Shift Zone

Back in the 80's, tuning meant at most chopping off the roof to make a humdrum family sedan look like a sportscar. Those were scary, twisty times when cars died at the hands of shade tree mechanics trying to fabricate cool.

Times have changed a bit. We now have knowledge, skills and Google. Tuning culture is no longer adding extra lights and chrome plastic bits. The latter is still considered the defacto trick for many. But real tuning, that of tweaking and upgrading, is a new-found art. And many indulge with charisma. Case in point? Check the car we're highlighting this week. An old Celica, it was doomed to remain old. But now it's given a new lease on life. It's better than when it left the factory. It's different too, but without becoming an eyesore. And why not?

Cars represent individuality and creativity for many. These are not just toasters to be discarded when old and the spring becomes jiggly. And it's always a joy to see old cars given a personal tweak and an upgrade.

-- Ehsanur Raza Ronny, Editor-Shift