Crown

[GSBoek]

I can't hide my love for these boats Toyota made, I think this one looks pretty good for being a Crown. It's a bit old news already but I thought I'd share some more of Toyota's Hybrid cars.
There's a gallery with more pics on the website.

Latest Toyota Crown Hybrid (http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/10/10/tokyo-2007-preview-toyota-crown-hybrid/)
The Crown luxury sedan has been in Toyota's Japanese domestic lineup almost as long as the Corolla, but that doesn't mean there aren't any new tricks. For this year's Tokyo Motor Show, Toyota is showing off their new hybrid variant. The big sedan is equipped with the latest version of Toyota's parallel hybrid system as used in the new LS600h. It has a two-speed reduction gear for the electric motor to provide smoother performance and 10 air-bags to keep passengers confined in case of an accident.
^The person who wrote the article doesn't know much about Toyota's history though :chuckles: It should read: "longer than the Corolla"
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autobloggreen.com/media/2007/10/crown_hv_004.jpg

[Motor]

you know, it isn't half bad, but just give me the Crown Athlete, instead.

[GSBoek]

I would agree too, give me the Crown Athlete G with the same 305hp 2GR-FSE as the IS350 and the wristwatch integrated alarm/remote/electronic key.

[Burrcold]

Is it RWD or FWD? and what platform is it shared with in NA? (just trying to get an idea of how big it is)

[GSBoek]

RWD and AWD. The Lexus GS was a platformate of the Crown for a long time and they share components. In the past (previous generations of both) they even had the same chassis code designations. The Crown is slightly bigger than the GS though.

[Motor]

Is it sportier than the GS or just as mundane? I do love the GS (2nd & 3rd gen FTW), though.

[GSBoek]

The Crown Athlete V and G would be sportier than the GS but the Crown Royal as well as the Crown Majesta (the flagship Crown with different styling and optional V8) would be as mundane.

Here's a vid. It's in japanese though. At the end of the video you see a Royal next to the Athlete. You should be able to find a few videos that show the Majesta too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JpEC8LLb1c&NR=1

[TRD_Celica00]

:drool:

[celicajonz]

:thumbup:

[CEGONAX-MAN]

Why can't they concentrate their design on a new sprots car like a special edition Celica or Supra! :furious: Dam ass designs! :angry:

[Beast]

Why can't they concentrate their design on a new sprots car like a special edition Celica or Supra! :furious: Dam ass designs! :angry:


They're trying to make money. That's why.

[GSBoek]

Why can't they concentrate their design on a new sprots car like a special edition Celica or Supra! :furious: Dam ass designs! :angry:
Try telling that to them when they sell more Crowns each year than the 7th gen Celica sold during its entire lifespan from late 1999 to 2005.

[marc]

Why can't they concentrate their design on a new sprots car like a special edition Celica or Supra! :furious: Dam ass designs! :angry:


troll

[GSBoek]

More vid :gap:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jvQsBQvmI4

[airmike]

shaped like the new camry...

[GSBoek]

^What can I say, that's always been a Toyota thing: All their sedans get the same styling theme. It's been like that ever since I can remember. Just check some period-specific sedans and you'll see. Check for example the 1988-1991 Crown, Cressida, Camry, Corona and Corollas, they all look the same. Now 20 years later it's still the same, 40 years ago it was the same too.

[airmike]

maybe is one guy :AF: that design them all lol

[GSBoek]

The only exception I can think of is the old Echo(Yaris sedan in other markets), it looked totally different than the period specific Toyotas. The facelift (2003-2005) tried to address that, still ugly though. I can tell, I drive one :chuckles:

[Motor]

TRD

.

WALD

.

Modellista

.

[kimGT]

Wald looks incredible.

[Zero]

They all look great! :drool:

So is this a 'go'?

[GSBoek]

Motor you know I'm gonna be all over this! :thumbup:

I actually like the bottom modellista better, more subtle. And I certainly prefer the red tails over the clear ones.

