Toyota Corona MK II (1975): On the road in a Japanese fastback
The X10 was designed to give the Nissan Skyline GT a run for its money
Raise your hand if you remember the Toyota Corona. It was one of the models with which the Japanese manufacturer launched itself on the European market in the 1970s, along with a 'certain' Corolla. The latter was more successful.
Production of the Corona began in 1967 as the T60, later replaced in 1972 by the X10. The latter is the subject of our test. It is a fastback launched as an alternative to the Nissan Skyline GT. Here's how it turned out.
Is it a muscle car?
If the effect is that of déjà vu you are not mistaken. The Toyota Corona Mark II is in fact strongly inspired by US muscle cars of the 1960s, as evidenced by the abundance of chrome and squared-off shapes. Details that give it a certain grandeur, thanks also to the proportions, with that wide bonnet and the large tailgate.
Toyota Corona Mark II (1975)
The radiator grille is highlighted by a chrome surround, within which the twin round headlights stand out. The bright red bodywork certainly doesn't go unnoticed, as does the interior completely upholstered in leather and fabric of the same colour.
The seat is incredibly soft and cosy - it wouldn't look out of place in a comparison with the armchair at home - and even has good lateral support to ensure orthopaedically correct posture. Well, now it's time to start the engine.
Toyota Corona Mark II (1975), the interior
Toyota Corona Mark II (1975), the seats
Leap into the past
It's all very strange. Starting with the steering wheel, which has an exaggerated diameter. If you then drive a modern Peugeot you might feel as if you were in a lorry. So manoeuvring the Toyota Corona Mark II almost gives the impression of turning into a ship. And forget about steering with one hand. All very old school.
As for the braking, the imperative here is a long eye. You have to start slowing down a lot (and I really mean a lot) in advance. And it's not just a question of age as readiness is not its strong point. So is the set-up. It rides smoothly, roll and pitch never leave us. The good and bad of driving cars with dozens and dozens of springs on their shoulders. The result: fast corners can turn into mystical experiences, and that's a shame because the engine - a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder with 89 PS (power that makes you smile today) - is not bad at all. Not a performance champion, but not a standstill either.
So, with the Toyota Corona Mark II you have to take it easy, remembering every second that every aspect of it is light years away from the technology we are used to today. It is like a travelling museum, a car that has nothing to do with the semi-sports cars of the time; it likes a relaxed pace, the slow passage of time and everything to do with a leisure life.
Travelling in Japan's old sheet metal:
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