The Toyota Corolla is the best-selling nameplate in automotive history. With over 50 million sold, it’s omnipresent on American roads and in the 150-plus countries where it has been sold.
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Toyota says that approximately one out of five cars it sells is a Corolla. One is sold every 15 seconds. With that kind of volume, it might seem strange to consider them rare or collectible, but some variants are highly coveted, like the 1975 Corolla Wagon recently listed on eBay.
Before Crossovers Were a Thing
The Toyota Corolla dates back to 1966, with exports to the US starting in 1968. Despite their ubiquity, examples from before the 1980s can be difficult to find. Back then, Corollas—and Japanese cars in general—were considered a fuel-saving budget purchase. The vast majority were used up and junked, leaving very few survivors.
Toyota built a dizzying array of Corolla variations, making certain styles rarer than others. Four-door sedans were the most common. Less common was the compact wagon like the car for sale—a segment that’s been extinct for years. Before the crossover takeover, compact wagons combined the ability to carry ample cargo with a low center of gravity for car-like handling.
Beyond the body style, the 1975 Corolla Wagon has other sought-after features that were not always considered noteworthy. It comes with a manual transmission - opens in new window or tab., a base-spec option at the time that enthusiasts now prize. In 1975, all Corollas were rear-wheel-drive. Again, that was common then and perhaps even considered low-tech. Today, front drivers are the norm, especially for affordable new cars. Lightweight rear-wheel-drive cars are now prized.
Eye-Popping Colors
Cars from the disco era came in fun colors. For 1975, Toyota offered the Corolla in three shades of brown, two shades of green, red, blue, and orange. The car for sale is a cheerful yellow, which is unusual for any modern car, much less a station wagon - opens in new window or tab..
This Corolla Wagon comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, the largest of three available on the Corolla in 1975. Output is a meager 75 horses, but its curb weight is a feathery 2,274 pounds. The listing description sounds like the seller was taking on a serious restoration before a surprise bill forced the sale.
What to Consider
The seller states that all the parts purchased for the car were as close to OEM as possible. The fuel tank - opens in new window or tab. was re-lined, the first step in restoring an older car that has been sitting for a long time. The heater core - opens in new window or tab., brakes, and front suspension were also rebuilt. The ignition system - opens in new window or tab. was converted to electronic, and larger carburetors were fitted. The car sits on period-correct TRV wheels.
Corolla Wagons of this era are incredibly rare in any condition—much less with straight panels, clean paint, and a mostly intact interior. The five-digit odometer shows 24,111 miles, but it’s likely been turned over once.
All told, the $5,900 asking price is compelling. Who knows how long you’ll have to wait for another one like this to go up for sale?
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.