Toyota Crown

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Toyota Crown
Manufacturer	Toyota
Production	Toyota City, Nagoya
Class	Full-size sedan, wagon
Body style(s)	Sedan (1955–current) 4 door hardtop (1974–1999) 2 door hardtop coupe (1967–1983) Wagon (1962–2007) Pick-up (1967–1971)
Platform	S-series
Related	Toyota Aristo

The Toyota Crown is a line of full-size luxury sedans by Toyota. The range was primarily available in Japan and some other Asian countries, although it was also sold in the United States during the late 1950s and up until 1971. Exports to Europe began in 1964 with the first cars going to Finland. Other European countries which saw imports of the Crown included the Netherlands and Belgium. The United Kingdom was another market until the early 1980s. It was also exported to Canada for a few years—1965–68. In many markets the Crown was very expensive and was replaced by the Cressida when that model became available for export in the early 1980s.

Australia was another important export market for the Crown—to the extent that it was manufactured there from the mid-1960s until the late 1980s using many local components.

Most models of the car are distinguishable by a front "Crown" badge, but the common Toyota badge is usually used on the rear.

In Japan, its principal competitors are Nissan's Gloria and Cedric lines, the Cima, the Fuga and the Honda Legend.

The Crown has existed in some form since after the war and Toyota uses the "Crown" name as inspiration for their primary sedans, the Corolla which is Latin for "small crown", the Camry a phonetic transcription of the Japanese word kanmuri that means crown, and the Corona which is also Latin for crown.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Toyota Crown

[edit] First (RS Model-S30 Model: 1955 to 1962)

First generation (RS series)
Production	1955–1962
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door station wagon
Engine(s)	1.5L (1453cc)R (1955-1960) 1.9L (1897cc) 3R
Wheelbase	2530 mm (99.6 in)
Length	4285 mm (168.7 in)
Width	1679 mm (66.1 in)
Height	1524 mm (60 in)
Curb weight	1152 kg (2540 lb)

The first model was launched in 1955 with the same 1.5  L Type R engine used on their previous car, the Toyopet Super. Its coil and double wishbone independent front suspension was a departure from the leaf sprung live axle front suspension used on most previous models but was similar to the independent front suspension used on the 1947 Toyopet SA. The live axle rear suspension was similar to that used on most of the previous models (unlike the trailing arm rear suspension used on the SA). Taxi versions were produced and commercial versions of the vehicle were also available as an estate wagon and a 3 or 6 seater coupe utility.

The Crown was designed to replace the Super but Toyota was not sure if its independent front coil suspension and its suicide type rear doors were too radical for the taxi market to bear. So the Super was updated, renamed the Master and sold alongside the Crown. When sales of the Crown proved worthwhile, the Master was discontinued in November 1956 and production facilities for the Master were transferred to the Crown.^[1]

The initial RS Crown model was replaced by the similar RS20 Crown in 1958. The main difference was the replacement of the 1.5 L engine with the 1.9 L 3R engine. A minor update to the RS30 was made in 1961.

Exports of the first Japanese car to the United States began in 1957 and ended in 1960. The reception of the car were horrible. Since the car was designed for the muddy, slow, unpaved Japanese roads, it failed the mass urban landscape of the US because of it's inability to keep up with traffic on the faster intestate highways. Unknown to Toyota, they just designed a very high quality sedan on a truck like chassis. The overbuilt heavy body was no match for the 4-cylinder. To try and remedy this, a newer more powerful engine was expected to be the solution, but the improvement were only minor. In 1960 the Crown stopped being imported to the US market. Many unhappy dealers were left with large amounts of stock. The Toyota Tiara and Toyota Land Cruiser would up be the only cars imported until the second generation Crown was available five years later. This is the car that that gave Americans a bad image of Japanese built products.

[edit] Second (S40 Model: 1962 to 1967)

Second Generation
Production	1962-1967
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door coupe utility
Engine(s)	I4 OHV (1897cc) 2.1 L I6(1988cc)
Transmission(s)	3 speed manual column
Wheelbase	2690 mm (105.9 in)
Length	4610 mm (181.5 in)
Width	1695 mm (66.7 in)
Height	1460 mm (57.5 in)
Curb weight	1265 kg (2789 lb)
Fuel capacity	13.2 US gallons (50.0 L/11.0 imp gal)

Launched in 1962, this model introduced the Custom and Master Line models. A bigger and better car than the one it replaced it initially had four-cylinder engines before the introduction of the "M" six-cylinder engine in 1965. Deluxe and Super Deluxe models were available with added features.

