The Toyota Cressida plays a crucial role in Toyota’s history. It ultimately opens the door for the Japanese to the upper class segment – but it all starts in at least own class below. In principle, the first Toyota Cressida is the new generation of the Toyota Corona Mark II, the X30 (or RX30) – so in the end, the roots for two Toyota series. The Cressida and later the Mark II – both loved by #bozozuku extremists, because rwd and horsepower, right? Let’s stick with the X30 for now.
Again, a design that does not seek any connection and has no brand language. But it is distinctive. Especially the side line, which first slopes down towards the rear wheel arch and then picks up again above the wheel arch. Similar to the ’73 Chevy Monte Carlo or the ’71 Buick Riviera – the Cressida corresponds to American taste. In the USA, it’s available with almost full spec. The following generations of the Cressida will ensure that Toyota “moves up”, at least on the US market. In Europe it’s a different story, but even here the Cressida is mostly superior to its competitors, at least in terms of equipment. With #MercedesBenz you still pay decades for the passenger mirrors.
The Cressida’s failure to take off in Europe may also be due to the fact that Toyota is sticking with the 2-litre engine in relatively few equipment lines. The quality is already at a high level. The picture shows the saloon. The extremely rare case of finding a Cressida, unrestored and in original condition (except for the mirrors) at Alphons Ruyls awesome showroom (@ruylclassics). The doors close tightly and I love the details this has. The steering wheel with the milled wooden ring made of finest plastic, the round chromed air vents, original radio with separate tape unit and the original “Automatic Power Selective Controller”. Just 21,401 km on the odometer – and that’s how the comfortable seats in the Cressida feel. What a brilliant car!
The most beautiful Cressida bodystyle – that was the Coupé! And as it was a Japanese design Toyota this has no B-Pillar. It’s a Coupé, we don’t need it anyway. The #Cressida Coupé is the rare occasion of a car, looking perfect from every angle. But for the Cressida it was the last Coupé version. All four years the design was about to change and with the next generation Cressida the Coupé was axed.
Only Fans is in the making. Literally great content!
A website? So I have to follow you on IG, TikTok, Youtube and here.. please don’t tell me you have…
Absolutely, but when I look at all the Pike-Cars, the Pao remains my abolute favourite :)
The Nissan S-Cargo was also quite a neat design from the 90s. 😊