WTB: 1968 Toyota Corona

[mrzebra]

Hello all. I'm trying to find a 1968 Toyota Corona Coupe.
It was my very first car, I loved it. I had to part ways in a sad series of events, and now I'd like to find one again. I'm in southern Arizona, so if there's anyone local that'd be awesome.

Basically I'm hoping to recreate my first love, pictured here:


Preferably:
Coupe version(but would take a 4 door)
4 on the floor manual(but would take an auto)
Good mechanical shape(this really is a must, i'd probably drive this back home to southern arizona, instead of shipping, and although I wouldn't expect to go 75 in it, I'd need it to make it comfortably back to where I live)
The body condition isn't to important to me, but I'd prefer it not be falling completely apart(just want it to be safe, basically)
The interior isn't that important to me at this point, if it's messed up, I can devote the time to fixing it, so long as the interior is safe(seats are all bolted securely, safety belts present/working, gages working, no holes in floor cause I don't want a flintstones mobile, etc)

Pricing: Negotiable based on condition of the car. I'm not rich, nor am I some super duper toyota collector, so if you're looking to sell your baby to someone and make a mint, I guess I'm not the guy for that. I'm just a guy who loved his first car and wants to get another just like it.

[Oz_Stout]

There is a '67 Coupe on eBay right now in Cali. Hit the link. Very cool car.

eBay RT52 Corona Coupe

Get it.... Get it... Get it !!!!! ;D

[mrzebra]

Thanks for the link, I had seen that one on ebay yesterday I think, but I could have swore that it was listed with a higher beginning bid price(5,000 and reserve). Maybe it was relisted or something.

I wonder what the reserve is set at now.

Here's hoping to find a 68 in as good as condition as that

[Carlyn Dinkler]

The blue one on eBay 140224727106 looks like a 1968 model made after 01/68 with a serial number greater than RT52-20001. That is from details that I can see in the picture including the tail lamps, steering wheel, and speedometer. And I believe the starting price was $5000 and it was going to Japan if it did not sell. Carlyn Dinkler [e-mail]

[mrzebra]

cdinkler said:

The blue one on eBay 140224727106 looks like a 1968 model made after 01/68 with a serial number greater than RT52-20001. That is from details that I can see in the picture including the tail lamps, steering wheel, and speedometer. And I believe the starting price was $5000 and it was going to Japan if it did not sell. Carlyn Dinkler [e-mail]

Ah so it wasn't my imagination about the 5000 starting price before. Well that's somewhat comforting at least, tells me my memory isn't completely going, yet.

I did send a message to the seller, inquiring about the serial number, hopefully they have that. Would be real interesting if your thoughts are correct and it is in fact a 68.

Looking at the car on ebay sure does make me salivate.

[phorayg]

I have 3 and are also in Southern AZ, but none of them run. They are also 69's tho.

[mrzebra]

Ah, how close are they to running?

And how'd you get 3?!

I can't even find 1, not even a shell of one lol.

[phorayg]

2 of them need the motors rebuilt. 1 is a shell for a race car project. They are all 2 doors. 1 is auto, the other 2 are are stick.

[mrzebra]

Jul 21, 2008 18:11:07 GMT -8 riceburnerbob said:

Did you ever find a 1968 Corona? What price range were you thinking about spending?

Never found one. Kind of given up for the time being I guess
I gave the search a few months of dedication, but came up empty.

I had been willing to negotiate a price, but after seeing what some of the ebay ones had for reserves, I figure that most people who have this car are like me, and love it, and wouldn't sell it for a "reasonable" price, but instead a collectors price. I can't blame them, nor do I hold any grudges against them, I just wish I had my first love of cars back in my posession.

[toyotageek]

Don't ever give up. It just might be that as soon as you quit looking is when that certain car will come along.

Also consider revising your goals or expectations. The cars aren't going to get any cheaper - as the hobby grows, so does popularity and prices...

~mike

[mrzebra]

Oh I'll never truly give up. I'll always keep a watchful eye open to see what might come around.

I'm simply not as actively searching as I had been, so to speak.