[party2go]

I like the TRD one. The back kinda reminds me of a Camry SE.

[marc]

what the hell is that thing ?

do Americans get a platform similar (Lexus?)

Its kind of sharp looking. FWD? RWD? Engine?

[GSBoek]

what the hell is that thing ?

do Americans get a platform similar (Lexus?)

Its kind of sharp looking. FWD? RWD? Engine?
OK, here goes the Crown guru again:
The platform has been RWD ever since the Crown bowed in 1955. In 1991 they started offering AWD on select models and the Crown series was split in two: Crown Royal/Athlete and Crown Majesta. The Majesta shared its platform with the Lexus LS400 and had a V8 and the Crown shared its platform with the Aristo (Lexus GS300) and had the 2JZ engines in NA and Turbo form. This latest version would slot sizewise in between the Lexus GS-series and the LS-series. The Majesta is still around too and keeps the 4.3L V8 as the sole engine.
The version pictured here is the Hybrid, but the regular Crown Royal and Athlete use 3 of the 4 GR-series V6 engines: the 2.5L 4GR-FE and 3.0L 3GR-FE are available in the Royal. The sportier Athlete version is also available with the 3.5L 2GR-FSE with the same tuning state as the Lexus IS350, in other words 315PS.

[marc]

so its basically a standard RWD luxury car that Americans will never see because they don't know how to drive in snow/rain.

[GSBoek]

Basically yes. Which is a pity really.
I have first hand experience with how the Crown has developed through the years and I can make back to back comparisons as I have owned 4 different generations at the same time (from the 1979 MS85 to the 1990 MS132 I had) and driven the 9th and 10th generation extensively. The current Crown Athlete with the 3.5 engine is a great piece. Actually Toyota tested the waters a few years back in the USA, there were pictures taken of the 12th gen Crown Athlete (2005 and up) driving around in LA.

[GSBoek]

Oh and not to mention that the Crown is available in LHD(for the Chinese market), but it might compete directly with Lexus if sent to the USA.

Interior:
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/crown_hv_006.jpg

[party2go]

That 3.5L engine isn't the same engine thats in the Avalon and Camry SE is it?

[marc]

That 3.5L engine isn't the same engine thats in the Avalon and Camry SE is it?


yes, but in IS350 tune ~ 300 hp

I'd still rather have a V8

[Motor]

I have first hand experience with how the Crown has developed through the years and I can make back to back comparisons as I have owned 4 different generations at the same time (from the 1979 MS85 to the 1990 MS132 I had) and driven the 9th and 10th generation extensively. The current Crown Athlete with the 3.5 engine is a great piece. Actually Toyota tested the waters a few years back in the USA, there were pictures taken of the 12th gen Crown Athlete (2005 and up) driving around in LA.

You're the Crown Master. :thumbup:

[celicajonz]

all of them are nice.

[GSBoek]

yes, but in IS350 tune ~ 300 hp

I'd still rather have a V8
Then you could always go for the Crown Majesta, but it doesn't look as sharp as these and it's still equiped with the 4.3L 3UZ-FE. Don't know when Toyota would drop in the 4.6L UR-series engine, but presumably it will be with the next generation Crown Majesta. As has been typical in Crown history, the Majesta usually bows a year after the Royal/Athlete/Hybrid series so you can expect to see it around this time next year, with pictures as early as october/november.

Crowns and V8s are a natural. Toyota actually dropped a V8 in the 2nd generation Crown in 1964, stretched the wheelbase and called it the Crown eight. It was a tiny 3.0L OHV V8 know as the 3V. The basic V-series OHV V8 continued in production more than 20 years, growing to 3.4L (4V) and finally 4.0L (5V-E). Ever wonder why the 1UZ-FE started life as a 4.0L? Toyota used some of the block architecture of the 5V when developping the DOHC 1UZ-FE.
In 1990 when Lexus bowed, Toyota dropped the same 1UZ-FE engine into the Crown 8th-generation (like the one I had). Many Crown lovers have since dropped the 1UZ-FE into their older Crowns, it's a fairly easy swap as the chassis of the 130-series 8th generation had been in existance in its basic form since the 2nd generation Crown.

