The Toyota Cressida, often seen cruising in a restored state or slammed to the ground in shakotan style, isn’t the first car that comes to mind when you think of a drift machine. However, Fredrik Sørlie’s Cressida RX30 is here to challenge that notion. My first encounter with this car was through an image from Jonathan’s Gatebil on Ice event earlier in the year. The sight of this classic Toyota, wheels locked in full counter-steer, effortlessly gliding on ice, was captivating. It sparked an immediate thought: “This would make one seriously cool drift car.” Living in Japan, I’m accustomed to seeing older Mark IIs (the Japanese domestic market equivalent of the Cressida), but their typical fate is often restoration and static display. While there’s undeniable beauty in that approach, Fredrik’s Cressida offered a refreshing contrast.
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Fredrik Sørlie’s Toyota Cressida RX30 showcasing its stance and classic lines.
Meeting Fredrik and witnessing his car firsthand at Gatebil in Mantorp cemented my initial impression. This wasn’t just a showpiece; it was a car built for action. It demanded a closer look, and more importantly, to be seen in its element.
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Toyota Cressida drifting at Gatebil, demonstrating its capabilities on the track.
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Close-up shot of the Cressida in action, highlighting the tire smoke and drifting motion.
What makes this car so appealing? Firstly, it’s the sheer novelty of seeing a classic Japanese car, a Toyota Cressida no less, modified for drifting and thriving in a completely different part of the world. Secondly, it perfectly embodies the spirit that drifting doesn’t necessitate deep pockets. With a strategic selection of performance parts, a dash of ingenuity, and an abundance of determination, you can build a formidable drift car. Of course, having Fredrik’s level of driving skill behind the wheel certainly elevates the experience.
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Fredrik Sørlie and his Toyota Cressida during a nighttime photoshoot at Mantorp Park.
As the Gatebil festivities wound down one evening, under the soft glow of the midnight sun, Fredrik and I took his Cressida for a spin on the deserted Mantorp Park circuit. We had a brief chat about the journey of this remarkable project.
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Front view of the Toyota Cressida, emphasizing its original 1970s design and clean condition.
Fredrik acquired the car two years prior from a widow. Her late husband had purchased this Cressida RX30 brand new in 1977 and cherished it throughout his life. Remarkably, despite its age, the chassis was remarkably well-preserved, free from rust and major damage, save for a few minor blemishes.
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Rear three-quarter view of the Cressida, highlighting the SSR XR4 Longchamp wheels and clean body lines.
With the expertise of Underground Garage, the vision was clear: keep the modifications focused and impactful, transforming this 36-year-old classic into a capable drift machine without exorbitant costs. Maintaining the factory bodywork was a key element of Fredrik’s concept.
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Side profile of the Toyota Cressida, showcasing the 14-inch SSR XR4 Longchamp wheels and ride height.
However, compromising on the wheels was never on the agenda. The car rolls on 14-inch SSR XR4 Longchamps, 7 inches wide on all four corners.
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Close-up of the SSR XR4 Longchamp wheel and Falken Ziex 912 tire combination.
These are wrapped in 185/60R14 Falken Ziex 912 tires, providing the necessary grip and responsiveness.
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The Toyota Cressida exhibiting its functional stance, prioritizing performance over extreme aesthetics.
The Cressida’s stance prioritizes function over extreme aesthetics, unlike some of the dramatically stanced cars seen in Japan. The tighter offset ensures the wheels sit perfectly within the arches, contributing to a purposeful and undeniably cool look.
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Front angle of the Cressida emphasizing the wheel fitment and clean, unmodified body.
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Another front view, highlighting the subtle aggression achieved through wheel choice and stance.
Exterior modifications are minimal, save for the essential #MAXIMUMATTACK bumper sticker.
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Rear bumper of the Cressida, featuring the #MAXIMUMATTACK sticker, a nod to drifting culture.
#ZENKAI all the way indeed!
While horsepower isn’t everything in drifting, the original factory 2.0-liter 18R engine was certainly not going to deliver the required performance.
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Toyota Cressida drifting aggressively, showcasing the need for performance upgrades.
