Toyota Starlet MK1 Polycarbonate Windows

The Toyota Starlet Mk1, introduced in 1973, was Toyota’s answer to the growing demand for compact, efficient, and fun-to-drive hatchbacks. As the first generation of the Starlet nameplate, it set the foundation for what would become one of Toyota’s most popular and long-running small car series. Light, reliable, and surprisingly agile, the Mk1 Starlet may have started as an economy car, but its rear-wheel-drive layout and simple mechanics made it a favourite among enthusiasts, tuners, and grassroots racers.
From the start, Toyota designed the Starlet to be affordable, lightweight, and fuel-efficient, making it an ideal city car. Available in two-door and four-door body styles, as well as a sporty three-door hatchback, the Mk1 Starlet had a simple yet stylish design that blended practicality with a hint of sportiness. The long hood and short rear overhangs hinted at its rear-wheel-drive setup, something that would later make it a cult classic among those who love old-school driving dynamics.
Under the bonnet, the Mk1 Starlet was powered by a range of small, robust four-cylinder engines, including the 1.0-litre 2K, 1.2-litre 3K, and 1.3-litre 4K units, producing between 55 and 74 horsepower. While these weren’t high-performance numbers, the car’s ultra-lightweight construction, tipping the scales at under 750kg, meant it felt nippy and eager to rev. Combined with a four-speed manual transmission and a well-balanced chassis, the Starlet was surprisingly engaging to drive, especially when pushed through the corners.
Where the Mk1 Starlet really started to gain a following was in motorsport. The car’s rear-wheel-drive layout, simple suspension setup, and durability made it an excellent platform for entry-level racing, autocross, and rallying. Privateer teams quickly discovered that with some minor suspension tweaks and engine modifications, the Starlet could punch well above its weight on both tarmac and dirt.
Toyota even entered the Starlet in Group 2 rallying, proving that this little hatchback could handle high-speed punishment. Its compact size, lightweight chassis, and quick steering made it incredibly agile on tight rally stages, allowing it to compete against more powerful cars with surprising effectiveness.
Visually, the Mk1 Starlet had a classic 1970s design, with simple lines, round headlights, and a no-nonsense stance. While base models were built for economy, sportier trims featured chrome bumpers, racing stripes, and sport wheels, giving them a bit more attitude. Inside, the cabin was basic but functional, with a driver-focused dashboard, simple controls, and supportive bucket seats in the sportier versions.
Despite its qualities, the Mk1 Starlet often gets overlooked in favour of later models, particularly the turbocharged EP71 and EP82 generations. However, for purists who love lightweight, rear-wheel-drive hatchbacks, the Mk1 Starlet is a hidden gem. It represents an era when small cars were simple, engaging, and built to last, without the weight and complexity of modern machines.
Today, the Mk1 Starlet is rare but highly sought after, especially by JDM enthusiasts, classic car collectors, and grassroots racers looking for an affordable, tunable platform. Whether used as a classic city runabout, a weekend backroad toy, or a full-on motorsport build, the Mk1 Starlet remains one of Toyota’s most charming and underrated small cars, a reminder that big driving thrills can come from the smallest packages.