I'm sorry, once I start I can't stop, I simply love these boats. :chuckles:

[celicatrd93]

they are all so so nice...

[marc]

Yeah I actually dig the Crown and Auris - why the hell don't we get these cars?

OH right - Lexus.

[GSBoek]

Crunched some numbers for the Hybrid:
Gas engine makes 296hp and 272 lb/ft in Hybrid Synergy Drive form
Electric engine makes 200hp and 203 lb/ft

As designed to work together they produce 345hp according to Toyota, you don't just add the numbers for both. Toyota is mum on the torque figure but since electric motors produce peak over almost the entire rev range I'm not surprised the Hybrid will be decently fast when both are working at the same time.

I haven't educated myself in depth about how the HSD really works. Is it even possible for someone to hack the system and get both motors to hit peak together? That would be either awesome with 496 hp and 472 lb/ft or just go kaboom altogether :chuckles:

[aznkhaos]

dam...those are awsome cars..personally like the TRD but too bad its not in america..or anywhere near my price range

[GSBoek]

Actually Toyota tested the waters a few years back in the USA, there were pictures taken of the 12th gen Crown Athlete (2005 and up) driving around in LA.
Sorry to bring this back to life. Was browsing through some old pics and I found the pic I was referring to in the above quote.

http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Atlethe_US.jpeg

[GSBoek]

Back again, this time with some pics of my own hehehe. Went to a Toyota exhibition hall today in Ikebukuro and spend hours with ALL their current lineup. I made up my mind to go for a testdrive but it was a rainy day so it was a no-go.

White Royal Saloon
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/medium/Pic_081.jpg

Interior
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/medium/Pic_103.jpg

Green Athlete, I love this color actually
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/medium/Pic_058.jpg

Black Athlete G
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/medium/Pic_106.jpg

Bonus. An F1 car is actually bigger than I thought it would be.
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Pic_001.jpg

[party2go]

The interior highly reminds me of the current Avalon.

[GSBoek]

Well, they're both big Toyotas and the interiors are similar, although this one doesn't have the huge hood the Avalon has. Otherwise the center console is quite similar.

[Soo__Fuego]

good looking car ................. is it gonna replace the avalon?

[GSBoek]

Nope, Toyota said it's keeping it for Asia only, mainly Japan and China.

Oh and just a curious note: All Crowns since 1975 have maintained the 4.87m (191.7") overall length to meet JDM size requirements.

[Soo__Fuego]

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7643/crownmo8.jpg

[GSBoek]

^ That's the previous generation Crown Royal Saloon. Haven't seen a lot of slammed ones here in Tokyo yet.

[Zero]

You're in Tokyo? :AF:

I love that green paint job! It's a clean shade of green.

Sucks, yet another good car that we won't get in the States.

[GSBoek]

Yap, on vacation at the moment. Gonna visit Kyoto and Nagoya(hopefully, wanna go to the Toyota Museum there) and probably Hokkaido.

[Soo__Fuego]

for reals ur in jp? any pics of celica or just toyota meets!?

[Zero]

Yap, on vacation at the moment. Gonna visit Kyoto and Nagoya(hopefully, wanna go to the Toyota Museum there) and probably Hokkaido.
Lucky! Please take some pictures of the scenery. I'd love to visit Japan some day.

I should've known you were there, from the comment in your sig.

[GSBoek]

The weather hasn't been good, wanted to catch a nice cherry blossom, but I don't know if I will. I did some pics at the national garden in Shinjuku.

