This Strange Nostalgia Commemorated Toyota's Initial Car Sold in the U.S. | Carscoops

      To commemorate its 25th anniversary this year, the limited-run, classic-style Origin sedan qualifies for import to the USA.

      14 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      Toyota created the Origin to celebrate the milestone of producing its 100 millionth vehicle.

      The design is influenced by the 1955 Toyopet Crown sedan.

      Underneath the nostalgic exterior lies a 3.0-liter 2JZ six-cylinder engine.

      We all appreciate a classic Toyota, but how would you feel about a special sedan released in the early 2000s that went largely unnoticed outside of Japan? That sedan is the Toyota Origin, a rare model with under 1,100 units produced during its one-year production run. Now, as the Origin commemorates its 25th anniversary, it may not be long before we start seeing a few of these rare vehicles on American roads.

      A Nod to Toyota’s Beginnings

      Manufactured from May 2000 to April 2001, the Origin feels like a step back in time. The design resembles something from the 1950s or 1960s, which is no coincidence. When Toyota decided to create the Origin, they drew heavily on the look of the first-generation Crown, which launched in 1955 as the Toyopet Crown sedan.

      You might be asking, “Is that a mistake? Is it really Toyopet?” No error here. Apparently, Toyota ran a public naming contest in Japan for their first passenger car, and Toyopet emerged as the winner.

      The Toyopet Crown played a significant role in Toyota’s history and, by extension, that of Japan. It was not only Toyota’s first full-scale passenger vehicle but also the first Japanese car to be exported and sold in the continental United States. However, it did not resonate with American consumers. With its disappointing performance and a price tag of $1,999, which represented 67 percent of the average annual wage in 1958, the Toyopet did not succeed.

      For those keeping track (as we certainly were), that $1,999 from 1958 is approximately $22,468 today, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Interestingly, that price is nearly identical to that of Toyota’s most economical model in the U.S. today, the Corolla sedan, which starts at $22,325.

      The Toyopet's lack of success also resulted in the discontinuation of its name in Western markets. As Toyota later explained, “To English-speaking ears, the Toyopet brand was controversial, as it included the words ‘toy’ and ‘pet,’ which many felt carried inappropriate implications for a serious vehicle in a discerning market.”

      Toyota quickly withdrew it from the U.S. market and refocused its efforts on the more successful Land Cruiser. Nevertheless, the Toyopet remains an affectionate part of Toyota’s history, leading us to the Origin, which honors that important first vehicle.

      The Toyota Origin: A Contemporary Classic

      Toyota designed the Origin to celebrate the 100 millionth car it had produced. The automaker effectively captured the original Crown’s look 45 years later, though the Origin is noticeably larger, providing a more modern touch while retaining its vintage allure.

      The front of the Origin is impressive. It features rounded headlights and an elaborate chrome grille that gives the sedan an appearance much older than its actual age. The influence of the 1950s is particularly striking from the side view. The front half follows a typical three-box sedan shape, but the rest is quite distinctive.

      The rear is where it becomes truly intriguing. The Origin showcases thick, curved C-pillars that merge into the roof, and the rear window has a unique shape that contributes to its distinctive aesthetic. The back doors are suicide doors, just like the original model, an uncommon feature in contemporary sedans.

      In terms of size, the Origin measures 4,560 mm (179.5 inches) long, 1,745 mm (68.7 inches) wide, and stands 1,455 mm (57.3 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,780 mm (109.4 inches). It has a weight of 1,560 kg (3,439 lbs).

      Beneath its exterior, the Origin utilizes the same chassis as the contemporaneous Lexus IS, powered by a 3.0-liter 2JZ straight-six engine linked to a four-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels.

      As for the interior, it could be deemed somewhat disappointing. While the cabin does feature premium leather and real wood accents, it ultimately reflects a mid-luxury Toyota from the early 2000s, lacking anything particularly memorable. In fact, one could easily confuse it with a 2000 Lexus ES.

      Initially, production was limited to 1,000 units, though it’s understood that 1,073 were ultimately manufactured.

      John Halas contributed to this piece.