Toyota ‘Crown’ Turns 60

1st Toyopet Crown 1955

Sixty years ago this week, Toyota launched the “Crown”, a luxury sedan that would go on to become the company’s longest-running passenger-car nameplate and a significant vehicle in the history of the Japanese automobile industry.

In 1958 the Crown became the first Japanese passenger car to be exported to the United States, and also started Toyota’s passenger car exports to Africa in 1957 and Europe in 1962. Now in its 14th generation, its foremost models are the Crown Royal deluxe saloon and the Crown Athlete sports sedan, both with hybrid powertrain options.

In Japan, Toyota is marking the anniversary with the introduction of limited-time-only sky blue and bright green exterior body colors.

Toyota Crown Milestones

January 1955	First generation launched
April 1957	Exported to Ethiopia, Africa
August 1958	Exported to the United States
October 1962	Second generation launched
December 1963	Exported to Denmark, Europe
February 1965	Exported to Canada
February 1967	Assembly begins in Australia
September 1967	Third generation launched
February 1971	Fourth generation launched
October 1974	Fifth generation launched
September 1979	Sixth generation launched
August 1983	Seventh generation launched
September 1987	Eighth generation launched
October 1991	Ninth generation launched
December 1995	10th generation launched
October 2001	11th generation launched
December 2003	12th generation launched
March 2005	Production begins in China
February 2008	13th generation launched
December 2012	14th generation launched