The only 7th gen I saw so far is this one, a ZZT230 at a used car lot in Yokohama. I searched for some meets but haven't been able to hit any.

http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/medium/Pic_100.jpg

[Soo__Fuego]

dude try to get ur hands on a sports m emblem

[Carbonized_GT]

Yap, on vacation at the moment. Gonna visit Kyoto and Nagoya(hopefully, wanna go to the Toyota Museum there) and probably Hokkaido.

fvcking bitch...

[GSBoek]

LOL. Let's just say that every penny I don't spend on cars goes to pay for my travels. House is paid for already, so after taxes and expenses I can save a lot. With what I have spent so far on this trip I could have gone Turbo on the Celica or completed the 6M-GE swap on my '84 Crown and gone to Europe on vacation. I decided for Japan instead.

[GSBoek]

I'm sorry, I'm bored at the moment as I have a 5 hour flight delay back to Tokyo so I thought I'd post some pics and info.

Last week I sampled a 12th generation Toyota Crown Royal Saloon with the 2.5L 205hp 4GR-FSE engine. This week I rented a Royal Saloon i-Four (awd) with the 3.0L 245hp 3GR-FSE engine and unlike last week I wasn't confined to city driving so I had the chance to flog it around some country roads that don't even appear on the NAVI. I so much wanted the newest 13th generation but that wasn't available so I had to settle for this.
It's a fairly heavy car at 3650 lbs and the Royal version is by no means a sports sedan (the Athlete version with the 306hp 2GR-FSE, sports suspension and rwd is more adept at that) but I found it to be a willing dance partner and the awd did a decent job in corners. I did manage to unsettle the car a bit driving 8/10 on a sharp bumpy downward mountain hairpin, but otherwise it's a willing road carver for people who aren't used to driving at more than 7/10. The ride is taut yet smooth and well-isolated, befitting the cars purpose as a luxury cruiser. Steering however is quite numb on-center, not too communicative at all so that is the one gripe I have about the car. I could drive this thing everyday for the next 2 years.

Now some pics: Biei countryside

http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Asahikawa_212.jpg

Asahikawa Snow Museum parking lot
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Asahikawa_151.jpg

Bumped into this Athlete i-Four
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Asahikawa_223.jpg

NSX
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Asahikawa_229.jpg

And of course Sakura
http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/EniSap_058.jpg

[Motor]

I'm sorry

Do not apologize. That was nice review with great scenery and nice shots.

[CEGONAX-MAN]

I like cherry blossom's.....:wiggle:

[GSBoek]

Thought I'd add two pics of the Crown Majesta. As I mentioned earlier in this thread this comes exclusively with the 3UZ-FE V8 and is actually a seperate model of the Crown. I took these at the Toyota Exhibition in Ikebukuro. I saw a few in black on the streets and I have to say they look pretty good in black.

http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Pic_090.jpg

http://www.newcelica.org/photopost/data/500/Pic_091.jpg

[atrac7GTS]

i visited bangladesh this past summer to visit my family, and i saw a couple of crowns rolling around the capital of dhaka...my uncle in fact went to the dealership to pick one out as he's been rolling around in a old school corolla for the longest ass time....they are nice ass cars, that's for sure...real roomy and comfortable :gap:...and i like how they look compared to the lexuses we get here...for some reason, there's something sharp to them

great pics gsboek...fvcking jealous of the japan trip

[Motor]

FULL STORY (http://www.motorauthority.com/news/safety/toyota-night-view-features-pedestrian-detection/)
The Japanese-market-only Toyota Crown Hybrid first debuted as a concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, and was revealed as a production model in April of this year. Now the luxury hybrid sedan is getting a cutting-edge pedestrian detection system for its Night View night vision computer.

The previous model displayed the night vision information in a heads-up display format directly on the windshield. The new Night View system employs an LCD screen instrument panel that can display gauges in both fuel-saving Eco mode and power-enhancing Sport mode and can also show the road ahead in infrared. The computer system searches the image for pedestrian shapes and then highlights them with yellow boxes, making it easier to be aware of and drive safely past the nocturnally ambulatory.

