Before we had the Lexus, Toyota sent us the Cressida. Exported to the US in late 1977 for the 1978 model year, the Cressida was an authentic luxury entry – the first from Toyota. Its optional leather upholstery, generous soundproofing, and significant list of standard features attracted about 12,000 buyers a year until 1981, when sales more than doubled. Today’s second-generation Cressida is offered here on facebook Marketplace for $11,000 firm, and it’s located in Lemont, Illinois. Thanks to Zappenduster for finding this unusual car for us!
Toyota began developing its Type M six-cylinder engine in 1965; one rendition of this motor was used in the 2000 GT. More modern applications include the Supra and the Corona. The Cressida received several versions of the Type M as the model evolved, and depending on delivery destination as well. For the US, a 2.8-liter, fuel-injected variant was fitted, good for about 145 hp. Today’s featured car has a five-speed manual; a four-speed automatic was optional. The seller notes that he’s the second owner of this Apricot Metallic Cressida, and that the 30,500 odometer reading represents the car’s original mileage. The first owner replaced the clutch master cylinder; under current ownership, the tires and valve cover gasket were replaced.
The interior is upholstered in velour – the standard offering – with every surface in top condition. The instrument panel is workmanlike – no particular flair there – and the steering wheel is clunky. This was the era of motorized seat belts, which apparently work. In fact the only items not in good nick include the air conditioning and the radio – the rest of the stereo works fine. This example has a moonroof, power windows and door locks, and cruise control.
The styling attempted European restraint but the design was saddled with prominent rubber bumpers – a holdover from 5 mph safety regulations passed a decade earlier in the US. Prices hug the $12k to $14k range for low-mileage examples – if you can find one. Overall, this Cressida appears to be an excellent example well worth a look if you’re in the market for a Japanese luxury sedan.
Wow, that’s a time capsule and in a manual 5 speed with a sunroof. AC claims to be not working but still a great find.
These were the cat’s meow back in the day and for the few years after….talked my sister into buying one just like it and Sherry a girl I worked with back in the 80’s as well…..can’t say more about Sherry…..
Beautiful car! Although I was way too young to drive a car by this time, I was born in 1973, I remember the Toyota Cressida. I thought it was Toyota’s best car.
Selling for what it cost probably. My mother bought an ’85 and it cost just under $15,000.
I owned a white ’84 for 25+ years and >250K miles and can say it was one of the best, most reliable cars that I have owned over the years and they total more than 25 cars. Towards the end of my ownership, I had the transmission rebuilt and it worked flawlessly afterwards. That was the only “repair” I ever had!!
The 1983 Cressida was a big surprise when introduced, as Toyota updated it with the twin-cam 5M-GE engine & independent rear suspension with vented rear disc brakes. Parts were taken from the new performance-oriented Celica Supra. It was a bit of a sleeper at the time, especially with the rare 5-speed manual this car has. Fortunately, this one doesn’t have the living-room-sofa leather seats or the electronic dash. I think it would be hard to find one nicer than this!
One of the nicest cars I ever drove. Buddy had a hand me down I thought it was a 3.0 inline six ? I’m probably wrong, Canadian model, it was an autoloader. Just as smooth as silk, and comfortable inside bigtime. This one is a blue ribbon candidate.
Many who have never owned this era of Toyota will automatically think of tinny, ill-conceived rust buckets. Nope. the workmanship on these from this era was exceptional. I purchased a Corolla SR-5 Liftback, new in 81. In many ways, the best car I have owned.
I’m not a big fan of the bumpers but this is a fine car, and under 700 miles a year on the clock in such beautiful condition to boot. I bought a Corolla new in ’77 and would’ve much rather had one of these but they hadn’t arrived yet, and at the time my new wife and I wouldn’t have had the extra money anyway. In retrospect these are a bit reminicent of the Volvo 240 to me, and I imagine it’ll probably last just as long if rust doesn’t become a problem.
Little known car, it’s the same chassis and drivetrain as used in the 83 Supra. It was softly sprung but still handled well with it’s IRS. My co-worker had the same Cressida as the one shown except in black while I had the 83 Supra. We’d swap cars and I found the Cressida very toss able. Power on oversteer was possible on both as long as you were in the right gear. Both cars were very controllable sideways. Definitely a 4-dr Supra.
My family owned one of these from new and it was one of the best cars we’ve ever owned. Dark blue with a light blue interior and an automatic. Basically a Toyota Supra wearing a silk suit. My brother and inherited it in our early driving days. It was essentially indestructible; took all the abuse stupid teens could give it and never needed anything other than routine maintenance. Wish I still had that car.
Unobtainium with the 5-speed in this condition. I’d fix the AC and have the ultra-cool 80’s stereo rebuilt. I would not change a thing. I know I’m a bit different, but IMO this is one of the coolest cars I have seen here in a while, just outstanding condition and that stick puts it over the top.
I would make it my daily except for when we got snow. But at $11k firm someone else can buy it