Corolla Generasi Ke-2

The 2nd Generation COROLLA

A COROLLA with even greater competence

"Comprehensively enhanced performance for the high speed era"

Tatsuo Hasegawa,
Development Leader of the 2nd Generation COROLLA


Production Period (1970 - 1974)
*Production period in Japan. The period of introduction for this generation model may vary by region.





The 2nd generation, the "ALL NEW COROLLA," was introduced to the market in 1970. This was about the time when customers began to develop discerning tastes after the sensational appearance of the 1st generation COROLLA. To build up on the favorable reputation of the first generation, and to further increase COROLLA brand loyalty, meticulous attention was given to developing a vehicle that valued "the feel," and that presented immediately noticeable advancements over its predecessor. Based on that idea, the new model was given a "greater margin of comfort" with expanded body size and enhanced overall driving performance.

At this time, the economy was rapidly growing, and the introduction of this 2nd generation, developed with a keen eye on the future, created a synergy effect that led to tremendous expansion of Japan's motorization. With this, the production volume of the new model was dramatically increased, and in June 1970, the cumulative production total of COROLLAs reached one million units.

Development of the 2nd generation COROLLA under the direction of Tatsuo Hasegawa, who was also responsible for the development of the 1st generation COROLLA, was started in 1967, approximately one year after the 1st generation was released. At that time, the 1st generation COROLLA was experiencing favorable sales, and motorization in Japan was rapidly expanding. As this was occurring, the development team considered what should be done not only for the COROLLA but for the entire Toyota Motor Corporation as well.

At that time, there were plans to upgrade the 1st generation COROLLA's engine to a 1.2-liter displacement. The CORONA was the next class above in the lineup with an engine displacement of 1.6-liter. To support the continuing motorization, the team considered the need for a car to fill the position between the COROLLA and the CORONA. From there, the CELICA / CARINA Plan was launched to fill that intermediate space with a 1.4-liter displacement engine, and the team decided to equip the 2nd generation COROLLA with that new 1.4-liter engine as well.

In selecting the design for the 2nd generation COROLLA, because the 1st generation design had gained a favorable reputation, the team faced a major crossroad as to whether to adhere to the design of the original model or to daringly change that design. In the end, the team decided to "emphasize gently curved surfaces" in the 2nd generation model and make significant changes without particular regard to the original model. This alone was a bold decision and a great challenge at that time, but turned out to be the right one. Looking back at the history of Japanese vehicles, there are many examples of failures made in 2nd generation models due to the reluctance to make significant changes.

A major characteristic of the 2nd generation COROLLA, was the aggressive expansion of the sporty models. Of these, the birth of the "COROLLA Levin" resulted from planning that adopted the opinions of a young designer who loved rally cars. He suggested equipping the COROLLA with a DOHC engine developed for use in other vehicles. The design team found that to be interesting and promptly adopted the idea in the plan. Because Toyota is an automotive company, there were many engineers interested in motor sports, and the entire development team was motivated in realizing this plan. The new model was named "Levin", which means a bolt of lightning, and with this, the new model acquired many new fans.

It is said that when developers complete the developments of one new model over approximately four years, they experience terrifying pressure because of the depth of their responsibility. This anxiety is felt until the popularity of the vehicle is heard after its release. Shirou Sasaki, who had direct command of developments of the 2nd generation COROLLA under the direction of Tatsuo Hasegawa, discussed the mindset just before the new model's release. He stated, "As I watched the huge transfer machines and other machinery being installed in the plant to get ready for production, I became very frightened about whether or not this plan was going to be OK." Day to day anxiety continued until reports of excellent sales were heard. In the end, the 2nd generation COROLLA proved to be a model that enjoyed dramatic success as a family car, following the trend set by its predecessor. A total of 2,406,860 units were produced until the switch was made to the 3rd generation COROLLA in 1974.

In addition to the 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan, and van offered with the previous model, a coupe model was added to the lineup of the 2nd generation COROLLA for a total of four body types. Also, the sporty model lineup, which had gained favorable reputations with the 1st generation, was aggressively expanded. In 1972, a top-of-the-line sporty model based on the coupe with a powerful engine ― the COROLLA Levin ― was introduced.

At the time of initial release, three types of engine variations were available including the twin carburetor 3K-B engine and the high compression ratio 3K-D engine based on the 1.2-liter, single carburetor specification 3K engine, all of which were continued from the 1st generation. Shortly after, the newly developed with 1.4-liter T engine was added to strengthen the lineup. Like the variations of the 3K engine, the lineup was expanded to include a twin carburetor T-B engine and a high compression ratio T-D engine. A broad lineup of engines was completed with the powerful DOHC 2T-G engine loaded in the COROLLA Levin, meeting the diversifying needs of the market.

