Toyota Corolla (E30/E50). 1974–81 (prod. 4,420,000 approx.). 2- and 4-door sedan, 2- and 3-door coupé, 3- and 5-door wagon. F/R, 1166, 1290, 1588 cm³ (I4 OHV), 1588 cm³ (I4 DOHC). Japanese econobox and the world’s top selling car from 1974 to 1977—the first generation of Corolla to win this acclaim. Neither the most rust-proof nor particularly safe when compared with its contemporaries; inoffensive and dull. Less roomy than Volkswagen Golf; cruder than contemporary Nissans, but proof that conventional engineering was what the customer wanted in the 1970s. Many variations on the theme: two sedans, two coupés, two wagons. Toyota Sprinter (E40) a more powerful version. Longer life than most Corollas, probably due to 1970s’ recession. Japanese and American models had raised grille, lacking from many other markets. More formal grille for 1977. Production in Japan stopped in 1979; Australia produced the model at Port Melbourne till 1981, with later models featuring a 1290 cm³ four.

Manufacturing locations: Toyota City, Japan; Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Marque: Toyota | Model: Toyota Corolla | Predecessor: Toyota Corolla (E20) | Successor: Toyota Corolla (E70)

Off-site links

• Malaysian Motor Trader: ‘Toyota Corolla History’
• Corolland: History
• Toyota Corolla story