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.
Location: Irvine, CA
Horsepower: 200 whp
Club:
Team 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 (f/r)
Toyo Tires R888R tires
Techno Toy Tuning Micro brake kit
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
Techno Toy Tuning (coilovers, front suspension kit)
EXTERIOR
Porsche Miami Blue paint
Mr__Grip custom flower epoxy fender mirrors
INTERIOR
Recaro LX seats w/ net headrests
Speedhut custom gauges w/ 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
Antigravtity Batteries
Photography by Peter Kappen (@lenskappen)
GALLERY
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