The early 1960 Toyota Corona was the first Toyota Car that would take Toyota Global – a reliable, affordable, practical compact car offered to fill a growing middle class market.This was part of the first generation Corona (T10) which acted as a bridging vehicle between the smaller Toyota and larger Crown.compact car to cater to a growing middle-class market. It was part of the first-generation Corona (T10), designed to bridge the gap between the smaller Toyota and the larger Crown. The Corona was then a foundation of Toyota’s success, one that was durable, had a few parts and was able to handle everything on the road.
1960 Toyota Corona Engine and Performance
Specification
Details
Engine Type
1.0L Inline 4-cylinder (P-series)
Displacement
997 cc
Horsepower
33 hp @ 5,000 rpm
Torque
46 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
Fuel System
Carburetor
Compression Ratio
7.5:1
Transmission
3-speed manual
Drive train
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Top Speed
~70 mph (~113 km/h)
Fuel Economy
~30 MPG
Transmission Options
Transmission Type
Details
3-Speed Manual
Standard transmission with a column-mounted shifter for smooth gear changes.
Fuel and MPG
Specification
Details
Fuel Type
Regular Gasoline
Fuel Economy (MPG)
~30 MPG
Fuel Tank Capacity
35 liters (9.2 gallons)
Range (Estimated)
~275 miles (442 km)
1960 Toyota Corona Interior Features
Feature
Details
Seating Capacity
4–5 passengers
Upholstery
Vinyl or fabric seats (simple yet durable)
Dashboard Design
Minimalist design with basic analog gauges
Instrumentation
Speedometer, fuel gauge, and odometer
Steering Wheel
Two-spoke design with basic functionality
Storage
Modest glove compartment for small items
Windows
Manual roll-down windows
Interior Space
Compact yet sufficient for a comfortable ride
Lighting
Dome light for interior illumination
Audio System
Optional AM radio (available on higher trims)
Exterior Features
Feature
Details
Body Style
4-Door Sedan, 2-Door Coupe, Wagon
Length
3,915 mm (154.1 inches)
Width
1,495 mm (58.9 inches)
Height
1,505 mm (59.3 inches)
Wheelbase
2,230 mm (87.8 inches)
Weight
~850 kg (1,874 lbs)
Headlights
Round sealed-beam headlights
Grille Design
Horizontal chrome slats
Bumpers
Chrome-finished front and rear bumpers
Side Mirrors
Fender-mounted mirrors
Wheels
Steel wheels with hubcaps
Paint Options
Solid pastel colors popular in the 1960s
Rear Design
Rounded rear with vertical taillights
Trim
Minimal chrome accents for a clean, modest look
Current Sale Price
Condition
Estimated Price Range (USD)
Notes
Excellent
$15,000 – $20,000
Fully restored or well-preserved original
Good
$10,000 – $15,000
Maintained with some minor wear
Fair
$5,000 – $10,000
Requires partial restoration or repairs
Poor/Project Car
Below $5,000
Needs significant restoration
Factors Influencing Value:
Condition and Originality: Higher prices for well-maintained or original vehicles.
Documentation: Vehicles with detailed service records and provenance command premiums.
Market Rarity: Being a classic and rare car, demand fluctuates in collector circles.
Conclusion
Toyota’s earliest years were filled with reliability and affordability but a practical Toyota Corona as we know it today in 1960 was just what Toyota needed. Why was it so successful — its compactness, its simple and durable engineering, its timeless appeal — it became a foundation for Toyota’s global success. The 1960 Toyota Corona is a rare collector’s item today, however, in value as much for its historical significance as its vintage charm. Pristine models price higher than its current market value which widely depends on its condition and originality. In many ways the Corona is a symbol of Toyota’s early commitment to quality and innovation, and as such a dearly held classic among enthusiasts.