However, in line with the ethos of the build, a monstrous power figure wasn’t the objective. Instead, a reliable and potent upgrade was sought.
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Engine bay of the Toyota Cressida, hinting at the performance modifications within.
Lifting the hood reveals no massive turbochargers, but a meticulously executed 2JZ-GE engine swap.
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Detailed view of the 2JZ-GE engine swap in the Cressida, highlighting the clean installation.
David Riiber, Fredric Aasbø’s mechanic from Underground Garage, spearheaded this transformation, expertly fitting the new engine along with a robust W58 Supra five-speed manual transmission.
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Another angle of the 2JZ-GE engine, showing the HKS Super Power Flow filter and custom radiator.
Fredrik was initially puzzled as to why I wanted to photograph the engine bay in its track-worn state, rather than freshly cleaned. But to me, the grime and evidence of use were far more compelling. It spoke volumes about the car’s purpose and the dedication to driving it hard. This Cressida is genuinely used and abused, a testament to its drift-spec nature. Performance enhancements include a custom exhaust system, an HKS Super Power Flow intake filter, and a custom GRP4 Fabrications radiator to maintain optimal temperatures. In this naturally aspirated configuration, the 2J produces a healthy 207hp, more than sufficient for a chassis weighing a mere 1,090kg. As demonstrated in this video from last week, the Cressida has absolutely no trouble going sideways.
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Front suspension components of the Cressida, highlighting the Tokico HTS dampers and Cusco control arms.
Drifting is about more than just raw power, and the unseen modifications are where the real magic lies. The suspension system features custom-built Tokico HTS adjustable short-stroke dampers paired with Öhlins springs and custom camber plates. Up front, Cusco lower control arms and castor arms, along with roll center adjusters and T3 steering arms, are employed. Steering components are sourced from a Toyota Carina (rack and tie rod ends) and a KE70 Corolla (steering column). All of this is mounted to an Underground Garage custom cross member, featuring relocated suspension mounting points to optimize geometry and achieve impressive steering lock – over 70 degrees without wheels fitted. However, clearance within the wheel arches remains a limiting factor in fully utilizing this extreme angle.
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Rear suspension of the Cressida showcasing the Underground Garage four-link setup.
The rear suspension has received equal attention, featuring an Underground Garage four-link setup with rose-jointed equal-length rods. Braking upgrades are budget-conscious yet effective. Front calipers are sourced from an SW20 MR2, and front discs from an S14 Silvia. The rear retains the stock drum brakes, which Fredrik prefers for their e-brake feel, although a disc conversion is planned for the future.
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Interior of the Cressida, featuring the Nardi steering wheel and JDM shift knob.
The interior receives subtle yet impactful enhancements, including a quintessential Nardi steering wheel and a JDM torakkuyaro-style shift knob.
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Close-up of the JDM ‘torakkuyaro’-style shift knob in the Cressida’s interior.
The previous owner’s meticulous care is evident in the pristine condition of the original instrumentation and dashboard.
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Dashboard and original gauges of the Cressida, highlighting the well-preserved interior.
Bride seats were essential, their high bolsters securing Fredrik and his passengers firmly in place.
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Bride bucket seats and Takata harnesses installed in the Cressida for enhanced driver and passenger support.
These are paired with Takata and MOMO harness belts for added safety.
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Rear parcel shelf with sticker-bombed finish and vintage Pioneer TS-X9 speakers.
A vintage Pioneer head unit and TS-X9 speakers, mounted on the sticker-bombed rear parcel shelf, complete the interior ambiance.
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Fredrik Sørlie with his helmets, emphasizing his readiness to drift his Toyota Cressida.
Fredrik is never without his helmets, always prepared to put his drift-spec Cressida to good use, both on and off the track.
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Action shot of Fredrik Sørlie drifting the Toyota Cressida at Gatebil.
Having witnessed him in action at Gatebil, it’s clear that Fredrik’s driving style and the Cressida are perfectly matched. It’s a synergy that elevates both driver and machine. This Toyota Cressida drift build is a testament to thoughtful modifications, skillful driving, and the enduring appeal of an unlikely drift hero.
