A ‘car for the people’ something from Germany? Not just, because the government in Japan also wanted a ‘national car’ with which the people could become more mobile. That became the Toyota Publica, the second generation of which appeared on export markets in 1969 as the Toyota 1000. This original Dutch delivered example with apparently less than 40,000 kilometers on the clock is looking for a new, loving owner.
The Toyota Publica was supposed to be a front-wheel drive car, but at the time it took Toyota engineers too much time to drive the front wheels. That’s why the Publica got a more traditional layout: the front engine and rear-wheel drive. Not that you could suddenly drive onto any highway with it: the first generation of the Publica in 1961 had an air-cooled two-cylinder engine with 28 hp. In 1969, the second generation of the Publica came on the market, which was available in export markets under the model name Toyota 1000. The car only came on the market in two- and three-door variants and had a one-liter four-cylinder with 48 hp.
Toyota 1000
Ultimately, the Toyota 1000 remained on the market until 1978, after which the Starlet succeeded it. Unlike the Starlet, only a handful of the Toyota 1000 are left. This blue coupe has apparently withstood the test of time quite well. Although the engine compartment could use a thorough cleaning/renovation, the body seems to have escaped the rust devil and the dashboard and seats also still look neat. This 1000 was a ‘Special de Luxe’, but to be honest there is no luxury in the sober interior. There are two counters in front of you, one indicating the speed and the other the fuel level and engine temperature. In addition, there are a few slides for the heating and pull switches for the lighting and windscreen washers. Minimalism at its best.
We have to take the mileage of this Toyota 1000 with a grain of salt, since the counter only has five digits. That does not alter the fact that the compact Toyota has clearly been taken care of over the years. Even the original delivery note from 1977 is still included, which shows that the car probably spent the first part of its life in Terschuur. Subsequently, the small Japanese was in the hands of car companies from 1998 to 2020, only to be in the name of a private person again since May last year. It is now for sale again for €6,950. A lot of money, especially when you consider that the car cost €4,269 converted in 1977. But for that you also buy something unique. Will you keep him on the road?
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl