BF Auction: 1969 Toyota Corona with Rare Options
- Seller: Luther P
- Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Mileage: 76,813 Shown
- Chassis #: RT5225285
- Title Status: Clean
It would be fair to say that early post-war Japanese passenger cars were not the greatest in automotive history. Companies like Datsun and Isuzu were on a steep learning curve, producing mildly re-engineered versions of models initially developed by BMC and Renault. Toyota followed a different approach, sending a group of its executives to Detroit to learn the tricks of the trade from companies like Ford. This approach paid off because the Corona landed in international markets barely a decade after the first domestic Toyopet Crown rolled off the line. It set a new standard for build quality and finish, featuring mechanical components that could survive with minimal care or maintenance. This 1969 Corona is the ultra-cool Two-Door Coupe variant, and it is a genuine survivor. Its condition is astonishing, and it features some factory options that help it stand out from the crowd. The current owner has had fun with this gem and feels it is time for someone to appreciate all it offers. Therefore, he has listed the Toyota with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Toyota has become a powerhouse in the automotive world, and you only need to look at this Second Generation Corona to understand how this was achieved. These cars featured some of the tightest and most consistent panel gaps of any passenger car produced during this era, and the situation with our feature car hasn’t deteriorated after fifty-four years. The gaps and panel alignment are as impressive as ever, and it is fair to say that this little Corona could put some modern models to shame. The Red Garnet paint shines beautifully, reflecting its surroundings like a mirror. Most of this is original, with the car receiving only minor touch-ups during its life. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and rust is confined to a patchable spot in one lower front fender. The underside shots confirm the Corona is rock-solid, which is unsurprising since Toyota focused on rust-prevention strategies as a core part of its quality control measures. The trim and chrome are as spotless as the rest of the exterior, while the original (and optional) tinted glass is flawless.
Toyota developed the ability to produce cars with robust drivetrain components and often placed its reputation on the line by entering factory teams in various areas of global motorsport. The company treated such activities as a learning curve, parlaying findings from these exploits into knowledge that improved its passenger car models. That is why many Toyotas survived for decades with minimal TLC; they are as tough as nails. This Corona has been meticulously maintained throughout its life, and with a genuine 76,813 miles on the clock, there are decades of reliable service left in this classic. Its 1.9-liter “3R” four-cylinder powerplant sends 90hp and 105 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels. Most Coronas from this era featured a four-speed manual transmission, but this car ticks the luxury box courtesy of its two-speed “Toyoglide” automatic transmission. The journey from 0-60mph would take around 16 seconds, but once the driver hits that speed, this gem should cruise comfortably all day. The engine bay is spotless, with no evidence of long-term fluid leaks or other problems. Thankfully, it doesn’t flatter to deceive. Potential buyers can consider this gem a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives perfectly, making the “fly in and drive home” strategy worth considering.
The tinted glass and automatic transmission are the tip of the iceberg because this Corona’s interior is loaded with options and creature comforts that set it apart from its peers. The winning bidder receives factory air conditioning, reclining bucket seats, a folding rear seat, a Toyota pushbutton AM radio, a woodgrain gauge fascia, a 12-volt cigarette lighter, a highly effective heater and defroster, and seatbelts for all occupants. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces show no signs of wear or physical damage, and the carpet is spotless. The woodgrain isn’t faded, the gauge cluster is crystal clear, and there is no wheel wear. Presentation issues are limited to slight dash pad warping and a seam separation in the back corner of the headliner. Neither problem is severe, and I was surprised by how easy it was to locate a spotless secondhand pad online for under $100. Restitching the headliner would be easy, and the interior would look almost perfect with those shortcomings addressed. The A/C blows, but there is no belt on the compressor. The passenger-side vent window is off its knob track, but a spot of tinkering in a home workshop should quickly fix that minor inconvenience. Otherwise, everything functions correctly.
