I don’t quite remember the first time I ever saw a Toyota Cressida, but I do remember noticing it. Not a common feat for a Toyota with me. When it came to Corollas, Coronas, Mark IIs and Crowns, they were just part of the traffic. None were too outstanding to call my attention in any way, for better or worse. Other than the Celica, it was hard to think of any vehicle in the brand’s lineup that my eyes gravitated to.
Yet, when the Cressida appeared, it was a car that I noticed. Not that I was blown away, as my kiddie mind craved nothing but sporty cars. But I did admit the car had a certain presence, and it was clear it had a different mission than the rest of the company’s lineup.