[edit] Crown Eight

The longer, wider and more upmarket Crown Eight was introduced in 1964 for the Japanese market, powered by a 2.6 L V8 engine. However, it had a different model designation, VG10. The Crown Eight was designed primarily to replace full-sized American automobiles that were commonly used by major corporations. The Crown represents the first Japanese mass produced 8 cylinder engine. The main rivals at the time was the Prince Gloria Super and Nissan Cedric Special both of them contain a 6 cylinder engine.. This car was replaced in 1967 by the first Century with the model code VG20. Approx 3,800 Crown Eights were produced.

[edit] Third (S50 Model: 1967 to 1971)

Third Generation
Production	1967-1971
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon 2-door coupe 2-door coupe utility
Transmission(s)	2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 4-speed manual
Wheelbase	2690 mm (105.9 in)
Length	4665 mm (183.7 in)
Width	1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height	1445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb weight	1305 kg (2877 lb)

Launched in 1967, the engines were much the same as the previous generation, but additional equipment was included. Higher specification export models used the 2.3 litre 2M engine. This series saw the first 2-door hardtop. In export markets it also spawned common station wagon (MS53), rare pickup, and very rare double cab pick-up (RS56P) models.

[edit] Fourth (S60 & S70 Models: 1971 to 1974)

Fourth Generation
Production	1971-1974
Wheelbase	2690 mm (105.9 in)
Length	4680 mm (184.3 in)
Width	1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height	1420 mm (55.9 in)
Curb weight	1360 kg (2998 lb)

Launched in 1971, the 4M 2600 engine was introduced with this generation, as was the luxurious Super Saloon trim level. Electronic fuel injection became available on both the new 4M engine as well as the 2 litre M which continued.

The Sedan and Wagon are coded MS60/MS65 and MS62/MS63. The Hardtop Coupe is MS70 (2.0 liter), or MS75 (2.6 liter). This generation was the first Crown marketed as Toyota in Japan, as previous models were Toyopet. Also, in Japan, this model was known as the "whale" or "kujira" Crown. Domestic market Hardtop has rectangular headlights, all export models come with twin round headlights. This model sold very badly in the US, only the first 2 years were exported. This is the last Crown sold in the USA. The Corona Mark II, replaced the Crown in the US market.

[edit] Fifth (S80 & S100 Models: 1974-1979)

1978 Toyota Crown 2600 MS83

Launched in 1974 in Japan, export began from 1975. Offered as 4 door Sedan, 2 door Hardtop Coupe, 4 door Hardtop Sedan, Wagon, and Van. Engines are 2.0 and 2.6 liter gasoline, or 2.2 liter diesel. Trim levels are Standard, Deluxe, Super Saloon, and Royal Saloon. Minor change was given in 1978.

The pillarless Hardtop Sedan model has a front chrome grill and square headlights.

[edit] Sixth (S110 Model: 1979 to 1983)

1981 Toyota Crown MS 112

Launched in 1979, this model had the engine upgraded to the 2.6 L to 2.8 L 5M-EU model. The 2 litre M was still on offer along with a turbo charged version—the M-TEU. In this series the model designation referred to the engine size—MS110 (2 litre), MS111 (2.6 litre), MS112 (2.8 litre). Early models have twin rectangular headlights, facelift models come with bigger monoblock headlights. Domestic market Royal Saloons use the large rectangular headlights. Lower grades Van and Taxi adopt round headlights. Royal Saloon features longer bumpers. The first Crown Turbo was launched in October 1980 for Japanese market only. This generation is the last for 2 door Hardtop Coupe.

[edit] Seventh (S120 Model: 1983 to 1987)

Launched in 1983. The model used 5M-GE 2800 cc double overhead cam (DOHC), 1G-GE　2000 cc DOHC, M-TE 2000 cc single overhead cam (SOHC) Turbo, M-E 2000 cc SOHC, 2L-TE 2400 cc SOHC Turbo Diesel or 2L 2400 cc SOHC Diesel engines. Base versions use the new 2 litre 1G-E engine which replaced the old 2 litre version of the M series. The "van" version of the station wagon (the GS126V as well as the GS136V in the following series) used its own unique variant of this motor (the 1G-EJ).

[edit] Eighth (S130 Model: 1987 to 1991)

Toyota Crown GS131

Launched in 1987. Body style: Sedan, Hardtop, and Wagon, included the commercial Van. The model used 7M-GE 3000 cc DOHC, 1G-GZE 2000 cc DOHC Super Charger, 1G-E 2000 cc DOHC, 2L-THE 2400 cc SOHC Turbo Diesel Hi Power (AT Use), 2L-TE 2400 cc SOHC Turbo Diesel (MT Use) or 2L 2400 cc SOHC Diesel engines. The 4.0 liter 1UZ-FE, the same engine as in Lexus LS400, was only for Royal Saloon G. Although a totally different chassis and body, the S130 takes styling cues from the MX73 Cressida.