It is common for classics to present better in photos than they do in the flesh. However, that is not the case with this 1969 Toyota Corona. It isn’t perfect, but it has been many years since I have seen an original and unrestored survivor that makes such a positive impact. Its exterior cosmetic needs are limited to the single rust spot, while its interior will receive positive comments wherever the new owner takes this classic. The factory options are an enormous bonus, giving a humble four-cylinder car luxury leanings. Its exceptional condition indicates a vehicle that has always been treated respectfully, a significant achievement when many cars of this type were viewed as affordable and disposable family transport. It isn’t a muscle or pony car, but it is a genuine survivor that has been a cherished family member. It could also be an affordable access point for the right person into the world of classic car ownership. That makes it worth serious consideration.
Bid On This Auction
n4741!3 bid $10,000.00 2023-12-20 10:25:54
TCW58 bid $9,800.00 2023-12-20 10:23:11- n4741!3 bid $9,700.00 2023-12-20 10:21:58
- TCW58 bid $9,600.00 2023-12-20 10:19:17
- n4741!3 bid $9,500.00 2023-12-20 10:17:45
- TCW58 bid $9,300.00 2023-12-20 10:15:53
- n4741!3 bid $9,200.00 2023-12-20 10:13:05
- TCW58 bid $9,100.00 2023-12-20 10:11:51
- n4741!3 bid $9,000.00 2023-12-20 10:09:02
- TCW58 bid $8,800.00 2023-12-20 10:07:28
- n4741!3 bid $8,700.00 2023-12-20 10:05:14
- TCW58 bid $8,600.00 2023-12-20 10:03:32
- n4741!3 bid $8,500.00 2023-12-20 10:01:02
- TCW58 bid $8,350.00 2023-12-20 09:59:32
- n4741!3 bid $8,250.00 2023-12-20 09:55:35
- TCW58 bid $8,000.00 2023-12-20 09:29:38
- n4741!3 bid $7,250.00 2023-12-20 09:13:12
- TCW58 bid $7,000.00 2023-12-20 08:50:29
- n4741!3 bid $6,000.00 2023-12-20 00:57:17
- TCW58 bid $5,500.00 2023-12-19 16:14:42
- n4741!3 bid $5,000.00 2023-12-19 08:31:47
- TCW58 bid $4,500.00 2023-12-15 17:29:27
Rcherch bid $2,000.00 2023-12-14 09:47:50
alphasud bid $1,500.00 2023-12-14 08:54:18
60vwbus bid $500.00 2023-12-13 18:13:23
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Comments
Girlfriend had the 4dr version back in the early 80’s cool little car great reliability too.
I had a ’67 4 door manual back in 1978. Used to zip around Berkeley like a bat out of hell. It looked like a new car then.I think I sold it for seven hundred bucks. This one has been obviously well taken car of. Great little cars. GLWTS.
One just doesn’t see any of these on the road nowadays. Whoever buys it is almost guaranteed to have the only one still running in his or her city.
I can still remember as a child in 1969 seeing ads on TV for these! I can also remember as an eleven-year-old, wondering whether the car had any connection to Smith Corona typewriters!
Air-conditioning with automatic transmission and carburetor? Hmmmmm wonder how it performs? Looks great though!!!!
Weeellll, yes it’s another Toyota and it’s red. The fact that it’s lasted this long is testament more to exceptional care than good product. Yes, Toyota’s quality control was good. Rust prevention? Let’s put it this way; the first car that I saw break in two because of rust was a Toyota very similar to this one. And it busted right at the firewall.
As I’ve said before on this site, my mother had a ’72 4-door. It was OK except that it had a chronic leak at the transmission (automatic, just like this one) that was determined (after two failed attempts to fix it) to be a porous case. The dealer ordered a new case which took the better part of a year to come from Japan. When it was installed Toyota refused the warranty because it was over the time limit. Seriously? They were the ones who couldn’t seem to get a new trans case. Anyways, upon hearing that Dad became a sailor again and said some very unflattering things about the car and the builders, saying something about a bright red suppository for someone if he got stuck with the bill. The dealer phoned Dad a week later and told him that it went through. Dad responded with, “You guys ate the bill, didn’t you?” Silence on their end.
