Adam Elramly for Barbour

Profession: Art Director

Hometown: Fontana, CA

Make/Model/Year of Your Automobile: 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16

What does the word "classic" mean to you? I think a classic is something made to higher standards of quality and, with proper care, can last generations. While timeless classics exist, I appreciate things that reflect and transport you to the time they were made.

Why did you want your particular car and when did you finally get it? I bought my car September 2021. I’ve always loved boxy Japanese cars from the 80s. In high school, my cousin Ahmed had, and still has, two Corollas, an AE92 and an AE86. This was before I knew about drifting or Initial D, so I didn’t understand the significance of his Trueno at the time. When I started looking for a project car, I really wanted an old Corolla. The listing for my car was the first time I saw an FX16. There were only a few poor quality photos of the car’s exterior and not much of a description to go off of, just that it was running. After some research, I saw that the FX Corolla was only available in the US for two years and the FX16 model came with a 16V 4AGE engine. A few days later I went to see the car and when I confirmed that it had the 4AGE, I bought it. All my other cars have also been black hatchbacks, so this keeps with tradition.

Favorite driving trip you've taken: Any test drive after changing or fixing something on my car. Making small improvements over time allows me to get to know the car better, feel little differences, and enjoy every drive.

Most interesting custom feature you've made on your car? I don’t know if it’s the most interesting feature, but my favorite feature on the car is the steering wheel. It’s the part of your car you interact with the most, so finding one that matches the car and feels good while driving is important to me. I’ve tried a handful of different wheels. The one I’m currently using is a secondhand Personal Grinta produced in the late 80's. It’s the perfect size and the leather is soft and worn in nicely. I love it.

Your California traffic hack: Learn your area and take side streets! I hate sitting in freeway traffic, so if I ever have to drive during rush hour, I’ll take the streets.

One thing you always bring with you when you drive: Some tools in case of an emergency, microfiber towels, and water.

What does someone's car tell you about them? I think cars can reflect your personality and values, in a similar way that clothes or your taste in music can. The punk and DIY scene informed the way I view and approach everything in my life, including what I choose to drive. In this case, finding a rare and unloved chassis, doing my own repairs and maintenance, and keeping modifications simple.

What's something in your life that's lasted the test of time? I am really grateful to have inherited my dad’s old tools. There have been multiple occasions when I was working in the garage and the tool I needed was in one of my dad’s old toolboxes.

Instagram: @adamelramly

Adam wears the Barbour Modified Dryfly Waxed Jacket.