Toyota Tercel (1981) – Into the Wild

Toyota currently has a lot of models in its range, each of which has to fill a slightly different hole in the market. Then we are talking about the long-legged Toyotas, because they are sometimes very close to each other, although the approach is slightly different each time. We recently took a closer look at the C-HR, Yaris Cross and Corolla Cross together to clarify the proportions. However, it is certainly not a new phenomenon that one Toyota seems to be in the waters of the other, but that a closer look still shows the necessary fundamental differences. The Toyota Tercel is proof of that.

At the end of the 1970s, Toyota added the then brand-new Tercel to the range next to (or actually just below) the Corolla. Just like the Corolla, a compact mid-sized car, but with a slightly different approach. Although it was a fraction shorter, it had a slightly longer wheelbase and its drivetrain had a fundamentally different design. The Tercel was front-wheel drive, where the then Corolla (the E70) was still a rear-wheel drive. The Tercel was even Toyota’s first front-wheel drive model. It made the Tercel a slightly more compact but more modern alternative to the Corolla. As a Coupé, it was also a somewhat smoother appearance. We have it here in front of us, thanks to AutoWeek forum member XBXG. Almost seven years ago, a sedan shone in this section.

Toyota Tercell.

This Tercel from 1981 has, in addition to its special rear window that also functions as a tailgate (a bit like you saw later on the Volvo’s 480 and C30), the same wonderfully typical striping at the bottom of the sides as the previously spotted Tercel. There are also some differences, apart from the fact that it is a Tercel Coupé. This copy looks just a little less fresh, although we will not be too difficult. Here and there a small edge of rust and a dent is no disgrace after 42 years and certainly not when you consider that the Tercels fell prey to the large rust monster in droves. It’s actually kind of nice that it has some life to it, because it probably means it’s aged without too much art and flying.

A look at its owner history shows that the Tercel may have been in a showroom for a long time. From 1998 to 2012, he owned a car company. After that, the car had a business owner for a few years and only then did a private individual run off with it. He owned it for six years, until 2021, after which the previous owner was on the road for just over a year. The current owner bought it in February of this year and has made an admirable choice in our opinion. That must be a fan.