| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1979 |
| Production Years: | 1979 - 1987 discontinued in 1987 |
The Toyota Crown S1 generation, produced from 1979 to 1987, represents an important chapter in Toyota's luxury sedan lineup. This generation of the Crown sedan showcased a refined and boxy design characteristic of late 1970s and early 1980s vehicles, emphasizing comfort and reliability. While specific size metrics vary slightly depending on the model variant and market, the S1 Crown typically measured approximately 4,740 mm (186.6 inches) in length, offering spacious interior room that catered to both driver and passengers. The width of the car was around 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), providing a stable and balanced stance on the road, while the height stood close to 1,390 mm (54.7 inches), contributing to the car’s well-proportioned silhouette. With its robust build and sedan body style, the Crown S1 was popular for its smooth ride quality and solid construction. This generation successfully balanced traditional luxury with newer automotive technology of the era, marking it as a notable classic in Toyota's history. Today, the Toyota Crown S1 continues to be appreciated for its timeless design and solid engineering, making it a relevant point of comparison when looking at sedan sizes and performance across different decades.
Discover the standout features that make the 1979 Toyota Crown a leader in its class
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The Toyota Crown S1 generation sedan, produced from 1979 to 1987, measures approximately 4,710 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,390 mm in height (185.4 inches long, 66.7 inches wide, and 54.7 inches tall). This size places it comfortably within the mid-size sedan category typical of its era. Its dimensions provided ample interior space for passengers and luggage, combining executive comfort with a relatively compact footprint for easier maneuverability compared to larger luxury sedans.
The wheelbase of the Toyota Crown S1 generation sedan is about 2,720 mm (107.1 inches). This relatively long wheelbase for a sedan of its time contributes significantly to ride comfort and stability. A longer wheelbase allows for better absorption of road irregularities, enhancing passenger comfort during long drives. It also improves high-speed stability and reduces pitch motion when accelerating or braking, making it a favored choice for executive and luxury transportation.
The weight of the Toyota Crown S1 generation sedan is approximately 1,380 to 1,450 kg (3,042 to 3,196 lbs), depending on the specific model and equipment level. This moderate weight for a luxury sedan ensures a good balance between structural rigidity and road manners. The weight, combined with the engine options available at the time, delivers respectable performance and fuel efficiency for a vehicle in its category. It also influences braking performance and handling characteristics, providing a stable yet controlled driving experience.
The Toyota Crown S1 generation focused heavily on passenger comfort, offering spacious seating for five adults inside. Its dimensions, especially the width of 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) and long wheelbase, allow for generous legroom and headroom, particularly in the rear seats. The interior was designed with excellent ergonomics, making long journeys more comfortable. Ample shoulder room and well-padded seats helped solidify its reputation as an executive sedan catering to comfort-conscious buyers.
Yes, the Toyota Crown S1 generation comfortably fits into a standard garage. With a length of 4,710 mm (185.4 inches or about 15.5 feet) and width of 1,695 mm (66.7 inches or about 5.5 feet), it is smaller than most typical garage spaces, which generally exceed 6 meters (20 feet) in length and about 3 meters (10 feet) in width. This means owners can expect to park the Crown S1 indoors with room to spare for opening doors and moving around the vehicle.
Compared to its predecessor, the Toyota Crown S60 series, the S1 generation grew slightly in most dimensions. The length increased by around 60-80 mm, offering enhanced rear passenger legroom, while the width and height remained relatively similar, maintaining the vehicle's executive sedan proportions. This size increase afforded better interior comfort and improved road presence without sacrificing maneuverability. The careful balance of incremental growth helped Toyota retain the Crown's market position as a luxurious yet practical sedan.
When compared to contemporaries like the Nissan Cedric and the Mercedes-Benz W123, the Toyota Crown S1 remains competitive. Its length of 4,710 mm (185.4 inches) is slightly shorter than the W123 (4,710–4,865 mm depending on variant) but comparable to the Cedric. The width of 1,695 mm (66.7 inches) places it marginally narrower than many European competitors, contributing to better handling in tight urban environments. Overall, the Crown S1 offered a balanced size that provided executive comfort without being overly cumbersome.
The Toyota Crown S1 generation features a generously sized trunk with a capacity roughly around 480 to 500 liters (16.9 to 17.7 cubic feet), although exact figures can vary by model and equipment. This trunk space allows for easy accommodation of large suitcases and everyday cargo, making the Crown practical for family use and business purposes. Its well-shaped trunk opening and low load lip further enhance ease of loading and unloading luggage or goods.
The overall height of the Toyota Crown S1 sedan is approximately 1,390 mm (54.7 inches), contributing to a low center of gravity which supports stable handling. The ground clearance is typically around 160 mm (6.3 inches), adequate for city and highway driving conditions common in Japan and many export markets. This height and clearance balance aerodynamic efficiency with road practicality, allowing the vehicle to maintain good fuel economy and comfort while being versatile enough for minor rough roads.
The Toyota Crown S1 was offered with a variety of inline six-cylinder gasoline engines ranging from 2.0 to 2.8 liters, including SOHC and DOHC variants, renowned for their smooth operation and reliability. These engines provided adequate power ranging from about 105 to 160 horsepower, well-suited to the vehicle’s weight of roughly 1,380 to 1,450 kg (3,042 to 3,196 lbs). The balance of size, weight, and power resulted in comfortable acceleration, refined cruising capability, and overall driving confidence that matched the premium character of the Crown.
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