Rough riders (Part 2 of 7)

Everyone has a variety of reasons for driving old steel. And here at Rust 'N' Pieces, we love hearing those stories. After all, it's the people behind the wheel that make these cars special. ROUGH RIDER: Teejay Tang RIDE: 1976 Mitsubishi Lancer (two-door) WHAT'S THE STORY? "I started with two VWs, and then I got hooked with Japanese cars. Di na ako nakaalis. Four years pa lang sa akin 'yung car. It was a junk car, and I used it for two years before starting work. I wanted it low, with bling, but the plans changed." COOL DETAILS The paintjob and decals (from Art Effect) are inspired by Andrew Cowan's car that dominated the Southern Cross Rally in the mid-'70s. Handles mounted at the rear are for the co-driver to hold on to and find leverage if the car gets stuck in the mud. Platforms below the rear bumper have yet to be added. This car also has extensions below the running boards to help with towing, or as jacking points. Up front are four Cibie fog lamps (two Baby and two Super Oscars). Under the hood is a healthy 1600 4g32 Saturn with a single-side Webber. The car rides on 13x5.5 Enkei Limited Compe alloy wheels. FUTURE PLANS Teejay is completing a rally set up so that he can take his car off-road. Everything will be period-correct, from the bash plates, roll cage, and carbureted engine. WHY OLD SCHOOL? "Maintenance is cheaper compared to VWs. Mas reliable as a daily driver with our climate." Photos by Enrico Subido