1979model Toyota Corona Mark II Grande 2-Door Coupe

In an era when cars now referred to as “vintage” were once brand new, many must have dreamt intuitively, guided by their sensibilities, thinking, “If we lower and widen them, they’ll surely become wonderfully unique and full of character…”

And that dream from those times has come to life beautifully in this one car…

With the sweet and somewhat forbidden technique of “lowering,” the graceful roofline of this distinctive coupé is further emphasized, enhancing the impression of its open body sides. The absence of a B-pillar is a unique design element, especially when you fully open the side windows, providing an impressive sense of liberation with nothing obstructing the view.

The significantly lower roofline compared to a sedan flows into a fastback design towards the rear trunk, forming a voluminous rear end. It’s a design element so impactful that it truly changes the essence of the car when compared to the relatively commonplace sedan design. Equipped with a one-off suspension kit featuring pillow ball mounts for both front and rear, the car has been balanced beautifully through lowering, with meticulous adjustments. This 1979 Mark II Grande 2-Door Coupé transcends the original design and stands before us as a presence in a different dimension.

A few years ago, it received a complete repaint. The vibrant metallic green, with no signs of aging despite the passing of over 40 years, was a choice that vividly recalls the imagery of that era. When the owner and their family came across this car, with its mileage in the 60,000s and in excellent condition both inside and out, they had the sensibility to choose a reproduction Longchamp XR4 with 15-inch wheels. Combining it with a one-off front and rear height-adjustable suspension kit, they realized their commitment to the “flush fitment” style they had dreamed of back then.

While the engine and transmission remain essentially stock, a stainless steel muffler that meets emissions regulations was custom-made and fitted. It provides a gentle sound with a well-boosted midrange, perfectly matching the wide and low, dynamic style.

Known as the “Pig Eye,” the third-generation Toyota Mark II, which was inspired by European design and debuted in 1976, combined elements reminiscent of the previous American cars with a front end featuring a British-style single round headlamp. It created a unique body line in the mid-sized car segment, demonstrating Toyota’s new corporate image in the late 1970s, alongside the larger S80 series Crown. Over four years until 1980, a total of 192,937 units were manufactured.

The top-of-the-line “Grande” model, to which this car belongs, was equipped with electronic fuel injection, a feature introduced for the first time in a straight-six engine in the Crown lineup. It featured a front MacPherson strut suspension, while other grades had either a four-link or leaf spring rear suspension. The Grande, on the other hand, boasted semi-trailing arm independent suspension for all four wheels, as well as four-wheel disc brakes, differentiating itself functionally from lower grades.

The interior is reminiscent of the 1980s, with its moquette fabric. Stepping inside, one can instantly sense that this car has been cherished. There are no signs of wear or tear, and the comfortable fabric seating feels firm on the soft surface. Even in areas of concern for vintage cars, such as the dashboard that is susceptible to UV damage, there are no cracks or damage. The woodgrain on the delicately designed automatic transmission selector shows a charming patina, and overall, the areas that are touched regularly, including the steering wheel, show minimal signs of use. The original air conditioning was also efficiently cooling, despite the sweltering heat on the day of the interview.

Preserving all of these interior and exterior features in their original state allows us to savor the ambiance of the 1970s. While the trend in the world of vintage car collectors currently leans toward originality, it’s possible that what everyone yearned for back then was a car just like this one—perfectly customized. The owner’s statement, “Wherever I go, car enthusiasts strike up conversations,” may offer insight into this sentiment.

With its excellent condition in both interior and exterior as well as mechanics, this 1979 Toyota Corona Mark II Grande 2-Door Coupé is a tastefully executed vintage car. In front of it, during the photoshoot, I realized that I had taken more than 300 pictures. It was truly a captivating car, and I put a lot of effort into the coverage!