While the first-generation Corolla was a cut above the rest in the family car segment, Toyota was quick to introduce a second-generation model. They wanted to stay on top of the market and were keen to build upon the Corolla’s favourable reputation and to build brand loyalty.
With the experience built from the first-generation Corolla it was decided that second-generation model would be given an expanded body with greater comfort and improved an improved driving experience.
Toyota developed the second-generation Corolla with Japan’s booming economy in mind and decided to dramatically increase production for the new car. With this increase in production, the total number of Corollas produced would rapidly surpass one million in 1970, a massive feat for the Japanese automaker.
In 1970 Toyota SA reached a milestone of 100 000 sales. At this stage the Toyota Corolla had not yet been introduced to the South African market, yet the All-New 2 nd generation Toyota Corolla was launched and made waves globally due to its immense success. This new Corolla had improved suspension, a longer wheelbase and revised slightly curvy styling. The Corolla became synonymous with reliability and its spirited character.
Toyota officially began competing in the World Rally Championship (WRC) in the 1960’s with the 2T-G twin cam powered Toyota Celica. Toyota could not keep up with the power to weight ratios of the competitors’ race cars. In 1972 the lighter compact Corolla was outfitted with the Celica’s 2T-G engine was introduced. However, this was not the car that achieved the Corolla’s first win. In 1973, a 2nd generation Corolla fitted with a 1600 cc OHV engine won the Press-on-Regardless Rally held in the US, making it their first WRC win.
The engine range wasn’t the only thing to get an update. While Toyota continued to offer the Corolla with their impressive four-speed transmission, they also introduced a five-speed model (essentially a four-speed with an overdrive gear) for sportier models.
Alongside, a new coupe body style was introduced alongside the sedan and wagon station for the first time in the Toyota Corolla’s history. Improving the safety standards, the disc brakes came as standard on all the Toyota Corolla models. Furthermore, features such as the child lock mechanism and car window defogger in the 2nd generation distinguished it from the old models of Toyota Corolla.
The Toyota Corolla came with 5-speed manual transmission improving the power at high speeds. Besides, the front MacPherson strut suspension system type while leaf spring suspension in the rear enhanced the vehicle stability, handling, and ride control.
More than 2.4 million units of the second generation Toyota Corolla were produced before the third generation’s debut. With its remarkable innovations, comfortable interior, and excellent fuel efficiency, Toyota Corolla took only 8 years to become the best-selling car worldwide in 1974.
To increase the company’s sporting image even further it was decided that a special edition model known as the Corolla Levin would be launched. The suggestion for the Levin came from a young designer with a great passion for rallying. His idea was to take a larger double overhead cam (DOHC) engine from one of Toyota’s bigger models and squeeze it into the Corolla.
It was decided that the 1,588 cc 2T-G twin-cam engine from the larger Celica model would be a perfect fit for the sporty Corolla. With 113 hp and 142 Nm (105 lb ft) of torque on tap and a body weight of just 855 kg, the Levin provided incredible performance for the period.
The new more powerful Corolla Levin (TE27) was of great interest to motorsport fans and racing teams, and as such Toyota decided to incorporate it into their development process. It was officially launched in March 1972 and it quickly acquired a dedicated fanbase. The Levin would not only bring high performance to the second-generation Corolla range, but it would also be the inspiration for some of Toyota’s, and in fact, some of Japan’s greatest cars.
With great interest in the Corolla Levin from motorsport teams, the car quickly found itself in various different motorsport events. The Levin’s greatest success came at the 1,000 Lakes Rally in Finland when it managed to claim a win over its European counterparts.
List of References
Rola, accessed 13 December 2023, https://www.rola.co.za/newsroom/86-the-toyota-corolla
Cars Blog,Car History:Toyota Corolla, accessed 13 December 2023, https://www.dubizzle.com/blog/cars/toyota-corolla-history
Autoweek:Here’s How Toyota Sold 50 Million Corollas In 55 Years, accessed 13 December 2023, https://www.autoweek.com/news/g37418790/how-toyota-sold-50-million-corollas/
Garage dreams: The complete history of Toyota Corolla, accessed 13 December 2023, https://garagedreams.net/history/the-complete-history-of-the-toyota-corolla
Stay tuned and look out for our next posting on Toyota Corolla’s Third generation (1975-1981). Happy reading. Knowledge is power!
