
All in all, Toyota has launched 16 generations of the Crown. If one were to single out the model with the most distinctive design, it would have to be this one – the Toyota Crown S60.
Model history
The Toyota Crown S60 was put into production in February 1971 as the successor to the Crown S50. The 4-door cars could be delivered with the following engine options: 2.0 liter 4-cylinder 98hp, 2.0 inline six, 2.3 inline six and 2.6 inline six 140hp. There was also a 2-door hardtop coupé (S70) and a 5-door station wagon. A quick overview of cars previously listed in driving license registers shows that the most widespread variant was 4-door with a 2-litre engine of 98hp. They were popular with taxi owners. Second most popular were 4-doors with 2,6 liter inline sixes. In degree of equipment Super Saloon it was a real luxury car – a nice representative car.
The model received a facelift for model year 1973. Visible changes include a larger grill and chrome around the headlights. As early as September 1974, the Toyota Crown S60 and S70 were replaced by the S80. The successor had a less distinctive exterior than the S60.
Too special?
The reason for the rapid model change may be that not everyone was satisfied with the distinctive appearance. In the car's homeland, Japan, the model was given the nickname The whale. It was especially the shape of the Hardtop Coupé variant that could remind one of a whale. The particular front could perhaps resemble a whale's jaw (or seal's paw). Here there are similarities to the American Ford Thunderbird mk5 from 1967-1971. Could the designers at Toyota have been inspired by the Ford Thunderbird?
About the pictures
The car in the main picture is depicted in Ski, 2024. The blue facelift model was photographed at a campsite on Øyer in connection with Old School Toyotas had a gathering there in 2020. Interior image is a catalog image provided through FavCars.com.
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