Toyota Corona Mk. II

First released in 1957, the original Toyota Corona (Latin for Crown) has become increasingly popular with collectors, partly due to the rarity of these cars on the road today, and no doubt also due to their amazing strength and build quality.

At a time when anything Japanese also meant the epitomy of austere, the Corona was a stand out. Inside there was a wood grain finish on the fascia, thick quality carpet, full-flow ventilation, two-way stretch vinyl seat coverings and arm-rests on all doors.

The transmission choice consisted of either the standard 4 on-the-floor or automatic. The Mark II, released in 1964, featured several mechanical improvements which included raising the compression ratio, and modifications to the intake and exhaust manifolds to allow for better breathing.

On the outside, the wedge styling was to polarise many opinions - but at least it was different and made the Corona stand out in the crowd - at a time when Japanese cars were typically very conservative.

The maximum horsepower was 82 bhp @ 5,200 rpm, and torque 90 ft. lb. at 2,800 rpm. The modifications may have seemed minor, but it allowed the Corona to travel more effortlessly and, for those equipped with the manual transmission, ensured the driver could relax a little, as the continual gearchanging required on the Mk. I was a thing of the past.

On the road, the Corona rode smoothly on all surfaces, the steering was light yet accurate and direct, and the brakes were very responsive. And importantly, the running costs of the Corona were relatively cheap, it having low mechanical costs and boasting suprisingly good fuel economy.

Corona SE

The Corona SE was even more lavishly equipped than the standard Corona Saloon. Standard features included a radio, bucket seats, cigarette lighter, carpets, matt enamelled rear panel and white wall tires.

Toyota 1900 Hardtop

Toyota didn't hold anything back on the sleek hardtop, it providing unmatched value for money. The engine developed 120 bhp (the engine compression ratio being lifted to 10.0:1), while up front Toyota fitted vacuum boosted disc brakes. Inside the stubby floor-shift snapped through the gears beautifully.

You could option the Hardtop with an automatic transmission, however the engine was slightly de-tuned and only developed 108 bhp (the compression ratio being lowered to 9.0:1). Still, the engine was fitted with a 2-barrel carby, the engineers going to some lengths to ensure the atmo model provided a more refined driving experience. Today there are few of the original Corona's left on the road.