The 1997 to 2001 Toyota Corolla Spacio was a “JDM” – Japanese Domestic Market vehicle. It was intended to be sold only on its home market, though this time-capsule example managed to escape to the U.S. Located with a dealer in Portland, Oregon, this master of space utilization (it seats six people, though it’s less than 14 feet long) is available here on craigslist in like-new condition for $7,995. Thumbs up to Rocco B. for uncovering this unusual econocar tip!
You have to hand it to the brainiacs at Toyota. Besides making well-built vehicles, they’re also hard at work coming up with innovative ideas. The Corolla-based Spacio was one of these brainstorms. To maximize available space, the front passenger seat can swivel around 180 degrees to face rearward, making it easier not to pester the driver (remember, this is a right-hand-drive car, too). Then the middle bench seat can split and flip to make room for smaller passengers, or fold flat for use as a table. And finally, the third row (yes, THREE rows) can move up or back to increase legroom or can be folded down to make room for more “stuff.”
We don’t know the circumstances of how this vehicle got imported. It’s seen little use, given the overall condition of the vehicle and its low 17,000 miles. Front-wheel drive is in place, and the 4-cylinder engine is easy on $4.00+ gasoline, even with an automatic transmission. This vehicle must have lived in a temperature-controlled space, as the past 29 years have caused no wear on the paint or interior, and the plastic pieces that hold things together.
This little car is not short on features, including power steering, factory air conditioning, electric windows, and all the other goodies we’ve gotten used to in today’s automobiles. Because the seller is a dealer, delivery is available. More photos are available here, and the seller provides a video there. If you’re into vehicles that nobody else is likely to ever show up with, does this little Toyota fit the bill?
It looks like the driver would have an expansive view with such a low belt line. So much versatility for a small vehicle.
It’s a bit startling – and startled – looking with those cartoon-car proportions, but it looks to work pretty well. It’d be interesting to know how much of the extra height went to higher H-point seating than a regular Corolla sedan/wagon vs. more headroom.
I only hope I’m in the cold cold ground before I see these on our streets. I think Americans will pay whatever it costs to drive their beloved RAM duallies. If we all drove in crowded Asian cities( cue Jackie Chan Asian street scene music) and rode suitcases to work, I could possibly see it, but to me, this is the least representation of an automobile there is. I didn’t get to comment on the Toyota “Platz”,,,( laughing,), plotz is a Yiddish term meaning to faint or explode. Close enough.
Now, to the other end of the spectrum, the 1970 396 Chevelle!!!
I hope I live to see the roads without any Ram dualies or any of the other ridiculous gigantic vehicles that litter our roads today. We would all be better off if more people had vehicles like this. It would be better for the environment and road safety. But alas, the American mentality is a selfish one, so I doubt it will happen in my lifetime.
Congratulations! Uglier than a Pacer or a Aztec! Quirky enough to maybe be cool. Definitely would stir interest at a show
The Japanese have a vehicular sense of humor. This is kinda fun and funky. Sure, you’ll have lots of explaining to do, after which the enquiror will simply wander off no more satisfied than before. At least the seats do tricks. I sorta like it.
Gee, I guess it wouldn’t pass crash testing here. Cool concept. Could be used as a taxi in “golf cart communitys” I like small cars, but not this small. It’s also not pleasing to MY eye.
The designer formerly worked for Tomy (Transformers).