This 1980 Toyota Corona Liftback has spent over fifteen years squirreled away in a barn, and only recently emerged into the light of day. It is a one-owner classic that is structurally sound and unmolested, with the seller’s price making it an ideal candidate for an enthusiast seeking an affordable and straightforward revival project. What makes these cars particularly attractive is the ready availability of parts, and with the engine confirmed as running, there should be no barriers to returning the Toyota to its rightful place on our roads. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this Japanese gem.
Toyota released its Sixth Generation Corona in 1978, with its latest model following prevailing styling trends with sharper and squarer lines than its predecessor. The company offered several body styles globally although, as the last model to be marketed in North America, buyers were restricted to Sedan and Liftback versions. This 1980 Liftback recently emerged from a fifteen-year barn hibernation and is an original and unrestored classic. Its Lipstick Red paint hides beneath a layer of dust, but the indications are that it is consistent across the exterior. It is unclear whether it would present well following a wash and polish, but since that process would involve more time than money, that might be the best approach for a new owner if they are working to a budget. The panels are as straight as an arrow, but the best news is that this classic is rust-free. That means that the grinder and welder can stay safely tucked away in the cupboard. The trim looks acceptable for a survivor-grade build, and there are no visible glass issues.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but we know this Corona features the 2.2-liter 20R four that produced 90hp and 122 ft/lbs of torque when the owner took delivery. Buyers could choose between a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission, with this car scoring the more desirable manual. Outright performance was considered average for any smaller car of this vintage, and with the drivetrain components developing a reputation for toughness, these Coronas can battle on for years with no mechanical attention beyond routine maintenance. There is no reason given why this classic wound up in a barn, but it is fair to assume it hasn’t fired a shot since that day. The seller coaxed the engine back to life, but the Toyota will undoubtedly require a thorough inspection and some TLC before it hits the road once again.
The interior shot supplied by the seller is low-quality, but it confirms that the owner ordered the Corona rimmed in Burgundy cloth. There are no signs of gaping holes or other problems, but only an in-person inspection will reveal if anything requires replacement. However, the front seats look good, and there is no evidence of dash cracks. The interior might share one characteristic with the exterior: A deep clean might make an enormous difference to its overall presentation.
A 1980 Toyota Corona Liftback might not be the most desirable car on the planet, but they are a practical alternative for enthusiasts with a family. This one shows promise as a revival project that would allow a novice to hone their automotive skills without spending a fortune. The seller listed the Toyota here on Craigslist in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey. Their asking price of $3,499 is undeniably affordable, and with no rust to distract the new owner, returning it to a presentable state may not be difficult. Is this a classic you might consider rescuing, or doesn’t it tick the boxes for you?
I’d recommend the seller get some post-cleaning pics and better interior ones – I like what I see of the latter, both the intact original velour and the manual gearstick push this car up the desirability ladder.
In 87, we (girlfriend then wife now ex wife) back traded an 86 Corolla CSX (top of the range) on a 82 Corona lift back, (to get a deposit for a house).
In Aus the only corona lift back available was the XX, top of the range, and the only engine available was the 2L 18R/C.
Absolutely loved it, even tho it was an auto, so much I want another one. Being an XX, meant it was fully imported from Japan, not an Aus assembled one. Meaning it didn’t have the Aussie Starfire 4, (GM-H), also know as the Backfire 4.
When I do buy one, 5 speed this time, it will get an 18R/GUE engine.
Even an auto will happily sit at 160kmh (100mph) all day, don’t knock it because it’s an auto.(Crap did I just say that? Lol).
This was the car that changed many an Americans minds on Asian cars. No longer were Asian cars these tin cans with 2 cylinder motors, the Corona was one of the nicest cars to come across the Pacific. The Crown was nicer yet, but I think Toyota wisely pushed the Corona, with monumental results. I’d wager to bet, it was this car that singlehandedly took down our auto economy It sure did a number on AMC, and why still a shred of bitterness, but the handwriting was on the wall, THIS is what Americans needed, not 401 Ambassadors. These were exceptional cars, comfy seats( finally), great mileage, dependable, okay, still poor heaters, but over 200,000 1980 Coronas were sold, 2nd only behind the Corolla. Buyers were willing to shell out an extra $2 grand for these( $6999 new) over a comparable Ford Fairmont at just over $5 grand. You want one, better grab this, as not many survived, and certainly, like the Ford Fairmont, nobody ever thought of keeping one. Great find, wonderful cars.
Since when were they ever *”tin can”* cars? I think they were better quality cars than we gave them credit for, particularly Japanese cars. I would love to have bought a 1972 Toyota Crown, maybe use it as a Seattle taxicab or something. Were they perfect? Define *”perfect”.* They may not have competed against the likes of Chevy Nova, but was that ever the point? I would think for a car like the Crown, if marketed correctly, could’ve possibly competed against the Volvo 140 or a Mercedes-Benz something.
Okay then, doing the comment thing again, I guess we can always rely on that.
This was the car that changed most Americans minds on Asian cars. No longer were they these mini tin cans with 2 cylinder motors, the Corona was the nicest Asian car we’d seen. Sure did a number on AMC, but the handwriting was on the wall, THIS is what people needed, not 401 Ambassadors. These were incredibly popular, I read, over 200,000 Coronas were shipped in 1980, 2nd only to Corollas. Folks were willing to shell out an extra $2grand( $6999) over a comparable Fairmont at around $5grand. These had comfy seats( finally), dependable, great mileage, okay, still poor heaters, but they were great cars. People literally drove the wheels off them, so that’s why they are pretty rare today. Compared to what is offered today, I bet a lot of people would love a car like this again. Too bad there just aren’t going to be enough to go around.
This is a great find…. if it is as nice as the loss pictures make one think. Why do sellers do both themselves and buyers such a disservice?
That said, the Corona is kind of the forgotten Toyota line, the Corolla and Camry having such extensive histories. This would certainly draw the crowds ar shows.
*lousy
JDC dont forget the illustrious history of the Crown another fantastic Toyota.Bruce .
That’s another Toyota I’ve been interested in forever, the Crown. For some strange reason the Crown never sold well in the USA. It looked like a car that could’ve competed against the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL if marketed correctly.
It’s as beautiful as a toad. But I guess someone who wants to relive their pre-teens, riding around in the back of mom’s Toyota 4 door. Will appreciate it. And it’s cheap.
The toad would win the beauty pagent.
Seriously?! Only eight pics?! Come on! Most people want to see more of a car than that! I know I would. Assuming the car runs and drives, I’d be willing to pay the asking price and clean it up and drive it.
I’d sure like to see this one up close before trying to purchase. But NJ is a long way from West Texas. Would cost the asking price to ship it. Damn.
Had a 1979 gold one just like like this with a 5 speed and Celica alloy wheels, great car back in the day, lots of room and nice on the highway, love to buy this one, but I already have six cars now.
The engines ran like clockwork ; the 20r and 22r were legendary , but these car dissolved like an Alka Seltzer in water in the rust belt areas. They never sold as well as the Corolla or the upcoming Tercel , but better than the Carina. Like the Camry that replaced it , it was a dependable but rather boring car
Pre-Avalon.
Funny….no body in the family wanted it because it was a stick !
rare? what makes this rare? looks like a hooptie nobody wanted. they are trying to sell it as it is being loaded on a flat bed. really?
“rightful place on our roads”? Rightful place was in my mirrors, where they weren’t going to hold me up any further.
Corona. Hate cars, hate driving? Toyota has the appliance you’re looking for!