Anyways, Mom put 50K relatively troublefree miles on it. My sister rolled it–twice–on the same S-curve. It was written off the 2nd time due to the fact that the first time it landed in 5 feet of very soft snow and suffered very little damage. The second time was in the summer and the landing was much harder. Strange that even after the second time, it was driven away on its own power.
You’ve got to give the builders some credit for actually making a tough car. I had a Toyota pickup the year before which thoroughly poisoned me on ever buying anything from across the Pacific again but that was another story, that, I might add, was partially resolved by the time the ’72 models came out.
I’d actually consider another one but all my American stuff is doing the job it was designed for, and I don’t have to wear a paper sack over my head so no one will recognize me behind the wheel…
The “Toyoglide” was a scaled down knockoff of a GM Powerglide…
Disagree what’s said above about asian car rustproofing. Even late ’70s Mits Arrows rusted away very quickly. Toyota should have concentrated more on the steel prep/thickness they used back then – than panel gaps. LOT more ’60s american cars left & running today than asian ones. This 1 was probably never driven in bad weather.
Most of those Japanese cars were cheap transportation. They were driven into the ground and thrown away. Most had miles on them that American cars could only dream of.
Unless your lighter compact amer car had any of the OHV strait or slant 6s & an auto trans like the liquid cooled powerglide – i know of several originals still runnin good after 55 yrs, as is my ’74 firebird with 400 motor & turbo 400 auto trans with 250k miles.
Plus, there was a whole lot fewer Japanese cars sold each year than American cars, which also accounts for their rarity.
In ’76 I bought a ’69 Corolla wagon for 400 bucks. It had BIG rust holes in it. I patched it up and gave it a home paint job. Then the oil pump quit and there went the motor. I remember late 60’s early 70’s there was a Toyota dealer near my grandparents in upstate NY. But with the way NY salted the roads these cars rusted out kinda quick. Dealer was only there a couple of years. Toyota has come a long way since then but I wasn’t a big fan of the early ones. That aside, this one looks nice, maybe it wasn’t driven in the winter or it wasn’t a northern car. I’m sure somebody will want it, there aren’t that many left.
& yet with those big holes in the import cars back then even on late 70s imports, ironically, people still bought more & more imports! & never bought american again! Go figure, tho maybe it was JUST because of somewhat better mpg?
As someone that came of age in the midst of the American malaise era (mid – late ’70s)…, I had no interest in anything coming out of Detroit. What was coming in from off shore was simply more interesting… Asian and European. …and in the case of Asian, much better reliability. Outside of my hand-me-down college beater, I’ve still never owned a traditional domestic car. Pick ups yes, cars no. But today, the landscape is completely different… domestic and imported are meaningless descriptions.
One of my best friends had a 1970 or 71 Corona Mark 2 coupe, in 1991, with the four-speed. As you’d expect from a 20+ year old Canadian car, it was rusty underneath, but it was a fun car to drive and he drove it hard. Mechanically it was tough and took the beating, but the rust eventually did it in.
I had a red 1970 Corona sedan. Floors were swiss cheese in 1979 when I got it, but that 4 speed and tough mechanicals made it through my Freshman orientation at college. Used to have trouble in rainy weather with moisture in the dizzy cap but that was it. Should have kept it and replaced the floors, my next car was a Franken-Corvair that disintegrated before my eyes.
This was my first car. I bought it, in 1974 for 1000.00 on payments. It was a very reliable vehicle and ate up Datsun 510’s all day long!
Great car! GLWTA! I watch had a 1967 two-door fastback corona. One great sailing point about it was it had an in-dash 8-track tape player. That little baby never left me stranded. If you want to kick me for having sold it, the line forms on the right.
