The 1971 Toyota Crown Coupe stands as a rare gem in the world of vintage cars, representing a unique chapter in Toyota’s storied history. This two-door variant of the Crown, a model that has been pivotal to Toyota’s lineup throughout the 20th century, is powered by the MS70 inline-six engine. With a 2.0-liter capacity and a single overhead cam, this engine produces approximately 113 bhp, a testament to the engineering of its time. Despite its historical significance, few of these coupes have survived, making them a rare sight even among dedicated Toyota enthusiasts.
First introduced in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown, the model quickly became a cornerstone of Toyota’s domestic offerings. Known for its conservative design and emphasis on passenger comfort, the Crown was second only to the Land Cruiser in terms of production longevity. The early models featured body-on-frame construction, and while they made a brief foray into the U.S. market, they were withdrawn in the 1960s due to performance limitations on American highways.
The Evolution of the Toyota Crown
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the Toyota Crown underwent significant evolution. The model gained more refined styling, four-wheel independent suspension, and more powerful engine options, including the inline-six. These enhancements solidified its reputation as a reliable and comfortable sedan, widely used in Japan as a government and business vehicle.
The Crown’s third generation, debuting in 1967, introduced a more modern, aerodynamic design. By 1971, the fourth generation had arrived, featuring the advanced suspension system that was rare for sedans at its price point. These developments positioned the Crown as a higher-end vehicle, suitable for business use, taxis, and government fleets.
A Historical Perspective
The Toyota Crown’s journey began with a 1.5-liter inline-four engine and a body-on-frame design. It was among the first Japanese cars exported to the United States in 1958. However, its withdrawal from the U.S. market in the early 1960s was due to its underperformance on American highways, which demanded higher speeds.
By the 1980s, the Crown was renowned for its conservative styling and rear-wheel-drive layout. It often featured advanced technologies not yet common in other Toyota models, such as digital dashboards and sophisticated climate control systems. These models were primarily targeted at the Japanese domestic market, where the Crown maintained its status as a luxurious alternative to more common sedans.
“The Crown was widely seen as a more luxurious alternative to more common four-door sedans, and it occupied a step below the more high-end Toyota Century.”
The 1971 Toyota Crown Coupe: A Closer Look
The particular 1971 Toyota Crown Coupe in question was originally delivered in Japan before being imported to Australia around a decade ago. Following a restoration in 2020, it now resides in Queensland, showcasing just over 93,000 km on the odometer. The car features aftermarket 15-inch alloy wheels with GT Radial tires, a push-button radio, heater, and a top-tinted windscreen.
This coupe is finished in white with a black vinyl-trimmed interior, complete with woven-effect seat inserts and chrome trim highlights. It is powered by the 2.0-liter MS70 inline-six engine, paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. The restoration included a Toyota-branded tool roll, a spare wheel, and two keys, underscoring the car’s authenticity and attention to detail.
Market Presence and Future Prospects
While the Toyota Crown was not a central part of Toyota’s export strategy, its role as a flagship model in Japan was eventually supplanted by the Lexus brand in the late 1980s. The Crown’s international presence was limited, yet it remained a symbol of luxury and reliability in its home market.
In 2022, the Crown lineup underwent a significant restructuring, introducing four different body styles, including a crossover and a sport SUV. This shift was driven by the growing popularity of SUVs, marking a departure from the Crown’s traditional sedan-only history.
“The new global version of the Crown, sold in markets including the United States, uses hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains and emphasizes a higher seating position and SUV-influenced styling.”
The 1971 Toyota Crown Coupe is currently offered for sale in Brisbane, Queensland, on the Collecting Cars platform. This rare vehicle not only offers a glimpse into Toyota’s past but also serves as a reminder of the brand’s enduring legacy in the automotive world.