Vehicle speed and weather conditions affect the system’s ability due to the processing power required to recognize the pedestrians at the roadside. Driving in excess of 60km/h (37.2mph) makes it too difficult to process the image and suss out the pedestrian outlines in time, and the feature is deactivated. The same happens when it is raining and the operation of the windshield wipers interferes with the image processing system.

At present only pedestrians are included in the detection system, but Toyota hopes to include animals, cyclists and other mobile roadside hazards in future.
http://www.motorauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/odds_and_ends/2008/6/1/Toyota_Night_View_pedestrians_main_510.jpg

I wonder if this tech will trickle down to other markets and other cars.

[Zero]

bitchin'.

[ToyoTech]

:o...
new vip car for the asian market. :)
very nice. i really like the look of the slammed one would love to see someone make one of these into a nice vip car.

[GTsRasta]

That's the most bland car I've ever seen in my life...no wonder people are picking up G35x's here like nothing...

[Burrcold]

That's the most bland car I've ever seen in my life...no wonder people are picking up G35x's here like nothing...What does a G35x and this car have in common?? Much different segment.

The M45 would be the more realistic comparison.

I really like the Crown. More so than the GS platform it shares.

[GSBoek]

Yap, the Nissan Fuga is the direct competitor to the Crown in Japan, not the Skyline sedan.

[Motor]

.

[GSBoek]

Subtle, I like :D

Probably has the M supercharged 354hp 3.5L 2GR in there too.

[Motor]

Toyota Crown Hybrid

<div><object width="420" height="339"><param name="movie" value="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x71a6d" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x71a6d" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" height="339" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br /><b><a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x71a6d">Toyota Crown Hybrid</a></b><br /><i>by <a href="http://www.dailymotion.com/NihonCar">NihonCar</a></i></div>

[Motor]

Toyota Launches Redesigned Crown Majesta (http://www.nihoncar.com/en/news-1054-Toyota+Launches+Redesigned+%27Crown+Majesta%27.htm l)
Enduring presence and high-quality

Package
The extended wheelbase, 75mm longer than the previous series, creates a roomy and comfortable interior.
* Longer wheelbase creates ample legroom for rear-seat passengers
* Total vehicle length under 5 meters ensures greater maneuverability in cramped traffic environments

Exterior
Based on the Toyota brand "Vibrant Clarity" design philosophy, horizontal accents create a flowing silhouette, while the long wheelbase generates a style both commanding in appearance and expressive of vitality.

Interior
The wide instrument panel creates expansiveness, while individual components from the center cluster to the console are clear-cut, emphasizing the quality of the materials used.

The steering wheel, shift knob and ornament panel feature carefully selected, fine-grain wood to create a luxurious cabin atmosphere.

Optitron Meters (standard) and thin film transistor LCD Finegraphic Meters (optional) provide vivid and clear information to the driver.

* Speedometer displays in both digital and analog format; lane and other information also displayed
* Steering-wheel-affixed switch allows changing screen display to show fuel efficiency, Eco Zone Indicator (for environmentally considerate driving) and Night View system (see "Safety" section)

Seat frames can be finely adjusted to provide comfortable seating even during long periods of driving.
* Type G and Type G "F Package" feature premium Japanese leather seats
* Power Easy Access System slides driver's seat back and tilts steering wheel upward and forward, facilitating smooth ingress and egress for driver

The HDD navigation system is compatible with the G-BOOK mX Pro telematics service and is equipped with multi-media and other advanced functions such as Map on Demand, which provides automatic map and information updates.

A rear-seat entertainment system features a high-resolution 9-inch monitor built into the cabin ceiling.

The Toyota Premium Sound System, with a 19-channel amplifier and 20 speakers, offers sound quality comparable to a live performance.

