Toyota

The first-generation Toyota Carina arrived in 1970 as a practical sporting family car, sharing its platform and mechanical components with the Celica. European sales began in 1971. Positioned alongside the similarly sized Corona, the rear-wheel-drive Carina was offered as two- and four-door saloons and a hardtop coupé, with engines ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 litres depending on market. Sporting GT versions used the Celica’s twin-cam engines, giving the otherwise conventional family car considerably stronger performance. The Carina received several updates during its lifetime, including revised styling in 1972 and 1974. A more substantial facelift followed in late 1975, bringing redesigned front and rear sections and improved brakes.

The second-generation Carina appeared in 1977, reaching most European markets during 1978. Although newly styled, it retained much of its predecessor’s rear-wheel-drive engineering and continued as two- and four-door saloons and a coupé. An estate was now officially exported as well. European cars mainly used the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, while larger and more powerful versions were available elsewhere. A substantial 1980 facelift brought revised front and rear styling and an improved interior. Production ended in 1981.