When it comes to Japanese automotive history, few models are as iconic as the Toyota Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno. These cars, known for their sporty design and performance, have a dedicated fan base that spans the globe. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history, features, and pros and cons of these classic models.
A Brief History of Toyota
Before diving into the specifics of the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno, let’s first take a quick look at the history of Toyota. The company was founded in 1937, and initially focused on producing small vehicles and machinery. However, by the 1960s, Toyota had begun to expand its offerings, and started producing larger cars, such as the Corolla.
The Corolla, which was first introduced in 1966, quickly became one of Toyota’s best-selling models. In 1971, the company released the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno, which were sportier versions of the standard Corolla. These cars were available in both coupe and liftback body styles, and were powered by a range of inline-four engines.
Features of the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno
One of the main selling points of the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno was their sporty design. Both models featured a low, aerodynamic body style, with pop-up headlights, and a rear spoiler. On the inside, the cars had a minimalist design, with a simple dashboard layout, and sporty bucket seats.
In terms of performance, the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno were no slouch. Both models came with a range of inline-four engines, with displacements ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters. The highest performance versions of these cars, known as the “Zenki” and “Kouki” (which stand for “early period” and “late period,” respectively), featured dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder, which helped boost horsepower to around 150.
Pros and Cons
Now, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno. One of the biggest pros of these cars is their sporty design and performance. Both models are incredibly fun to drive, and the high-performance versions are capable of keeping up with much more expensive sports cars.
Another pro of these cars is their reliability. Toyota is known for building solid, dependable vehicles, and the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno are no exception. These cars are built to last, and can provide years of trouble-free driving.
However, there are also a few cons to these cars. One of the main cons is the lack of advanced safety features. These cars were built during a time when safety wasn’t as much of a priority as it is today, so they don’t have things like airbags and stability control.
Another con is that these cars can be quite difficult to find, especially in good condition. The Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno were only produced for a limited time, and they are highly sought after by collectors. As a result, finding a good condition, low-mileage example can be quite challenging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Toyota Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno are two classic models that are beloved by enthusiasts around the world. These cars are known for their sporty design and performance, and their reliability. Although these cars lack modern safety features, these models are hard to come by but are fun and enjoyable to drive. Toyota is a brand that has built a reputation for producing dependable vehicles and the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno are no exception to that. They continue to be popular among car enthusiasts, and their classic design and performance continue to be appreciated to this day.
If you’re in the market for a classic sports car, the Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno are definitely worth considering. With their affordable price point, and Toyota’s reputation for reliability, these cars are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a fun and dependable classic car. However, finding a good condition example can be challenging, and a lack of advanced safety features is something to keep in mind, but all in all, owning a Corolla Levin or Sprinter Trueno is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
