The Toyota Corolla II 2-door sedan (E20) SL 1400, produced between 1970 and 1974, represented a significant step forward for Toyota in the compact car market. Positioned as an entry-level offering within the E20 Corolla range, the SL 1400 provided affordable transportation with a focus on fuel efficiency and practicality. It was a key model in establishing the Corolla’s reputation for reliability and value, particularly in markets seeking smaller, economical vehicles. The E20 series itself was a substantial redesign from the previous Corolla (E10), offering increased interior space and improved styling. This variant, with its 1.4-liter engine and 90 horsepower, was aimed at buyers prioritizing economy over outright performance.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Corolla II SL 1400 was the Toyota T-D engine, a 1,407 cc (85.86 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated as the T-D, featured a relatively simple design with a cast iron block and an aluminum cylinder head. It utilized a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with two valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery was managed by a carburetor, a common feature for vehicles of this era. The engine produced 90 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 118 Nm (87.03 lb-ft) of torque at 3,800 rpm. The compression ratio was 9.6:1. The engine’s bore and stroke measured 80 mm (3.15 inches) and 70 mm (2.76 inches) respectively. The engine was mounted longitudinally in the front of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels.
Transmission
While a four-speed manual transmission was standard on the SL 1400, this article focuses on the variant equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission. This automatic was a three-speed unit, offering convenience but at the expense of some performance and fuel economy compared to the manual version. The automatic transmission was a significant selling point for buyers seeking ease of use, particularly in urban driving conditions. Gear ratios were optimized for smooth acceleration and comfortable cruising, though the automatic did diminish the overall responsiveness of the vehicle.
Driving Characteristics
The Corolla II SL 1400 with the automatic transmission offered a comfortable, if not particularly exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration was adequate for everyday driving, but the 90 horsepower engine and the automatic transmission’s inherent power losses meant that it wasn’t a particularly quick car. The weight-to-power ratio of 9.2 kg/hp (108.4 hp/tonne) reflected this. The automatic transmission’s gear changes were relatively smooth for the time, but lacked the responsiveness of modern automatic transmissions. The rear-wheel-drive layout provided predictable handling, but the relatively narrow tires and basic suspension setup limited grip. Compared to the manual transmission version, the automatic SL 1400 felt noticeably slower, especially during overtaking maneuvers. It was, however, a more relaxed and user-friendly option for drivers prioritizing convenience over performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The SL 1400 was the base trim level for the Corolla II 2-door sedan. As such, it came equipped with a relatively modest set of standard features. Interior upholstery was typically vinyl or a basic cloth material. The dashboard was functional and straightforward, featuring a simple instrument cluster with speedometer, fuel gauge, and temperature indicator. Amenities were limited, but typically included basic heating and ventilation. Optional extras available for the SL 1400 included a radio, upgraded upholstery, and whitewall tires. The overall interior design prioritized durability and practicality over luxury.
Chassis & Braking
The Corolla II SL 1400 utilized a relatively conventional chassis design for the early 1970s. The front suspension consisted of independent coil springs with a transverse stabilizer bar, providing a reasonable level of ride comfort. The rear suspension employed a rigid axle setup with leaf springs, which was a cost-effective solution but offered less sophisticated handling characteristics. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. The steering system was a cone worm with recirculation balls, providing adequate steering feel but requiring a fair amount of effort. The curb weight of 830 kg (1829.84 lbs) contributed to the car’s relatively nimble handling, despite the basic suspension setup.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Corolla II SL 1400 was generally well-received by automotive critics as a practical and affordable compact car. Its fuel economy – rated at 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) – was a major selling point, particularly during the oil crises of the 1970s. Compared to other trims in the Corolla II lineup, such as those equipped with larger engines or more luxurious features, the SL 1400 offered the best value for money. However, critics noted that the automatic transmission diminished the car’s performance and fuel economy compared to the manual version. Reliability was a key strength of the SL 1400, contributing to the Corolla’s growing reputation as a dependable and long-lasting vehicle. It competed with other compact cars of the era, such as the Datsun 510 and the Volkswagen Beetle, offering a similar blend of affordability, fuel efficiency, and practicality.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Corolla II 2-door sedan (E20) |
| Type | SL 1400 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1970 |
| End of production | 1974 |
| Engine Type | Internal Combustion Engine (Petrol/Gasoline) |
| Body Type | Sedan, 2 Doors, 5 Seats |
| Fuel Consumption (Combined) | 5 l/100 km (47 US mpg, 56.5 UK mpg, 20 km/l) |
| Maximum Speed | 160 km/h (99.42 mph) |
| Weight-to-Power Ratio | 9.2 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-Torque Ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Engine Power | 90 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Engine Torque | 118 Nm @ 3800 rpm (87.03 lb.-ft. @ 3800 rpm) |
| Engine Layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | T-D |
| Engine Displacement | 1407 cm3 (85.86 cu. in.) |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Engine Configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 70 mm (2.76 in.) |
| Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of Valves per Cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel Injection System | Carburettor |
| Engine Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Kerb Weight | 830 kg (1829.84 lbs.) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Length | 3945 mm (155.31 in.) |
| Width | 1505 mm (59.25 in.) |
| Height | 1345 mm (52.95 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2335 mm (91.93 in.) |
| Front Track | 1260 mm (49.61 in.) |
| Rear Track | 1245 mm (49.02 in.) |
| Minimum Turning Circle | 9 m (29.53 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Number of Gears | 4 (Automatic) |
| Front Suspension | Independent coil spring, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear Suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Leaf spring |
| Front Brakes | Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Drum |
| Steering Type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
Legacy
The Toyota Corolla II SL 1400, particularly the version with the automatic transmission, has proven to be a surprisingly durable and reliable vehicle. Many examples are still on the road today, a testament to Toyota’s engineering and build quality. In the used car market, these Corollas are often sought after by enthusiasts and collectors looking for a classic Japanese automobile. The T-D engine, while not particularly powerful, is known for its longevity and relatively simple maintenance requirements. The automatic transmission, while less desirable than the manual for performance enthusiasts, remains a functional and reliable unit. The SL 1400’s legacy lies in its contribution to establishing the Corolla as a global automotive icon, renowned for its affordability, reliability, and practicality.