Performance
The two-wheel-drive models feature a 4.6-liter V8 engine that enhances driving performance, quietness and fuel efficiency. The engine is paired with an 8 Super ECT transmission with a driving response and acceleration management system to achieve smooth and powerful cruising.
* Four-wheel-drive models employ 4.3-liter V8 engine with 6 Super ECT
* 4.6-liter engine uses advanced D-4S (direct injection four-stroke gasoline engine, superior version) fuel injection system, coupled with electrically controlled Variable Valve Timing-intelligent system (VVT-iE) for improved driving performance and fuel efficiency

Electronically controlled air suspension, standard on all models, provides comfortable handling through the advanced control of vehicle roll. The suspension system receives cornering information and accumulated road surface-difference information from the navigation system and then optimizes shock-absorber damping force to enhance handling, cruising stability and ride quality.
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/3/large/2009-toyota-crown-majesta.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/3/large/2009-toyota-crown-majesta_3.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/3/large/2009-toyota-crown-majesta_5.jpg
http://img.worldcarfans.com/2009/3/large/2009-toyota-crown-majesta_4.jpg

[GSBoek]

It's finally here, I had been watching the JP site but ultimately got tired. Nice 4-seater option. One mistake in the article though: The Majesta is not the top sedan of the Toyota brand, that title still belongs to the V12 Toyota Century. The Majesta is 2nd in the ranking, and the regular Crown is 3rd.

[Motor]

Update!

Toyota Crown Series Minor Update (http://www.7tune.com/toyota-crown-series-minor-update/)
The Crown series is even more competitive now with reduced fuel consumption, changes to its exterior and even a slight price decrease making the base model Crown Royal Saloon 2.5L “Special Package” almost as cheap as Nissan’s bare bones Skyline 250GT. Exterior changes (that differ from Athlete to Royal Saloon/Hybrid) include a revised front bumper, fog lamps, grille, roof antenna and tail lights and the Crown Hybrid model is now based on the Royal Saloon rather than the Athlete. Three new alloy wheel designs have also been added to complete the list of exterior changes. Inside all models have received a revised interior with higher quality fabrics and wood grain panels featuring different patterns and finishes. A USB port to accept portable audio devices is also included as well as improved voice guidance with the HDD navigation system and also to inform the driver of when the ETC card is due to expire.

The price decrease comes by way of reduced taxes due to the now more frugal 2.5L Royal Saloon which has received changes to the transmission to bring its consumption figure down 0.4km/L to 12.4km/L. The 2.5L 4GR-FSE now runs on regular unleaded gasoline instead of premium unleaded which also reduces runing costs.

TRD has also updated its Crown line up of parts and accessories to include a revised front bumper to match the minor update for the previously available body kit and turn signal bulbs. Other parts that are available from TRD for the Toyota Crown are a sports suspension kit, alloy wheels, emblems and carbon fiber B-pillar garnish which all remain unchanged.
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_athlete_1.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_athlete_3.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_athlete_4.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_hybrid_1.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_hybrid_3.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_hybrid_4.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_royal_saloon_1.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_royal_saloon_3.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/crown_royal_saloon_4.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/trd_crown_1.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/trd_crown_2.jpg
http://www.7tune.com/wp-content/gallery/toyota-crown-facelift/trd_emblem.jpg

TRD Crown :drool:

[fabez14]

better looking than its american counterpart

[TRD01GT]

I love that green paint job! It's a clean shade of green.

Sucks, yet another good car that we won't get in the States.

Toyota just started making a Camry in that color, it looks allright

[mrluilou]

i would love to own that crown :drool:

[GSBoek]

Me too. :D

Closest I'll come to it is renting one when we go to JP later this year.

[Motor]

Update!

