Toyota Corolla
The compact family car introduced in 1966 that grew into Toyota's most widely sold model line.
Overview
Toyota introduced the Corolla in Japan in November 1966, positioning the new five-seat compact between the smaller Publica and the Corona. Chief engineer Tatsuo Hasegawa’s team developed it around an “80 points plus alpha” philosophy: the car was intended to perform well in every essential area while offering an additional quality that made it especially appealing.
The first Corolla arrived as a two-door saloon with a water-cooled 1,077 cc K-series inline-four, rear-wheel drive and a four-speed floor-shift transmission. A four-door saloon and a light van joined the range in May 1967, followed by the more sporting Corolla Sprinter coupé.
The model appeared as private car ownership and expressway travel were expanding rapidly in Japan. Overseas sales began almost immediately, and production was established outside Japan from 1968. The millionth Corolla was sold in 1970, the year Toyota introduced the second generation.
Generations
First generation (E10, 1966–1970)
The original Corolla combined compact dimensions with equipment and performance beyond the most basic economy-car formula. Its 1.1-litre engine, floor-mounted gear lever and front strut suspension helped distinguish it in Japan’s emerging family-car market.
Later generation records will be added as the catalogue develops.