Toyota Crown History, Generations, Models & More — DubiCars Car Spotlight
The Toyota Crown, a luxury sedan that has been a flagbearer of Toyota’s automotive excellence and innovation, has a rich history spanning nearly seven decades. It is the second-longest-running Toyota nameplate after the Toyota Land Cruiser.?
Over the decades, the Crown has evolved through sixteen generations, each one contributing to its legacy of quality, performance, and sophistication. In this article, we will delve into the fascinating journey of the Toyota Crown, its history, generations, and models, exploring its origins, technological advancements, and the unique characteristics that have made it a standout in the automotive world.
Origins Of The Toyota Crown
Post the Second World War, the Japanese economy was in shambles and everyone turned to the automotive industry to rebuild the economy. In such a fragile economy, Toyota introduced a brand new car called the SA, otherwise known as the Toyopet Super. Toyota then developed several vehicles based on the Super.?
However, it was a known fact that the Super was too basic and crude. By the early 50s, there was significant demand for a mid-size luxury sedan in the private car market and Toyota capitalised on it by developing the Crown.
First Generation | 1955-1962
The Toyota Crown made its debut in 1955, marking the beginning of an illustrious lineage. Back then, it was known as the Toyopet Crown and was only sold at the premium Toyota Store dealers. Designed as a luxury sedan, the first-generation Crown showcased Toyota's commitment to craftsmanship and quality.?
With a stylish exterior and a spacious interior, the Crown quickly gained popularity in the domestic market. Engine options included 1.5-litre and 1.9-litre petrol engines while the diesel variant was powered by a 1.5-litre inline-4 engine. It set the stage for the brand's future endeavors in the luxury car segment.
Second Generation | 1962-1967
The second generation, introduced in 1962, saw significant advancements in design and technology. The new styling made a massive difference and the Crown was now beginning to look like a proper luxury sedan.
The Crown also began to establish its reputation as a reliable and comfortable vehicle, attracting attention beyond Japan's borders. This was the first generation of the Crown to be exported. The 1.9-litre engine became the base option as more powerful 2.0 and 2.3-litre inline-6 engines were introduced. For the very first time, an automatic transmission was also an option — a 2-speed Toyoglide automatic gearbox.
Third Generation | 1967-1971
By the time the third generation arrived in 1967, the Toyota Crown had become a global player. Embracing a more modern design, this iteration featured a sleeker profile and improved aerodynamics.?
The premium experience offered by the Toyota Crown was well-known and it had become a favourite among businessmen and government officials alike. Engine options on offer included a 2.0-litre inline-4, a 2.0-litre inline-6, and a 2.3-litre inline-6.
Fourth Generation | 1971-1974
The early 1970s brought a period of change in the automotive industry, driven by evolving consumer preferences and tightening emissions regulations. The fourth-generation Toyota Crown, launched in 1971, adapted to these challenges with a more fuel-efficient lineup.
It also came with more body styles than ever before. In addition to the executive sedan body style, the Toyota Crown also came in the station wagon and coupe formats. In addition to the engines on offer with the previous generation, the 4th gen also featured a new 2.6-litre inline-6 engine.
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Fifth Generation | 1974-1979
As the world faced the oil crisis of the mid-1970s, manufacturers shifted their focus toward fuel efficiency. With the fifth-generation Crown, introduced in 1974, Toyota addressed these concerns without compromising on comfort and performance.?
With a more refined suspension system and improved interior features, the Crown continued to attract buyers seeking a balance between luxury and practicality. The petrol engine options remained the same while a new 2.2-litre inline-4 diesel engine was added to the lineup.
Sixth Generation | 1979-1983
Seventh Generation | 1983-1987
Eighth Generation | 1987-1991
Ninth Generation | 1991-1995
Tenth Generation | 1995-1999
Eleventh Generation | 1999-2003
Twelfth Generation | 2003-2008
Thirteenth Generation | 2008-2012
Fourteenth Generation | 2012-2018
Fifteenth Generation | 2018-2022
Sixteenth Generation | 2022-Present
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