Geez. Just read my comment. Selling point. Not an amphicar so no sailing. LoL
Sailed right past the gas stations. lol
This was the car that turned the tide. Toyota was on a mission, to be the first and best foreign car Americans could love. Right here. It’s the first time we saw Toyotas in any numbers, they couldn’t ship them fast enough. Before these( 1964) Toyotas or Toyopets, were considered no real threat. Spindly tin cans you wouldn’t be seen in. These changed everything. Still no threat to our musclecars, but proof, they could make a decent car. From these humble beginnings, Toyota stood the test of time, and I consider still the best Asian car you can buy. Did I say that?
I completely agree, Howard. A pivotal fact here is that after Toyota introduced those first spindly tin cans to the states so long ago and we essentially laughed and discarded them, they went back to the drawing board, retooled, came back with a much better product. Meanwhile the big three (or four) still didn’t take them seriously, until it was too late.
They were better than Pintos and Vega’s.
I’m not a Toyota lover, but, I had a light blue 4 door equipped similarly. The car weighed 1621lbs. I got hit head on by a drunk driver in a 69 Chev station wagon. That car weighed 5600 lbs. Both were totalled. That car saved my life. It crumbled perfectly. I’d buy it!
My parents first car was a 65 Corona with the Toyoglide. They bought it from a salesman in 68 or 69 with over 100K on it. We moved to Texas and I was the backseat driver telling my mom to keep it under 70 on the freeway. Thing sounded like it was going to self destruct. Never did though and apparently made a good impression on dad because he traded it for a new 70 Corona mark 2 wagon in bright red with a 4 speed. Had to wax it monthly living in Texas. This car is in my neighborhood I will be watching this one!
I would love to have it and I don’t even know ,WHY? I just like it.
Boasting about how well-optioned (A/C), then: “no belt on the compressor.”
Typically, cars with A/C systems are often sold non-functional for a reason, and 90% of the time, it’s not due to needing a freon charge.
Was this red 2-door Corona listed a few months ago, or is it just a coincidence?
A couple questions…
the rear window issue: is it air tight, stable and closed?
Any idea how old the tires are?
When were the brakes last serviced?
Is there any prior service history/records that come with the car?
The rust on the lower fender… rust through or just surface bubble?
Hello,
Not rear window, side vent window.
It’s closed, the knob just turns. No, so I would suggest just get a new set of tires. No prior records. We know the people who had it originally but we were not able to acquire all of the back history records. Just a surface bubble.
Thanks
Luther: I would suggest making the phone number of the original owners available to the new buyer. While there are no records, the buyer could interview and possibly even record the original owners’ voice– with their permission. That in itself constitutes valuable documentation for a collector car that is going to be nicely preserved.
Best of luck with the sale, and the two door Toyota Corona is, in a subdued way, a distinguished-looking automobile with a touch of class.
Lovely looking car. It looks brand new. Given its condition, I’d pay between $10k and $15k. I hope whoever buys it enjoys it and takes care of it.
Looks like it’s all yours “Car Nut Tacoma” LOL
In about 1970 I took a job at a horse farm in Bethlehem NH and the owner had one of these in baby blue, 4 speed and no a/c. Driving it on the rural roads was a far cry from my 1952 Chevy, Stovebolt 6 and automatic. It actually followed the road when I turned the wheel! That triggered my interest in cars that were fun performers, and driving it was lots better than mucking stalls and creosoting the new wood. Mostly fond memories.
Had a mid 70’s wagon version of this. Can’t remember what year exactly but it had a 22R and a 5 speed trans. It would really get up and go with that 22R in it. I used to take it “EXTREME” off roading in southern Utah almost every weekend. Caught a lot of air with that little car. Was amazed how long it lasted and how good of shape it was still in even after two years of my abuse. Still ran like a top when I sold it but needed some front end work in the form of tie rod ends and not sure what else. Still drove nice and straight but had a momentary “Death Wobble” between 60 and 65 M.P.H. It went away after 65. No idea why but I do know it was still on the road 2 years after I had it. Sure miss that one.Have had 3 pick-ups. Swear by the 22R motor but the early 80’s carb design was almost impossible to get it to pass emmissions. Had to sell the only 4X4 I had because even replacing the carb didn’t fix it. They had so much unnessesary crap on them that we could not trace down the actual problem. Whatever it was, I was told by several people was sorted out for the 80’s and beyond. Really like the body style of the early 80’s pick-up’ Then it went square and just lost their appeal. This one is real nice but I have a feeling with the smaller motor and the automatic, it will have a hard time getting out of it’s own way. GLWTA :-)
I had a customer in my parts store who would not accept a Japanese part because of WW2, but he was driving a VW. I asked him; wasn’t Germany in that war also? His answer was that he was not in that theater.
