So often, the Toyotas we feature from this vintage are preserved examples of Toyota’s classic truck, the Hilux pickup. But this time, the vintage Toyota we’ve found is a rarely seen 1972 Toyota Carina hatchback, which you’ll find here on eBay with the reserve currently unmet. This example is likely one of the better ones in existence, with minimal rust and being sold in running, driving condition. It’s located in Washington State and the auction ends Sunday.
The cabin remains remarkably well preserved, with untorn seating surfaces and a dash with a solitary crack. The original radio remains with the car, and although it is equipped with A/C, the seller doesn’t know if it’s operational. The mileage remains solidly under 100,000, which could explain this Carina’s preserved state. Interestingly, it comes equipped with five forward gears at a time when a 4-speed was the norm.
We love seeing survivor-grade cars that retain their original paperwork, brochures and tools. This Carina checks all three of those boxes as the photo shows above, which should be helpful when it comes time for the next owner to sell it. Despite being quite strong cosmetically, the seller does disclose that the fenders bear the scars of snow-chain damage. Most important, however, is the seller’s promise that this car is darn near rust-free, which is supported by the overall condition that seems to point to long-term elderly ownership.
The original dealer license plate frame is a treat, as is the slightly raked position of the Carina’s rear haunches. According to the seller, “Toyota only imported the Carina to the USA for one year, so the Carina is a very rare Toyota and is extremely hard to find because so few of them were made and only a small portion of them were the two door coupes like this one.” I can’t find fault with that statement, as this Carina is likely one of the only examples left that hasn’t melted into a rust heap.
Another Classic Import that I would love to have in my garage. Amazing condition. Beautiful lines and very practical. I really dig the lights in the grill thing going on. Never seen this model before. It will bring good money. Nice find!
Something you might see Benny Hill tooting around in – eyeing the lovelies.
Do you really think that plastic license frame is original to the selling dealer?
Did anybody use cheap plastic frames back then?
Very sweet and clean too bad it’s not a celica
Mint!
We had same car when I was little, but was a 1972 Toyota corona with a trunk , 16rc engine I think, no air stick, great car, 100 pound bags of cement in trunk, went in all snow storms. Traded in for Pontiac station wagon like that beauty Buick in yesterday’s or so barn finds.
These were an oddball, sort of like a more upline Corolla, a strange fit between the other Toyota cars the Corolla and Corona, I think the Crown was briefly sold in the US too.
Looks like a larger version of my ’69 2dr Corolla.
It’s a two door sedan. Toyota didn’t have a hatchback in the US till 1976.
I agree with Blyndgesser, the Carina a two-door sedan, not a hatchback. I know this because I considered buying one new! My distant memory is that it was sort of a more solid and better-appointed Corolla. I recall it was pleasant to drive but kind of bland. I didn’t buy it, looked at several other American, Japanese and European cars, came back to Toyota about six months later and bought a much-loved 73 Celica.
needs 13B rotary !
This outfit is down the hill from me they sell mostly vintage & nos Jap bike parts and there pretty proud of there stuff.This car is pretty cheesy inside not my Fav toyo i agree celica is better in everyway.
LOVE this lil gem. I live in Central America, so there are a few more of these putting around, I have not seen in this condition before. There is also a performance version with 2 carbs, etc, 5 speed, and spoked rims.
“Not a Hilux!” Well, duh! Those who know Toyotas should’ve figured that out straight away. I’ve only seen one Carina in person.
“Carina, Carina where’ve you been so long?..”
I know this is a late post, but wanted to inform you that the Carina was imported for TWO YEARS, ’72 & ’73…. My father bought one new in ’73. It only had slight differences in trim. I learned to drive in that car.
My first car, inherited it from my brother when the engine died. One design issue as my brother found out, get hit in the rear and alot of components are effected due to the small bumper.
It was a zippy little 4 cylinder. Turned 14s at drag race on grudge night. Got my first ticket in it as well for exhibition of speed after replacing the clutch. It was a fun and unique first car.