Lets take it back to the old school:

Unmarked Toyota Crown vs. Rambler American (http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2009/05/28/friday-video-unmarked-toyota-crown-vs-rambler-american/)
This time, it’s an unmarked Toyota S50 Crown police car in pursuit of some gunmen in a Rambler American. And because this film, whose title we sadly know not, takes place in the Philippines there’s plenty of Toyota and Mitsubishi background candy for you to ogle.
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Kidney, Anyone? Actual J-Tin Toyota Crowns (http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2009/07/06/kidney-anyone-actual-j-tin-toyota-crowns/)
They go for big money among toy collectors, as demonstrated by these S30-generation Toyopet Crowns made by Asahi and Bandai. Seriously, even the “low” end $3800 is more than the combined cost of service, parts and the car itself for our daily driver JNC wagon. We’re not sure how rare these Crowns actually are, and although four figure price tags are by no means uncommon, these are the highest amounts we’ve seen on a tin toy.
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/asahi-tin-toyota-crown-s30-1960-brown-02.jpg

Norwegian Toyota Crown Farm (http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2009/02/18/norwegian-toyota-crown-farm/)
NOTE: please DO NOT contact us requesting the address, email or phone # for this farm!

Again, please DO NOT contact us requesting the address, email or phone # for this farm!
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/toyota_crown_farm2-560x420.jpg
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/toyota_crown_farm3-560x406.jpg

Toyota Crown on Crown Violence (http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2009/02/13/toyota-crown-on-crown-violence/)
This video clip causes me actual physical pain because it combines three of my deepest loves – the kujira Crown, wagons, and vintage work vehicle paint schemes – and blows them all to Kingdom Come in one fiery crash… into another kujira Crown police car! Oh, the horror, the horror…
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$22,000 Crown Finds Home in Tupelo, Miss. (http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2008/08/26/22000-crown-finds-home-in-tupelo-miss/)
A couple of months ago we told you about a 1958 Toyopet Crown with a very unique history, having served as one of the cars of the Japanese Consulate in San Francisco, that sold for a record. $22,322. It’s one of the first Japanese cars imported to the US and its sudden appearance in the marketplace caught many by surprise. The winning bidder has now been revealed.

The car’s new home will be the Tupelo Automobile Museum in Tupelo, Mississippi. On its way there, the engine was dropped off for restoration with Frenchy Dehoux, whose own restored ‘58 Toyopet won Best in Show at ToyotaFest 2008. The restoration process is expected to be completed in mid-2009.

Why Tupelo? Because in 2007 the city was chosen as the site for a new Toyota factory, where the company will soon begin to manufacture the 2010 Prius. As a show of support and testament to the city’s partnership with Toyota, Tupelo community organizers banded together to purchase this important piece of the company’s US history. You can follow the progress on the Tupelo Toyopet website http://www.tupelotoyopet.com/.
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/crown22k.png

MS65 Crown: front to back, side to side….pancake (http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2008/01/01/ms50-crown-front-to-back-side-to-sidepancake/)
Old classic sedans have always been a staple of the JDM lowdown scene, but we’ve found that relatively few examples have the airbag suspension system that’s so popular in the USA.
http://grandjdm.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/433_crownbag.JPG
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The Toyota Crown Affair (http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2007/07/20/the-toyota-crown-affair/)
Yes, we are totally stalking this car.

Apparently, when a fifties shindig goes down in your own backyard, it’s a little easier to celebrate your 50th anniversary. Thanks to Katysnest, we finally have some good pictures of the 1958 Toyopet Crown that Toyota USA recently restored and featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. As you can see, taking a photo of the actual car, rather than a photo of a 13-inch counter-top television, does wonders for the resolution. Beautiful!
http://japanesenostalgiccar.com/blog/2007-07/katycrown.jpg

[GSBoek]

I came awfully close to buying one just like that ^ 6 years ago. It was a 1960 RS30 going for $2100. I do regret not going through with the deal. :(

[boothten]

fuuuuuuuuuuuu
that white TRD Sportivo one actually looks really nice!
:)