“Japanese Footlocker” is what my redneck neighbor used to call Toyota and Datsun trucks.
I worked in a garage in the 1970’s with two WW2 vet mechanics- they had some very strong feelings about the “Jap” cars. The early ones like this and the Datsuns would rot to nothing in a few years (CT winters) and if it had AC it would not climb a steep road with it on. The engines ran and ran though-
Didn’t take long for this country to forget that December 7th 1941 sucker punch
No Mythbusters ejector seat? I’m disappointed.
They ruined a very nice example on that episode.
1st pic reminded me the end of that 1st semester of college, comin home for Turkey Day. Seemed I’d left home that summer in suburbia to early/mid 60s straight-line stretched impalas in every drive & come home to driveways filled w/these 4 dors 1/2 the size (mostly in blue, not racered).
2nd pic I said “Woah, THIS is a lill different.” Never saw a 2 dor in 54 yrs. Might be nice (own, drive) if that car was made a vert, yes? no?
college?
Evidently no graduation.
Toyota was a good enough car to make the number one car dealer in America, Jim Moran, the Courtesy Man, in Chicago: Courtesy Motors Hudson, then Courtesy Motors Ford in 1955, drop American cars in favor of Toyota dealerships on the East coast after he moved to Florida.
In 1978 I wanted to buy a new Toyota Celica because they looked so sporty.
So went to the Toyota dealership in Virginia Beach or Norfolk, VA on an early Saturday morning. The salesman told me the price would be $6,400. I replied, are you nuts? That is the sticker price! He said, you are getting a bargain, because most dealerships are charging more than sticker price because this Motor Trend car of the year. I told him I am going down the road to the AMC dealership. As I was walking away, he yelled, Hey, don’t leave angry, I will give you another $200 for your 1971 Pinto. You will be sorry if you buy an AMC car.” I walked out the door, drove to the AMC dealership and bought a Concord. The Toyota salesman was right, I would regret that choice. My father never paid sticker price for any of his many cars, and I was not going to break that family tradition. But I did eventually buy a Toyota, a new 2010 Yaris coupe. Terrible styling but a solid ride and only needed brakes and oil changes over the years. No repairs during the 6 years that I owned it. When I would be driving unknowingly at 80 mph I thought I was cruising at 65, the ride was that good.
