JD Ashe - 1981 Toyota Starlet
Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by Peter Kappen (@lenskappen)
Some builds have a way of standing out without demanding attention. JD Ashe’s 1981 Toyota Starlet, nicknamed “Starlet Johansson,” falls into that category—understated in size but relentless in execution. What started as a compact commuter has been stripped down and rebuilt with a singular vision: form and function in perfect alignment.
The foundation of the build is a frame-off restoration, leaving no factory component untouched. At the heart of the car sits a Beams 3S-GE paired with AE111 individual throttle bodies. The setup breathes naturally, responding with precision to every input. When the original intake manifold didn’t quite sit right, Ashe and the team at Empire Fabrication scrapped it and built their own, ensuring optimal airflow and fitment.
Empire Fabrication’s work extends far beyond the engine bay. Nearly every aspect of the chassis and body has been reworked by hand—front and rear bumpers, a rear wing, firewall, cage, transmission tunnel, and a false floor above the 17-gallon Rick’s Tank. Each piece was fabricated in-house to complement the Starlet’s proportions and purpose. The attention to detail doesn’t stop at the metalwork; the interior, designed and executed by Elegance Interiors, features Recaro LX seats with netted headrests, tying into the car’s era while offering modern comfort and support.
Underneath, the suspension has been reengineered with help from Techno Toy Tuning. A full coilover setup and front suspension kit ensure the lightweight chassis remains composed under load. Wilwood brakes provide stopping power behind a set of 13x7 TOM’S Igetta wheels—a subtle nod to period-correct tuning with a contemporary edge.
The car made its debut at SEMA 2021 as part of Toyo’s Treadpass showcase, immediately setting itself apart with its precise execution. Since then, it has been making the rounds, proving that its presence isn’t just for show. After dialing in the tune, the Beams motor puts down an even 200 horsepower—a solid figure considering the car weighs under 2,000 lbs. But numbers only tell part of the story. The real measure of this build is in the way it moves, sounds, and responds to the road.
There’s a confidence in the way “Starlet Johansson” has been put together, where every modification has purpose. Nothing feels excessive, and nothing seems rushed. It’s a car that doesn’t try to be loud, yet it leaves an impression long after it’s gone.
Originally featured in PASMAG Issue #180
Click here to order PASMAG #180 - DOUBLE ISSUE: Toyota + Lexus Special.
ESSENTIALS
VEHICLE:
1981 Toyota Starlet
LOCATION:
Irvine, CA
HORSEPOWER:
200 whp
CLUB:
GarageLife
SOCIAL:
IG: @jdla_
ENGINE:
Beams 3S-GE engine swap + AE111 ITBs + Candela Mfg custom headers + Radium fuel management + ECUMasters ECU
EXHAUST:
Candela Mfg custom exhaust
WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
TOM’S Igetta wheels - 13x7 front and rear + Toyo Tires R888R tires + Techno Toy Tuning Micro brake kit
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
Techno Toy Tuning coilovers + Techno Toy Tuning front suspension kit
EXTERIOR:
Porsche Miami Blue paint + Mr__Grip custom flower epoxy fender mirrors
INTERIOR:
Recaro LX seats with net headrests + Speedhut custom gauges with livery + Tilton floor-mount pedals + Wilwood handbrake + Mr__Grip shift knob + Elegance Interiors custom interior
SPONSORS:
Empire Fabrications + Toyo Tires + Candela Mfg + Radium Engineering + Techno Toy Tuning + Rick’s Tanks + Vaderwerks + Antigravity Batteries
PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by Peter Kappen — @lenskappen
GALLERY
