by 25 years ago, Toyota released a rather unusual sedan called the Origin. And although this model remained practically unknown outside of Japan, its appearance had a special mission — to honor the 100-millionth car produced by the company. The design was based on the legendary 1955 Toyopet Crown model, which is considered the first Toyota passenger car sold in the USA.
The Toyota Origin was produced from May 2000 to April 2001 in a limited run — fewer than 1,100 units. Its retro design immediately stood out against modern cars: straight lines, chrome elements, a high roof, and classic optics. The car was based on the S170 platform from the Toyota Crown, had rear-wheel drive, and a 3-liter 2JZ-GE engine.
But more importantly, it was the Toyopet Crown that became the first mass-produced Japanese car that Toyota tried to export to the USA. In 1958, the car entered the American market, but… it failed. There were several reasons: a weak engine, low dynamics, cooling problems on highways, and most importantly — an unjustifiably high price. At $1999, it was one of the most expensive imported cars and cost a whopping 67% of the average American’s annual salary at the time.
For comparison: now the most affordable Toyota in the USA — the Corolla — costs $22,325, which almost exactly corresponds to the same amount adjusted from 1958 ($1999 = approximately $22,468 in today’s prices).
The Toyota Origin, although it did not achieve global success, remained a beautiful tribute to history. It reminded everyone how the company began its path to world leadership — with an ambitious, but painful attempt to conquer America.