I had a 69 4dr 4spd in white with bucket seats. Got it in the mid to late 90s. I was the third owner. It had 60k miles when I got it. Was a “deluxe” model. Blue interior but with black dash top, headrests, armrests. The headrests and sun visors still had the plastic on them. Car was bought new at Richmond Toyota on 23rd st, (Richmond,ca). Absolutely every component under the hood was original; even had the sticker on the valve cover that gave adjustment specs. The smog pump seized at 62k miles. I just disconnected the belt. The front wheels were off a slightly newer model so the hubcaps did not fit. Had all four though. Tool kit, Jack and pint of factory touch up paint still in the trunk. I much preferred the 4dr to the coupe. 3rd motor always ran flawlessly. During my stewardship I replaced the shocks with Monroe units. Also replaced the tie rod ends with OEM sourced on e-bay. Points, condenser, plugs, wires, fuel and air filter also OEM. Changed all the fluids and front brake shoes. Wiper blades. All four headlight bulbs were Toyo brand. Some observations: the rubber gaskets for the exterior lights and handles were white rubber, the radio knobs were reversed from “normal American” radios, 3pt belts in front. Original spare tire and owners manual/warranty booklets in glove box. I paid $1,500 for it. Sadly it was stolen by a local tow company supposedly by order of the city. I could not afford the $1,500 in fees required to get it back and it disappeared on day 31 from impound. To add insult to injury I guess as payback for raising hell about it having been “stolen” and disposed of (no record of a lein sale) I was sued for their i recouped storage fees and 15yrs later some lawyer took me to court over that $1,500 debt and I was forced to come up with $14,000 in order to not have the court order the sale of my home to satisfy judgement. About 6mos later one almost identical to my car sold at auction for…wait for it…$14,000! I collected up quite a few spares while I had it anticipating long term stewardship. I still have several boxes of brake shoes, clutch disc, brake system rebuild kits, service manual and factory parts book. Two hubcaps as well. I am known as Orphanautos on the net. The last year for these “mk I” coronas was 1970, the only year they were offered with front disc brakes. 3r motors powered many a forklift for years many of them using propane fuel. Also owned 71 & 75 celicas, 77 pickup, 79 corona and a 2001 Camry. All excellent vehicles. Oh yeah CA dmv still shows me as the last titled owner of the 69. It’s out there somewhere; next barn find?
A worn-out OE Toyota shocks were probably better than the new Monroe.
The Corona here looks from the side to have some of the outline of the Chevy ll Nova and the Dodge Dart. Truncated versions, of course. I think it’s a really nice looking car.
I remember one day in 1974 seeing a woman I knew drive up in the first Honda car that I ever saw. She traded in a very old Saab for that under $2,000 which seemed so tiny. Then, before 2010, Hyundai brings out their bottom of the line coupe which strongly resembles the 1974 Toyota coupe.
I learned how to drive a manual in one of these! My father bought it used for $400. It was 3 on the tree! I was 14, and he’d throw me the keys while he was working. There was a big gravel parking lot that was always empty, so I’d head over there and drive it in circles for hours. Now, this was back in the day where if you drove a Japanese car, a lot of people hated you! He kept that Toyota as a work car and drove it for 10 more years. Rust got the best of it and he sold it. I watched some other kid drive it for 5 more years! They were reliable transportation. Great little cars!
My first car was a 68 Corona 2-door that I got in 1972, just before my 17th birthday, like this one but in yellow with a black vinyl roof. Mine also had the two speed Toyoglide but mine had a column shifter
I owned a 1975 Corona 2-door, automatic, A/C, manual steering – it redefined “slow”. But rock solid reliable and amazingly roomy. Bought it for $400, sold it for $1000.00, then bought a 1967 El Camino, 327 4 bbl – social life improved dramatically.
My dad drove the snot out of these . Blow it up and go buy another. Floor boards rusted out . No problem some bricks and a 2×4 to keep it from flipping back . He had a Chrysler New Yorker tank in the garage , with around 14000 miles .loved his Toyotas . It’s what I learned how to drive on . 3 on the tree . Could never get it over a hundred tho
In 1973 I bought a Toyota Corolla Honcho wagon. A cute car that was red with wood grain siding and a set of dealer installed wire wheels. We took it to the mountains and it scared us so bad I traded it for a Baby Blue 1972 Grand Torino Sport as soon as we returned home. The Toyota had a horrible shake when over 50 mph. Dealer tried to remedy but to no avail. Both cars are now a rarity and would love to have either today. This is a great example of an early Toyota.
Luther: I would suggest making the phone number of the original owners available to the new buyer. While there are no records, the buyer could interview and possibly even record the original owners’ voice– with their permission. That in itself constitutes valuable documentation for a collector car that is going to be nicely preserved.
Best of luck with the sale, and the two door Toyota Corona is, in a subdued way, a distinguished-looking automobile with a touch of class.
Bidding war has it at $10k now, at auction close. Someone has a rare treat to show off. Maybe the AC can be made operational with minimal outlay. I think I paid $700 for my Corona in 1979.