The listing for this pair of Toyota Crowns begins with a pledge to find a new home for these rare cruisers by the end of the weekend – and it was first posted two months ago. Perhaps there’s a chance you could bring home of these two Toyota Crowns on the cheap, considering the seller is asking just under $1K each (or both cars for $1,800). Find the pair of Crowns here on craigslist in – where else? – the Pacific Northwest. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Justin for the find.
I say that last part half-jokingly, because it really does seem like these unusual Japanese sedans (and others like it) survive at an incredibly high rate in that part of the world, not only due to favorable climate but also because people seem committed to driving them every day, or at least keeping old cars around longer than they do in the Rust Belt. The listing is confusing, as the seller mentions the other car in the package being a wagon; however, I see no long roofs here, just this slick 1972-ish Crown sedan.
The blue sedan is an earlier model, listed as being a 1970 example by the seller. Engine health isn’t mentioned, but the seller does say it’s a four-speed car. Four- and six-cylinders models were available, with two varieties of the inline-six offered – including a 2M variant equipped with twin carburetors. Like anything Toyota-related, the chances of it running again are good, but it’d be helpful if the seller offered more info on prior history and/or running condition.
The 1970 Crown has the looks of large domestic sedan, almost generic enough that it could have doubled as a police car or taxi cab. The body looks quite weathered, and it’s safe to say the blue car is in greater need of cosmetic restoration than the gold example is. Of course, we don’t even know if the later Crown is for sale, but if they’re still for sale after two months, one could say the seller might be getting anxious to move these Japanese Buicks.
My brother-in-law had one of these in what was then Southern Rhodesia and swore by it as being the best car that he had ever owned. He moved to Cape Town, South Africa, when Mugabe came to power and within 3 years it had rusted to death. He was devastated not realising that motor manufacturers saved money by not rust proofing any vehicle that was destined for Rhodesia as they would never rust even if they had no paint on them at all. My brother got his Simca Aronde (French of course) tagged on the right rear fender, never had it repaired, and 4 years later the exposed steel hadn’t even discoloured.
No rust in Rhodesia?
I smell a Barn Finds road trip.
Hey Jeff? Got 10k I can borrow?
Awesome looking car! Assuming all the parts are available, restoration should be possible. I’ve always loved this generation Toyota Crown, and was more than disappointed that it was never sold in large numbers in North America.
You may be surprised at just how nice these cars are. They’re very comfortable, offered reasonable performance and some surprising refinements.
I bought a ’74 Crown (a facelifted version of the ’72 above) back in the late 1980s for use as family transport and was amazed at how nice it was to drive.
I’ve never understood why the Crown never sold well in the USA. They look like they could’ve competed against either domestic compact cars, or possibly European car makes sold in the USA.
Cool they survived………
Hi I had a 1970 Crown it would have to be one of the Best cars I have owned.
I would’ve gladly bought a Toyota Crown if it were available in the USA. I imagine this would be perfect for those who wanted a Toyota, but wanted something larger than a Corolla, possibly more luxurious, than a Corona and Corona Mark II.
They were available. My dad bought a brand new 69 with a 4-speed stick shift, and in 1976 I took my driver’s test in it. Yes, I passed.
I like both the 1970 Crown and the 1972 Crown. It’s a damn shame that neither sold well in the USA. Could marketing have anything to do with it? Maybe it would’ve sold better had it been marketed towards those who wanted a reliable car, but wanted something larger than the Corolla that was available?
It’s a damn shame that the Toyota Crown never sold well here in the USA. I would’ve bought one if I was old enough in 1970-73 to drive a car. I can imagine it competing against either Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or possibly Volvo.
I’ve always found the Toyota Crown an interesting car. It’s unforgivable that it never sold well in the USA. I can imagine it competing against the likes of the Volvo 140 series cars or Mercedes-Benz.