeable difference with the bigger wheels and chunkier tires.

One of my favourite changes was restoring a set of MR2 wheels from a junked car. The last big practical upgrade was a custom rear bumper with a 2” hitch so I could run a rack. It’s not perfect, but it works.

I’m also midway through some body work that I suspect may never be fully finished.

Tell us about your Transition. What are bikes to you? Why mountain bikes? Do you do other sports?

I’ve been riding bikes to get around for forever but got my first mountain bike when I moved to the North Shore 6 years ago.

Much like my choice of cars, the Sentinel is a practical rig. It gets me down whatever I point it at and forgives most of my mistakes. I added carbon wheels for longer days — more for the mental boost than anything — but otherwise it’s pretty close to stock.

Mountain biking has shaped my life. It dictates how I spend my free time, who my friends are, and how I move through the place I live. It’s my way of slowing down, paying attention, and earning access to the best parts of the forest. I can’t imagine a better way to experience the North Shore.

Outside of biking, I play a bit of basketball.

What is your favourite ride/ trail locally and in the world?

I love pipeline on Fromme. It is a work of art. It’s fun to ride for sure but it’s also incredibly built – I am in awe of the creativity and craftsmanship every time I’m on it.

Internationally? Hm. Often when I’m riding somewhere else, I find myself thinking the riding is better at home. One very notable exception, however, was Moab. The riding was unique, and the scenery was so beautiful. I’d go back in a heartbeat. When I was there, they had just gotten a heavy snow (only adding to how scenic it was), so only a couple of trails were rideable, but we managed a lap of Captain Ahab.