Specifically, the exterior dimensions were expanded one size, and a dynamic, innovative form was created through the use of more rounded lines and surfaces. Also, the newly added coupe model adopted a full-fastback style and achieved a design that more emphasized a sporty image compared to the long nose, short deck sedans. A major characteristic of the 2nd generation was the removal of the triangular windows of the front doors on both the sedan and the coupe to achieve a truly refreshed image. In replacement for the triangular windows, large air intakes were established in the cowl area to ensure ventilation. This turned out to be a stylish accent for this model, while accomplishing a design that met the needs of the overseas markets.

At the time of its initial release, the 2nd generation COROLLA adopted the 1.2-liter 3K engine continued from the 1st generation model. However, shortly after its release, the newly developed 1.4-liter T engine was added to the lineup with a maximum output of 86ps / 6000rpm and a maximum torque of 11.7kg-m / 3800rpm to further improve dynamic performance and support the high speed era that was sure to come. While it shared similar fundamental structures with the K engine, cross-flow type intake and exhaust ports and double rocker shafts were adopted to improve intake and exhaust efficiency. In addition, rather advanced mechanisms for that time were adopted such as a hemispherical combustion chamber used to increase combustion efficiency.

The "COROLLA Levin", considered to be the top-of-the-line sporty model, was equipped with a 1.6-liter 2T-G engine. Twin Solex carburetors were coupled with the newest DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft) layout to achieve high performance with a maximum output of 115ps / 6400rpm and a maximum torque of 14.5kg-m / 5200rpm. The COROLLA Levin equipped with this powerful engine demonstrated spectacular success in all types of motor sports, and as a result, the 2T-G became a legendary unit in the history of Toyota engines.

In addition, an abundant array of appealing mechanical features was also adopted in the 2nd generation COROLLA. While the 4-speed transmission was in its heyday in this class at that time, Toyota opted to equip the sporty models with a 5-speed transmission with an overdrive gear ratio. For the front suspension, a MacPherson strut suspension with a torsion bar type stabilizer was incorporated, and for the rear suspension, the length of the leaf spring was expanded to achieve excellent riding comfort and handling stability.
High seatbacks with built-in headrests were adopted in the 2nd generation COROLLA for seating comfort and safety. At the same time, the seat sliding range was expanded to ensure latitude in the driving position.

Considerations were also made for storage space, and an accessory storage compartment was provided together with the armrests in the rear trim of the 2-door models. Also, heater switch and ashtray illuminations were provided for better nighttime usability.

A characteristic design feature of the 2nd generation COROLLA was the discontinuation of the triangular windows in the front doors. With this move, efforts were made to enhance interior ventilation, and blower registers were provided to the left and right of the instrument panel. In addition, this model featured amenities such as an AM/FM radio, car stereo, and air conditioning to portray a lavish interior.

The 2nd generation lineup offered more models equipped with disc brakes. These models were also equipped with proportioning valves to keep the rear wheels from locking during hard braking. In addition, high grade models adopted tandem master cylinders as standard equipment to enhance stopping power to accommodate the increased output from the engine.
Furthermore, window washers and conical glare-proof meter glass were adopted as standard equipment in consideration of safety.


Other Technologies and Equipment

● 45-liter fuel tank for expanded cruising range

● 2-step opening doors with a sense of moderation
● Child lock mechanism for dual locking of the rear seat doors
● Steering lock mechanism to increase theft deterrence
● Recirculating ball type steering gear box

● Rosewood toned meter panel
● Radial tires 　

● Rear window defogger







Major Specifications

*The specifications listed here are for the displayed vehicle (shown in the photo on the left) at the Corolla 40 year anniversary event held in August 2006 in Tokyo, Japan.




Specifications of displayed vehicle --- 2nd generation
Model code --- TE20-FN
Grade --- 1400 Hi-deluxe 4-door sedan
Model year --- 1970
Vehicle price (JPY) --- 590,000
Vehicle weight (kg) --- 850
Minimum turning radius (m) --- 4.5
Overall length (mm) --- 3945
Overall width (mm) --- 1505
Overall height (mm) --- 1375
Wheelbase (mm) --- 2335
Min. ground clearance (mm) --- 155

Interior dimensions:

length (mm) --- 1700
width (mm) --- 1290
height (mm) --- 1130
Passengers --- 5
Engine type --- T
No. of cyls & arrangement --- Water cooled, inline 4-cylinder OHV
Fuel --- Gasoline
Engine displacement (cc) --- 1407
Fuel consumption (km/L) --- (-)
60 km/h constant speed driving --- 20
10 mode fuel efficiency --- (-)
10.15 mode driving --- (-)
Transmission type --- 4-speed manual w/floorshift
Drive train --- FR
Max. output --- 86PS / 6000rpm

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Vehicle Diagram and Dimensions


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Secret of COROLLA

Reason for the 45-liter fuel tank
The highway infrastructure in Japan was being developed at that time, and in 1969, the highway from Tokyo to Nishinomiya in Hyogo Prefecture was fully opened, a distance of approximately 500km. The idea was to cover the entire distance of this highway without stopping to refuel, thus the 45-liter tank for the 2nd generation COROLLA.