Fredrik’s shakotan Cressida drifter

As some of may know, Shutterspeed photographer, Fredrik Sørlie is no stranger to the track. Back in 2003 he was one of the first norwegian drivers to buy an japanese rwd car (a Gr. A rally spec AE86) and start drifting. However, as drifting wasn’t a sanctioned sport in Norway, Fredrik sold the car to focus on organizing events and gain recognition for the sport. Since 2005, Fredrik has not owned his own driftcar, but that’s about to change!

After a couple of test runs in borrowed cars this summer (see videos on Fredrik’s YouTube channel), Fredrik decided it was time to get back in the drivers seat. Buying a track ready car was not an option.

- I’m on a limited budget, so buying a high end car is not an option. Neither is buying something cheap and dull. I thought about it for a while, and figured that no one in Norway has ever buildt a classic JDM drift car. About time I do it then, says Fredrik.

In just a couple of weeks, Fredrik sourced a perfect base for the first ever Norwegian shakotan drifter, a 1977 Toyota Cressida. The car only has one previous owner since new, and has been serviced at a Toyota Garage every 20 thousand km. The bodywork is a bit rough, but look underneath the car, and it’s a different story!

The car had been sitting in the garage for 8 years when purchased, but still drove like new. With promises of taking good care of it and only drive on the weekends (partly true, as trackdays are mostly on the weekends), Fredrik drove the car home and went to work. Future plans include coilovers, custom steering geometry, full roll cage and an engine swap in favor of a turbocharged 1JZ! But for now, it was all about making it look decent enough to use as a daily driver while gathering parts. Rota Alecia’s were purchased from Driftworks, and springs were cut to suit Fredrik’s fear of heights.

Looks so much better without the trim on the side.

The tow hook is staying, as Fredrik actually has a 1977 caravan trailer for accomodation at events.

Authentic JDM style interior featuring a 22cm shifter and a Nardi steering wheel.

Almost perfect stance. Coilovers will allow for another inch of lowering.

Poor kitty…

There’s just no way you can go wrong with a classic Nardi wheel!

Wheels are 15×9″ ET-15 wrapped in 195/50-15 rubber. Nice stretch without being all out boso…