In 1973, several Coronas lined what could have been a Tokyo dealership. With limited real-estate, urban Japanese dealers often have just a few cars on hand to test drive, but not a massive lot full of inventory. Here, a row of four-banger sedans and coupes capped off by a grand Mark II hardtop shows off the entire Corona line. Perhaps the passer-by in the Cedric sedan was convinced to make a U-turn.
Image: eBay
I wonder how would it have been like to be in my 30’s standing in this lot in 1973 looking at these brand spanking new Coronas…ahhh.
Wait just need to turn around, two minutes…
Growing up in Japan, I was a high schooler in’73. We also moved away that year and to my puzzlement, I arrived in the US enrolled in “Driver’s Education”. Cars were off the radar until 18 years old in Japan. I struck a deal with my parents: in exchange for my first car, I had to enter a steep learning curve as the family fleet manager. It was also right in the midst of the 1st Gas Crisis and Watergate. Helping me was a next door neighbor who worked in the nearby Navy Yard as a Shipfitter. An amazing guy who gave me my mechanical aptitue and a love for cars. 1973, needless to say was a big car year. Forever thankful to Don. RIP…
The only Coronas that don’t give me a headache! ;-D