The 1971 Toyota Corona was a compact sedan that depicted the onward course of Toyota’s development, providing a blend of practicality, reliability, and style. There were different body styles available for the Corona, including a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and station wagon. With an inline-four engine, including the 1.6L and 1.9L varieties, the Corona provided great effort in any attempt at composing a harmonious and efficient performance befitting respectful everyday use.
With a clean, angular shape and a simple front grille, round headlights, and chrome accents, this car appeared to cater to that late-60’s/early-70’s theme in car design. The Corona sported a simple and reasonable interior: plain amenities and a great deal of concern for comfort and durability. Known for its low operating costs and a well-built nature, the 1971 Toyota Corona was popular as an affordable yet trustworthy vehicle in Japan and America – in fact, it grew to solidify Toyota’s own perception as a major player in the manufacture of reliable cars.
Engine Options and Specs
The 1971 Toyota Corona was available with several engine options, offering a balance between performance and fuel efficiency.
Engine Type
1.6L Inline-4 (K-series)
1.9L Inline-4 (M-series)
Displacement
1,587 cc (1.6L)
1,896 cc (1.9L)
Power Output
88 hp (66 kW)
105 hp (78 kW)
Torque
120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
130 Nm (96 lb-ft)
Fuel System
Carburetor
Carburetor
Compression Ratio
9.0:1
8.5:1
Bore x Stroke
82.5 mm x 85.0 mm
85.0 mm x 85.0 mm
Transmission Options
4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
4-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Fuel and MPG
Specification
1.6L Inline-4 (K-series)
1.9L Inline-4 (M-series)
Fuel Tank Capacity
50 liters (13.2 gallons)
50 liters (13.2 gallons)
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Fuel Economy (MPG)
18-22 MPG (US)
16-20 MPG (US)
Chassis
Specification
Details
Chassis Type
Full-length steel ladder frame
Front Suspension
Independent double wishbone with coil springs
Rear Suspension
Live axle with leaf springs
Front Brakes
Drum brakes (disc brakes on higher trims)
Rear Brakes
Drum brakes
Steering
Recirculating ball-type steering mechanism
Wheelbase
2,460 mm (96.9 inches)
Track (Front)
1,380 mm (54.3 inches)
Track (Rear)
1,375 mm (54.1 inches)
Curb Weight
Approximately 1,050-1,150 kg (2,315-2,535 lbs)
Turning Radius
4.8 meters (15.7 feet)
Safety Features of the 1971 Toyota Corona
Safety Feature
Details
Seat Belts
Front seat belts were standard; rear seat belts were optional or not commonly included.
Rigid Body Structure
The vehicle had a strong and rigid body frame, providing basic protection in the event of a collision.
Bumper Design
Front and rear bumpers were designed for energy absorption to minimize damage during low-speed impacts.
Steering Column
An energy-absorbing steering column that would collapse during a collision, reducing the risk of injury to the driver.
Brakes
Drum brakes were standard on both front and rear axles. Some higher-end models featured front disc brakes.
Safety Glass
Laminated safety glass was used for windshields, designed to break into smaller pieces instead of sharp shards during a crash.
Lighting
The vehicle had standard lighting for visibility, including headlights with reflectors to improve nighttime driving safety.
Crash Protection
The vehicle’s overall structural design, though not as sophisticated as modern cars, was focused on providing reasonable protection for occupants during a collision.
Driver and Passenger Space
A spacious cabin with well-padded seats and a focus on providing basic protection in side-impact or frontal collisions.
While the 1971 Toyota Corona did not have the advanced safety systems seen in modern cars, it was designed with essential features like seat belts, a rigid body, and a collapsible steering column to help protect occupants in the event of a collision.
1971 Toyota Corona Interior
The 1971 Toyota Corona was a compact and practical car, that combined a simple and stylish exterior with a comfortable and functional interior.
Feature
Details
Upholstery
Fabric upholstery was standard, with vinyl available in higher trims.
Dashboard
The dashboard had a straightforward design with basic controls and instrumentation.
Seating
The Corona offered spacious seating for up to five passengers.
Steering Wheel
A standard, simple, round steering wheel with a chrome or plastic finish, often with a three-spoke design.
Instrument Cluster
Analog dials for speed, fuel, engine temperature, and other basic functions.
Climate Control
Manual ventilation and heating, Air conditioning available on higher trims.
Audio System
An AM radio was standard, with an optional 8-track tape player available on higher-end models.
Storage Space
Adequate trunk space for luggage or groceries.
Door Panels
Door panels were covered in vinyl or cloth, with chrome accents.
Exterior of the 1971 Toyota Corona:
Feature
Details
Body Style
Available as a two-door coupe, four-door sedan, and station wagon.
Front Grille
The front grille featured a simple design with horizontal bars and chrome trim.
Headlights
Dual round headlights, with a larger central grille and smaller lamps on the sides.
Bumpers
Chrome bumpers were standard, both front and rear, with a smooth and clean design for low-speed impact protection.
Wheel Design
Typically fitted with steel wheels and full hubcaps, Alloy wheels available on higher trims.
Windows
Standard windows were manual, with some higher trims offering powered windows.
Tail Lights
Rectangular tail lights, positioned symmetrically on either side of the rear, with chrome or plastic surrounds.
Paint Colors
A variety of solid and metallic paint colors were available (white, blue, and green, often with two-tone options on higher-end trims)
Roof Design
The roof-line had a smooth, curved shape, with optional vinyl roofs available for higher trims.
Wheelbase
The wheelbase was about 2,460 mm (96.9 inches), providing a stable foundation and contributing to the car’s solid road handling.
Current Sale Price in U.S.
Condition
Price Range (USD)
Good Condition (Original, Well Maintained)
$6,000 – $12,000
Restored/Excellent Condition
$12,000 – $18,000
Project Car (Needs Restoration)
$2,000 – $5,000
You can find 1971 Corollas for sale in classic car marketplaces like Hemmings, Bring a Trailer, and eBay Motors, where prices tend to fluctuate based on demand and specific car conditions.
