Car enthusiasts are curious creatures, really. For every sleek, fire-breathing supercar that we fall in love with, there's always another normal car from a bygone era that we appreciate just as much - such as this 1981 Toyota Corolla 'KE70' (TE71).

But hold the phone - this isn't actually a KE70. The TE71 chassis code is a clue.

Well, what's the difference? The answer is simple - the chassis code prefix denotes which engine and body style it has.

For instance, this particular example. This is the rare GT variant that's powered by a 1.6-litre, 2T-GEU engine that makes 115 PS and 142 Nm, sending power to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission.

The KE70 that we are more familiar with comes with a 4K-U engine. That has a peak power output of 72 PS and 105 Nm torque.

This debunks the misaligned theory that every 4-door 1980s Corolla is a KE70, and likewise, every coupé Corolla of that era is a TE- or AE-series. The difference lies in both engines and bodystyles.

Technicalities aside, this particular blocky beauty is a rare gem unearthed by Ireland-based JDM Auction Watch. And to say it's in mint-condition undermines things somewhat.

There's not a hair out of place outside, with nary a ding or a scratch. The interior is pretty much spotless too, looking just like how old Mr. Corolla Owner would've bought it 40 years ago.

The engine bay could use a little polishing, but there should be plenty of life left in it - the auctioneers say that it's only clocked roughly 51,000 kilometres since new.

All of that totals to a asking price of EUR 23,500 - or roughly RM 119,000. That's only less than RM 5k away from a brand-new, 2021 Toyota Corolla in Malaysia.

What do you think - worth paying for a piece of automotive history?

Also read: Review: 2020 Toyota Corolla Altis 1.8G - Slowest in class, but does it matter?