[edit] Ninth (S130 Facelift and S140 Models: 1991 to 1995)

Crown S140

The Crown Hardtop and all-new Crown Majesta models were built on the 140-series platform. The rebodied Crown Sedan and Wagon still carried S130 model codes, although the exterior is rounder, and the nose is similar to S140 Hardtop.

Trim levels for Sedan are Standard, Deluxe, Super Deluxe, Super Saloon, Royal Saloon, and Royal Saloon G. Engine choices were 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 liter gasoline, and 2.4 liter diesel. The 4.0 liter was offered for Royal Saloon G and Majesta.

The Standard Sedan for Taxi and base model Wagon feature round headlights and chrome bumpers. The taxi is powered by 2.4 liter diesel engine matched to 4 speed column-mounted manual transmission.

[edit] Tenth (S150 Model: 1995-1999)

The 150-series Crown were built as Sedan and Hardtop (frameless door window) only. This was the first Crown to not use separate chassis construction. The Wagon retained the old and uninspired Japanese Lexus (130 series) model until 1999. Trim levels for Hardtop are Royal Extra, Royal Saloon, Royal Saloon G, and the sporty Royal Touring. 4WD is offered for Royal Extra and Royal Saloon. Engine is either 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 liter 6-cylinder, or 4.0 liter V8.

[edit] Crown Comfort (LXS10 & YXS10 Models: 1996 - current)

Main article: Toyota Comfort

Crown Comfort

The Crown Comfort, designed for taxi use only, has smaller exterior dimensions but a roomier and taller interior than the Crown Royal series. To reduce unnecessary cost and weight and increase interior space, the more luxurious dashboard and fitments (including leather seats) of the Crown Royal were replaced with less bulky all-plastic versions.

The Comfort is powered by either the 3C diesel engine or LPG. The Japanese model has fender mirrors and an automatic (driver-activated) rear door. The Crown Comfort is the most popular taxicab in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, but is gradually falling out of favour as better-appointed vehicles become available at competitive cost.

The new Crown Sedan for the Japanese market only is based on the Comfort, but has wider tail lights and longer bumpers.

[edit] Eleventh (S170 Model: 1999 to 2003)

Crown Royal JZS175

The 170-series features shorter front overhang therefore maximizes interior and trunk space. There are three different 170-series 4-door Saloon, Royal, Majesta, and Athlete. The 4-door Hardtop was discontinued. The 170-series Estate was the first new Crown Wagon after the 130-series. Engine is either 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, or 4.0 liter. The Athlete V has 2.5 liter 1JZ-GTE turbo. The Royal was also offered with 3.0 liter 2JZ-FSE Mild Hybrid.

[edit] Twelfth (S180 Model: 2003 to 2008)

Main article: Toyota Crown S180

Crown Royal S180

Based on the Zero Crown concept car. Engine is changed to a V6 for the new Royal and Athlete models, and the Majesta uses the V8 only, now in 4.3 litre form with 4WD optional. The 170 series Crown Estate continues using the inline 6-cylinder engines.

[edit] Thirteenth (S200 Model: 2008 to present)

Crown Royal S200

Crown Hybrid Concept

Crown hybrid concept was exhibited at 2007 Tokyo Motor Show.

[edit] Name

Toyota used the name Crown also for other models, e.g. the Corona, which is Latin for crown, or the Corolla, which is Latin for small crown and Camry which is an Anglicized pronunciation of the Japanese term "kan-muri" meaning "crown". One of Toyota's first cars sold in the U.S was also called the Toyopet Tiara. It was nicknamed the "Toyota Super" in Iraq, showing how well received the model was there (particularly the late 80s model).

[edit] Models in the Crown lineup

• Crown Comfort
• Crown Sedan
• Crown Majesta
• Crown Royal
• Crown Estate
• Crown Athlete

1st Crown Majesta

4th Crown Majesta

Crown Estate

[edit] References

1. ^ "Toyota: A history of the First 50 Years", Toyota Motor Corporation, 1988, ISBN 0-517-61777-3, p133/135/137
2. ^ Automobil Revue, catalogue 2006,p.488-89.
3. ^ toyota.jp クラウン ロイヤルサルーン > スペック

[edit] External links

Toyota Crown Lineup (written in Japanese)

• Crown Sedan
• Crown Comfort
• Crown Royal
• Crown Athlete
• Crown Majesta
• Crown Estate