Rebuilding the Cressida

Hi guys. My name is Fredrik Sørlie, and I am the driver of the 1977 Underground Garage Toyota Cressida.

15 years ago I raced single seaters internationally with good results and a dream of making it to F1, but ran out of funding after a couple of seasons in Formula Ford. Soon I realised that with my resources I had to let go of my dream to race professionally. It was not easy, as I feel that it's what I do best, but there was just no way I could raise that kind of money.

- With Johnny Herbert at Silverstone 1996

After years of organizing events, working as a racing instructor and a few guest appearances on Norwegian circuits, I felt it was time to see if I could find a way to get back into driving fast and/or sideways. I found a cheap, old Toyota and with the help of the amazing David Riiber of Underground Garage turned it into a driftable daily driver/track day weapon that I now love more than I've ever loved anything. With a very tight budget we had to stick to basic modifications, so the car still has a full interior, steel body and no cage.

The engine is a non-turbo Supra engine (2JZ-GE) that I got for free from Garage-D in the UK. David built a custom subframe and full custom suspension setup, including an equal-length 4-link system, MR2 brakes, coilovers and a welded differential. The car weighs slightly over 1200kg with driver and fuel, and I've only got 211hp at the wheels. Not very impressive numbers, but that's kind of the point. I like the challenge!

- Looking pretty at Rudskogen Motorpark

The car made it's debut at the last Gatebil event in 2012 and that was the beginning of a journey I could not have imagined in my wildest dreams.

2013 was the best year of my life! From day one, the car became a fan favorite, and I did my best to push it as hard as I could. For every event we pushed it a little bit further, and at the huge Gatebil event in July we even managed to qualify 12th out of 75 cars in the prestigious World Powerslide Championship, out qualifying Formula Drift champion, Vaughn Gittin Jr. in his Mustang.

- Sideways at Rudskogen Motorpark

At the start of the season I was not even sure if I could afford to go to a single event, but thanks to my amazing friends and the goodwill and support from Fredric Aasbø, Speedhunters (who even featured my car), Gatebil and many others, I managed to attend every single event and burn through a huge pile of brand new Falken tyres that was provided to me by my friend Sigurd at Pole Position.

For 2014 I really want to make sure I can go to every Gatebil event to show everyone what you can do if you only put your mind to it. I want to show "them" that with determination and passion you don't need a 600bhp, competition spec race car to stand out. In fact, you can have just as much fun and be equally awesome in a cheap, vintage daily driver!

- Dropping a wheel at Mantorp Park

To do so I need your help. I can't afford to do this on my own, and I can't think of a better way to fund this project. From day one I have felt a deep connection with my fans and supporters from all over the world and I'd much rather be in bed with you guys than with "the man". The love I have received has been overwhelming, and I don't want to ruin that by chasing sponsorship and "selling out". Sure, I will not turn down the right sponsor, but ideally, I want to keep this a grassroots project. I want to keep driving my car to the event, drift all weekend, and then drive it back home. I don't need a flashy car with graphics and spoilers. I guess I'm a bit old fashioned that way.

Realistically I still need at least $10 000 to be safe for the Gatebil events. However, I have a few other plans as well that would be awesome to make a reality, so I've set the goal a bit higher. Whatever I get, I promise you I will spend every single cent on my driving and make sure to share videos and pictures regularly!

If you want to know more about me, feel free to check out my Facebook profile, my Instagram profile or my YouTube channel!

Oh, and by the way. Don't kill kittens! They are adorable! :D