Vehicle Description
1996 Toyota Classic Sedan
"Toyota created the limited edition Classic in 1996 to celebrate
the 60thanniversary of the first auto it produced, and the design
is a faithful reproduction of its 1936 inspiration. Toyota built
just 100 Classics that were sold only in Japan with a price tag
equivalent to $75,000 at the time. This rare four door sedan has a
charming retro style that makes one smile and a unique right hand
drive with modern mechanicals and Toyota quality." Info supplied by
the consignor in successful application for AACA acceptance for
display of the car at club meets.
For consignment, a 1996 Toyota Classic Sedan with a title verified
36,352 actual kilometers, (22,558 miles), a rare retro vehicle that
pays homage to the Toyota AA, the manufacturer's first vehicle, and
one that was inspired by the DeSoto Airflow with a rounded grille,
external headlights, and a ribbed design cue in the front quarter
panel.
Exterior
It first hits you like a Citroen 2CV until you realize it's much
longer, broader, and has higher windows and a spacious rear
quarter. Built on a HiLux chassis, the wheels pop as modern
renditions in 14-inch diameter and the door handles are modern and
flush with the body which likely no car had in 1936. Old meets new
again with a modern Toyota emblem on the hood ornament and a faux
spare cover protruding from the rear decklid. The maroon paint is
sandwiched by black to include the pontoon fenders and running
board. We hesitate to compare it to Chrysler's PT Cruiser, (others
have), but in profile both cars harken back to the 30's and what's
striking about the Classic is the large windows that create a
bright greenhouse to the interior and coupled with a short hood,
present a unique profile that stands out, and stands up! A scratch
and scuff in the maroon, a paint chip in the metallic black, and
numerous scratches in the black make up the imperfections on the
exterior that is otherwise clean and straight.
Interior
Modern-esque door panels include a faux burl wood header, red
leather mid panel, and maroon carpeted lower, accompanied by a gray
plastic armrest with safety light and electric window switches
right out of your average Toyota commuter car of the time. Any
inkling you're driving a '36 ends when you take a seat in nicely
stitched red leather bucket seats in front, based in a gray plastic
shell, and in excellent condition. The same conditions prevail on
the back bench that includes a center armrest and lots of head and
leg room. The right hand steering wheel is a Nardi Torino 3 spoke
piece with a wood rim, calling in the dash that is completely
covered in the faux burlwood around a simple gauge cluster that
saves most information for unlit indicator lights. The AM/FM radio
and A/C controls are to your left in this car, closer to the
center, and the burlwood barely takes a break before showing up on
the center console around the red handled shifter. Plush red mats
cover low pile gray carpet and a light gray, stitched headliner
presents in fine condition. The large trunk is coated in gray
carpet that steps up to a flat area with plenty of storage
space.
Drivetrain
Under the modest hood we find a clean 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine
rated at 96 horsepower, fuel injected and tied to a 4-speed
automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle with 3.73
gears. Power brakes are onboard with disc in front and drums in the
rear.
Undercarriage
Here we find the spare tire mounted on a clean underside that is
evidence of low mileage and well minded upkeep. Other than some
surface rust and normal patina, it barely looks like it's been
driven on the bottom side where a single exhaust flows back from
the engine into a stock style muffler and exiting through a beveled
chrome tip out back. Suspension is made up of torsion bars up front
and leaf springs in the back.
Drive-Ability
It's all 1996 on the inside as we take our seat on the right side
of the car and take a second to orient our brain to the change.
This is not our first rodeo, of course, and this one being an
automatic makes the job a bit easier. Meanwhile, the fuel injected
2.0liter fires right up and off we roll onto the test loop where
naturally visibility is very good, steering and tracking is
adequate, and power is fine if not a bit underwhelming. It's a
comfortable interior with modern, (for '96), conveniences including
power steering, A/C, and power brakes. But some power is missing
and that includes the windows which are not operating and the power
locks which also fail our test. That said, everything else works as
it should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions
were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee
these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Well, here's something you don't see everyday! A retro JDM that's
one of 100, and replicating a car that is basically extinct, only
one true AA exists even though 1,404 of them were sold between 1936
and 1943. The car wears an AACA Senior National prize badge on the
grille, and would likely be quite the topic of conversation and
head scratching at any show, anywhere in the country. Follow us to
the right side of the car and let us show you inside!
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
