Toyota

The first-generation Toyota Corona was introduced in 1957 as a smaller companion to the Crown. Initially marketed as the Toyopet Corona, it combined components from the earlier Crown and Master in a compact four-door monocoque body with rear-wheel drive and independent front suspension. Early cars used a modest 995 cc side-valve four-cylinder engine producing 33 PS, replaced in 1959 by a more powerful 997 cc overhead-valve unit with 45 PS. A three-door commercial version, marketed as the Toyopet Coronaline, joined the range in 1958. Several detail changes and facelifts followed during its short production life. The Corona established an important new position below the increasingly large Crown and laid the foundations for what would become one of Toyota’s principal international model lines.

The third-generation Corona arrived in September 1964 with a considerably broader model range, including four-door sedan, hardtop coupé, station wagon, van and commercial derivatives. Engine capacities ranged from 1.2 to 1.9 litres, while manual and Toyoglide automatic transmissions were available. This generation became particularly important internationally, spearheading Toyota’s successful return to the American passenger-car market. Improved performance, durability and equipment helped establish Toyota abroad. The sporting 1600GT, introduced in 1967 with a Yamaha-developed twin-cam engine, further broadened the Corona’s appeal.

The fourth-generation Corona appeared in 1970, remaining rear-wheel drive while the larger Corona Mark II developed separately. The fifth generation followed in 1973, offering sedan, hardtop coupé and wagon bodies with engines up to 2.2 litres; its popularity benefited from growing demand for economical cars after the oil crisis. The boxier sixth-generation T130 arrived in 1978, adding a practical five-door liftback and engines up to 2.4 litres.