Japan carmakers are well-known for producing tough and durable passenger cars that can run for decades like this Toyota Crown below, which first debuted in 1955.
Sixty years ago, Toyota launched the “Crown”, a luxury sedan that would go on to become the company’s longest-running passenger-car nameplate and a significant vehicle in the history of the Japanese automobile industry.
In 1958, the Crown became the first Japanese passenger car to be exported to the United States, and also started Toyota’s passenger car exports to Africa in 1957 and Europe in 1962. Apart from that, Toyota started building the Crown in Australia in 1967 and in China more recently in 2005, although it never made it here in Malaysia.
However, the 6th generation model pictured below may be familiar to many, as some did make their way here. Now in its amazing 14th generation, its foremost models are the Crown Royal deluxe saloon and the Crown Athlete sports sedan (above), both offered with hybrid powertrain options.
The Crown is now on its fourteenth generation, and to mark its 60th anniversary, Toyota is launching the sedan for a limited time only in sky blue and bright green (main photo). This special edition version of the Crown Athlete will go on sale in its home market this June with a limited production run.
Chronology of the Crown:
