Japan

Toyota

60003154

1st

Corolla

Released date : 1966/11/ 5

body type

Sedan

SD

image1
  • image2
  • image3
  • Specification
  • Description
  • Plant
  • Name origin
Grade Deluxe Special Standard
Model type
&
weight
Model type KE10-D KE10-B KE10
Curb mass(kg) 710 700 690
Dimensions Length(mm) 3845 3845 3845
Width(mm) 1485 1485 1485
Height(mm) 1380 1380 1380
Wheelbase(mm) 2285 2285 2285
Engine Engine code K K K
Engine type Water-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder, OHV Water-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder, OHV Water-cooled, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC 16valve
Displacement(cm3) 1077 1077 1077
Max. output kW(PS)/r.p.m. -/60/6000 -/60/6000 -/60/6000
* The specifications are those of representative model grades.
* Max. output represents a net rating. In the above table, digits separated by slashes ( / / ) stand for kW, PS, and r.p.m., respectively.
* The model numbers of these vehicles are KE10, KE10B, KE10D.
Positioned in between the Publica and the Corona, the Corolla made its debut in November 1966 as a 1-liter-class compact 5-seat sedan. The Corolla not only became the most successful model produced by Toyota, but also led the wave of motorization in Japan, along with the Datsun Sunny 1000 that appeared ahead of the Corolla. The experience with the Publica had taught Toyota that consumers wanted more than just the bare basics in their cars. The Corolla met that demand in many ways, including performance, quality, economy, and ride comfort.

On top of that, the Corolla offered another appealing feature: its sporty image. The Corolla's semi-fastback styling was eye-catching, and the newly developed water-cooled 4-cylinder engine had a displacement of 1,100 cc, which was 100 cc larger than that of its competitors. Instead of conventional front bench seating and a 3-speed column shifter, the Corolla sported separate front seats and a 4-speed floor shifter.

The Corolla was also the first among Japanese passenger cars to adopt a MacPherson strut front suspension. The initial 2-door sedan version was followed by a 4-door sedan and a 2-door commercial van, and an automatic version (with a 2-speed Toyoglide automatic transmission) in May 1967. The engine displacement was enlarged to 1,200 cc in September 1969 to further enhance its performance.
Plant Takaoka plant, Kanto Auto Works, Ltd. [from Dec. 1969]
A "corolla" is the ring of petals around the central part of a flower. The name was intended to evoke the image of a beautifully styled, eye-catching compact car.
catalog
movie

This page is part of TOYOTA A HISTORY OF THE FIRST 75 YEARS website. For information on currently marketed vehicles, please refer to the Toyota Motor Corporation website.