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Closed Auction- Unsold

1966 Toyota Corona RT40

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  • Mileage~87,000km
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine1.5L
  • LocationEnfield

AUCTION CLOSED

1966 Toyota Corona RT40

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Introduction

Dom Ginn
Professional Consigner

A reliable and solid Japanese classic with bulletproof engineering - designed to last.

Manufactured by Toyota between 1957 to 2001, the third generation Corona was one of the first models exported to other global markets along with being marketed in the JDM at Toyota's Toyopet Store dealership channels.

The car played a key role in the company's North American success, the third generation RT40 example rebranded as Toyota, featured a 80bhp inline four engine, four doors, padded dash, visor mirror, full carpeting, fresh air heater/defroster, two-speed windshield wipers, quad headlights, vinyl upholstery, drivers armrest, cigarette lighter, chrome wheel trim, under sealant and twin horns. Editors at Car and Driver, called the Corona "One of the best Toyota's ever made".

The Corona first caught Abu's eye at a Toyota motor show, he searched everywhere for an example and came across this one located in Yokohama. He imported the car back to the UK in 2018, whereby Abu enjoyed the occasional drive around town.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Dom after meeting Abu the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I first fell for this car while at the Toyota motor show in Tokyo, afterwards, I searched everywhere for one similar.

As mentioned, the Corona first caught Abu's attention when he visited the Toyota motor show in Tokyo, Japan. Abu told us that it was at the forefront of a static display and reported it certainly attracted a crowd.

In 2018, Abu spotted a Japanese example at a classic car auction in Yokohama, put a bid in and very shortly after had it transported to the UK. Since then Abu has thoroughly enjoyed using the car - he loves how reliable and solid it is along with the driveability. He's often stopped and mentioned it's a very positive conversation starter.

Abu reports all major components are original Toyota, and there's been no modifications, just a recent respray to bring the car back to its vibrant self.

Abu now needs to find the car a new owner and will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Abu
Vehicle Owner

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CONTACT OWNER

Exterior

An instant hit worldwide for its extremely high-quality build and quirky good looks.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with classic steels with chrome hub caps to really give the car style - the chromed caps look good on all four corners, yet would benefit from a good polish to really bring them out.

The wheels are fitted with Falken Sincera tyres all around and dated 2004, the front tyres are showing signs of cracking on the outer wall.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look.

Bodywork

We really like the classic boxy proportions of this Japanese saloon. The bodywork of the car appears very good with all the panel gaps looking in alignment for a '60s classic. When getting very close we did notice an indent on the offside front bumper.

We have taken hi-resolution images and videos of the car for you to assess the condition of the bodywork for yourselves.

Paint

Abu reports the car was recently resprayed in this attractive Maroon Red which pairs very well to the darker vinyl / cloth interior - the finish on the paint appears in great condition. If we were being really picky, the rear offside door has a small chip along the outside edge.

The images taken are from different angles and reflections to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. Please take the time to fully assess the condition.

Glass and Trim

The glass appears in very good condition with no major cracks, chips or discolouration observed on our visit. All the window rubbers and seals appear a little perished in line with the age and mileage. The brightwork looks generally good all around with some signs of pitting in areas.

You may wish to re-chrome the front grille, as the original plating has became rather dull.

Take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view.

Interior

Padded dash, visor mirror, full carpeting and luscious vinyl upholstery were rather upmarket for the Toyota back in the day.

Seats and Carpets

The seats look great in this example, being half red vinyl / half cloth. We believe the seats may have been refurbished in the recent past.

The door cards look in good, but used condition, along with the red carpets which would benefit from a deep clean.

The headlining appears in good condition.

Dashboard

A classic large rectangular dashboard with speed, fuel and temperate gauge, sit in front of you within this Toyota.

All the numbers and dials are clean, clear and legible.

We did notice a small area of cracking to the top passenger side of the dash.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with a large Toyota branded steering wheel, with the gear selector on the steering column - the condition of both items appears very good for the age of the car. The steering wheel chrome is starting to show signs of pitting.

Mechanics

Expect nothing but bulletproof, straightforward mechanics from Toyota, and take a look under this completely original engine bay.

Engine and Gearbox

Fitted with the 1.5L 2R inline 4 RT40 engine, mated to a three-speed manual gearbox, mounted on the steering column, the car offers the driver 80bhp and weighing in at only 945kg, the car can reach 62mph in 11.3 seconds.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around, and for a closer look underneath.

Suspension and Brakes

The RT40 had a suspension setup redesigned to reduce vibration and noise, aiming to achieve ride quality and comfort equal to that of a midsize car.

Abu assures us that the car handles as you'd expect for a classic saloon, and stops just as it should do too.

The Drive

In Japan, the RT40 remained the best selling car for 33 months straight, from 1965 to 67 and broke the Japanese record for the number of registration for a single model. With only VW producing more cars of a single model.

The car was well received by the motoring press and internationally respected for its brilliant build quality, road handling and power/weight ratio compared to other '60s alternatives.

Electrics and Other

Abu reports that all electrics are working as expected.

History and Paperwork

A rare and luxuriously trimmed, highly original and unmodified Toyota Corona RT40 - imported around four years ago and resprayed more recently in vibrant red; there's a lot to like about this little classic.

As the car was recently imported it comes with very little paperwork or provenance. It does come with its Japanese auction details and V5. Abu mentions the car was resprayed in Maroon not too long ago, and mentions the car drives great around London.

Abu will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
30.04.2018 MOT 86,669 km
Key Details
  • ModelCorona RT40
  • TransmissionManual
  • First RegistrationJanuary 1966
  • First Registration UK14.05.2018
  • CC1490CC
  • Mileage~87,000km
  • HistoryV5
  • ColourMaroon
  • Interior ColourRed
  • Interior TrimVinyl / Cloth
  • Chassis #RT40-157273
  • MOTNo
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes
  • Former Keepers0 (UK)
  • Tyre BrandFalken
  • Tyre Age2004
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned4 years
  • Key FeatureEngineering






Auction Closed

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This car didn't meet its reserve price and may soon be available as a private sale - please contact us for more information.

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
Pontiac78
Member
Pontiac78

Hello, is there a reserve price on your Toyota Corona ? Have owned two over the years great cars. Thanks Steve.

Adam - Trade Classics
Admin

Hey – yes there is a reserve set. Please click on the ‘learn here’ link next to Auction Views to see how this works.

oxbikes
Member
oxbikes

If I insure the car, would I be able to drive it back to Oxford?

JB
Member
JB

Thank you, how will I know when the car passes the reserve on the website? I know thats a technical question but I cant work it out.

Kulraj Salh
Admin

Hi Jake,

We don’t always disclose the reserve, we just let everyone bid to the countdown timer, and then when the timer has run out the car will be marked as sold / unsold. Hope that helps.

Best,

Kulraj – Trade Classics

JB
Member
JB

Hello, is there a reserve on this vehicle? thanks, Jake

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Enfield

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