If you were asked to name a fan favorite Toyota from the past and one from the present, the AE86 Corolla and GR Yaris would have to be somewhere near the top of your list. The '80s-era phenom Corolla was an instant hit early on and over the years has bubbled to cult celebrity status among the enthusiast crowd. More recently, the introduction of the GR Yaris serves as a fun loving reminder of just how lethal a compact hatchback fitted with a capable engine and drivetrain can be.

But what if you took the charm and nostalgia of an AE86 and modernized its motivation with the heart of a GR Yaris? DADDY Motor Works of Japan took that idea and ran with it, displaying the fruits of quite a bit of labor during the Tokyo Auto Salon. If not for the shockingly short valvecover and GR badging on the trunk, many might have missed the modern transplant altogether.

The process took place over a three month period and went well beyond just the engine swap. The car's body was completely reworked, ridding of it any rust or imperfections before front and rear over fenders were introduced. Under the new arches are classic Chevlon Racing wheels in grey with polished step lips.

Updating the headlights involved a heavy black outline to tie into the upper grill, and the Corolla was treated to a matte grey finish, then topped with black and chrome livery. Look closely and you'll notice uniform rivets holding in the custom Lexan rear windows.

The shop's custom front bumper offers a squared take on the classic Toyota front end, and just behind that bumper's grill opening is an array of bead rolled sheet metal paneling that directs air to the oil cooler and the V-mount radiator and intercooler stack.

Out back, the rear bumper was dramatically cut (and done so with precision), while the taillights were blacked out and hatch springs added to hold the rear shut. In terms of restomod AE86 builds from the outside, DADDY Motor Works stands among the very best. Pop the hood and its contents are what really separate it from the rest.