1977 Toyota Corolla KE35 Coupe

Description

Introduced in 1966, Toyota’s Corolla is one of the great automotive success stories, overtaking the Beetle to become the world’s best selling car in the 1990s and chalking up more than 40 million sales by 2013. Codenamed the KE30, the third generation Corolla saw the Japanese brand cement its place in the all-important American market, where its compact size and excellent economy proved ideal for a world gripped by the Fuel Crisis. Launched in August 1974, the rear-wheel drive design featured a selection of four-cylinder engines and transmissions, including the “Toyoglide” automatic option while the range of bodystyles was increased to include both two and four-door sedans, a station wagon and van, plus the stylish hardtop and liftback coupés. Toyota manufactured the Corolla in its Australian plant in Port Melbourne from 1968 until 1999. Debuting locally in 1975, the KE30 Corolla was initially powered by the 3K 1.2-litre engine with an output of 55 horsepower. The original SE model was supplemented by a more luxurious CS variant in February 1976, complete with reclining cloth seats, a clock and full carpeting. Renowned for its outstanding reliability and affordable qualities, the humble Corolla is a Japanese classic in the making, with few survivors left on the road.