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Toyota Corolla (2nd generation)
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1970 - 1974 |
Country: |
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Engine: |
4 cyl. |
Capacity: |
1200-1600cc |
Power: |
70/102 bhp |
Transmission: |
3 spd. auto / 4 & 5 spd. man |
Top Speed: |
n/a |
Number Built: |
n/a |
Collectability: |
n/a |
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While the original Corolla was a very good, solid and
reliable car, many considered it a little too small and
underpowered for Australian roads.
Toyota quickly recognised the need to make the Corolla
larger and endow it with more power. Thus the second generation
Corolla arrived in 1970, with its wheelbase stretched
to 91.9 inches and power coming from a new 1.2 liter version
of the OHV four making 73 horsepower.
The strut front and leaf spring rear suspension carried
forward. Slight though the nearly two-inch wheelbase stretch
may seem, and with minimal styling changes, the 1970 Corolla
was a significantly more comfortable and confident machine
than the '69 version.
Importantly, the car was finding
favour from young women, and so Toyota introduced a new
3 speed automatic transmission to help widen its appeal. While the Corolla could never expect to usurp to Kingswood
and Falcon mad Australian public, in global terms the
Corolla became the second best selling car!
In 1971 the engine capacity was increased to 1.6 liters
and output expanded to 102 horsepower. The grille was
redesigned for the 1972 model year, becoming fussier while
giving little aesthetic advantage - although it was an
attempt by the designers to give the car a classier more
up-market look.
There were few changes for either 1973 or 1974 other than
larger bumpers to accommodate US federal regulations and
the introduction of sporty SR5 models with five-speed
manual transmissions. |