Toyota Origin: The Retro Sedan That Became a Rare Collector’s Car
In the early 2000s, Toyota released a limited series of the unusual Origin sedan, which remained largely unknown outside of Japan. During its production year (2000-2001), only about 1,100 units were manufactured. Now that the model is 25 years old, these rare cars may start appearing on US roads.
Inspiration from the Past
The Origin’s design is a true journey back in time to the 1950s. Toyota engineers were inspired by the first generation of the 1955 Toyopet Crown. This model was iconic for the brand – it was Toyota’s first full-fledged passenger car and the first Japanese automobile exported to the USA.
“The name Toyopet won a public contest in Japan, but it was perceived ambiguously on Western markets due to associations with the words ‘toy’ and ‘pet'”
The American market did not accept the Toyopet Crown – due to its weak performance and high price (almost $2,000, which was 67% of the average annual income at the time). However, this model remained an important part of the brand’s history.
A Modern Interpretation of a Classic
The Origin was created as a modern tribute to the Toyopet Crown. The car retained its retro design but received larger dimensions and modern technology. The details are especially impressive: round headlights, a chrome grille, unusual “suicide” doors, and characteristic roofline curves.
The technical underpinnings included the chassis from the contemporary Lexus IS and a 3.0-liter 2JZ engine. Although the interior looks quite familiar for an early 2000s Toyota, with natural leather and wood trim.
This car is not just a retro-mobile, but a living example of how automakers honor their history. The limited production run makes the Origin a true find for collectors, especially now that the model is a quarter of a century old. Some experts believe its value may increase as more people become interested in unique Japanese cars from the late 20th and early 21st centuries.