1979 TOYOTA COROLLA CS - 31,239 KM

This Toyota Corolla CS is a remarkable survivor, which is presented in unrestored and totally original condition, with exceptionally low mileage. It is powered by a 1.3-litre OHV carburettor-fed inline-four engine, producing around 60hp/45kW when new, coupled to an automatic transmission. The odometer shows just 31,239 km.

Manufactured at the AMI-Toyota factory in Port Melbourne, this genuine Australian market Corolla has the later 4K-C engine, and in ‘luxury’ CS specification it was fitted with carpeting, a clock, and reclining cloth seats as standard. It appears to have been supplied by Le Mans Toyota in Oakleigh, Victoria.

Understood to have just a single private owner from 1979 until very early 2021, it has been in the vendor’s care for just one month. In their own words, this is a ‘time capsule’ car, and in a condition that would be hard or impossible to find again.

The bodywork presents in excellent condition, with no signs of any accident damage, and with clean and tidy door shuts and bonnet and boot openings. Like the panels, the red paint is believed to be entirely original to the car, and while there is a hint of patina in places, overall it is in remarkably good order for a 42-year-old car. All of the metal trims, badges, and light lenses present well. The car rides on a set of 13-inch steel wheels with polished rims, which have only a few small imperfections.

Inside, the ‘time warp’ effect continues, with beige and brown fabric upholstery that is in incredible condition. There is absolutely no damage to the seat trim, and no perceptible wear or discolouration of note either. Brown carpeting throughout is in great shape, protected by floor mats. The dashboard, door panels, and headlining are all in very good order, and the former includes the factory-fitted radio plus an original Philips car stereo.

It was given a basic service in January 2021 at 31,212 km by Armstrong & Sons in Springvale, Victoria, and prior to this it is believed to have been serviced in 2014 - though there is no corresponding paperwork on file. The vendor states that the car appears to have a limited top speed at the moment, so it may require some additional mechanical re-commissioning.

Accompanying the car is the original owner’s manual, Philips stereo handbook, maintenance guide, servicing directory, and the warranty and service record book. The latter has three early stamps present, covering the period from 1979 to 1981, by which time it had 6,353 km on the clock.

This Toyota Corolla CS is a wonderfully original Japanese classic, which boasts a great colour scheme, exceptionally low mileage, and which is understood to have had just one previous private owner. It is most likely as close as you could possibly get to owning a brand-new 1971 Toyota in the present day.

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This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.