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From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 1
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 2
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 3
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 4
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 5
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 6
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 7
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 8
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 9
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 10
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 11
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 12
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 13
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 14
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 15
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 16
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 17
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 18
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 19
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 20
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 21
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 22
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 23
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 24
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 25
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 26
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 27
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 28
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 29
From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 30
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 1
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 2
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 3
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 4
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 5
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 6
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 7
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 8
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 9
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 10
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 11
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 12
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 13
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 14
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 15
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 16
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 17
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Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 20
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 21
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Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 23
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 24
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 25
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 26
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 27
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 28
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 29
Thumbnail of From the Martin Swig Collection,1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop Chassis no. RT52-34840 image 30
Lot 169
From the Martin Swig Collection
1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop
The Scottsdale Auction
15 January 2015, 11:00 PST
Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

Sold for US$11,000 inc. premium

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From the Martin Swig Collection
1968 Toyota Corona Two-Door Hardtop

Chassis no. RT52-34840


1,879cc OHV Inline 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
90bhp at 4,600 rpm
2-Speed Toyoglide Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Solid Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes


*Black plate California 'time capsule' car
*Fewer than 27,000 miles from new
*Original color scheme and original interior
*Reference-quality example of the attractive Corona Hardtop
*The model that established Toyota's reputation for reliability


THE TOYOTA CORONA

Toyota Motor Company was established in 1937 and introduced its first car, the Model AA, that same year. Toyotas went on sale in the US in 1958 with the arrival of the Toyopet, but alas this model was a failure. However, subsequent introductions of the Land Cruiser and then the Corona in 1965 put Toyota on the path to their dominance today.

The stylish Corona, offered in a variety of configurations, was paired with either the 'Toyoglide' two-speed automatic or a three- and later four-speed manual transmission. The Corona lineup offered a lot more car than a Volkswagen at comparably little more money, and became a sales sensation. The success and style of the Corona made it one of the most significant early Japanese cars to hit our shores. The most stylish of them all – the two-door Hardtop – is represented here.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This beautifully preserved Corona two-door Hardtop was discovered tucked away in a San Francisco garage in 2007, where it had sat virtually unused for a number of years among other slumbering classics. This original California "black plate" car is offered with just under 27,000 actual miles from new. Fitted with the 3-RC 1900cc motor and the optional 2-speed Toyoglide automatic transmission, the light and nimble Toyota shows original finishes throughout, and can easily be described as a 'time capsule' car.

It bears its original California black and yellow license plates, 'XKY 999', and frames from Daly City Toyota Motors, almost without question the original selling dealer. The charming Corona also retains original chrome throughout as well as all original interior surfaces and carpeting. The factory tool kit and jack are present, as are the factory spare wheel and cover.

When acquired by California Mille founder (and former Toyota dealer) Martin Swig in 2007, the Corona required relatively minor servicing to return it to the road, including a rebuilt carburetor and various other items, while its paintwork was refreshed for a stunning cosmetic presentation. As a testament to its standout condition, the Corona Hardtop was selected for display at the Carmel Concours-on-the-Avenue in 2008 and was shown again in a special Japanese vintage car exhibit at the Palo Alto Concours d'Elegance in 2011. With the rising tide of interest in early Japanese cars, this charming Corona is a significant milestone model that should not be overlooked.

Without reserve

Footnotes

Please note that this vehicle is titled with chassis number RT52034840.

Additional information