Toyota Carina III (A60) gallery (1981–1988)

Third generation Toyota Carina (A60 series), the final rear-wheel-drive sedan generation, famed for the 3T-GTE twincam turbo engine.

All photos 0 I (A10) 0 1970–1977 II (A40) 0 1977–1981 III (A60) 0 1981–1988 IV (T150) 0 1984–1988 V (T170) 0 1988–1992 VI (T190) 0 1992–1996 VII (T210) 0 1996–2001

The third generation Toyota Carina (A60 series) introduced in September 1981 holds legendary status as the final rear-wheel-drive Carina sedan line. Styled with sharp wedge-like body contours, thin roof pillars, and rectangular lighting, the body was offered as a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, three-door liftback, and five-door station wagon. The updated interior integrated driver-centric controls, optional digital instrument displays, and durable velour seating.

A landmark technical achievement arrived in 1982 with the 1800GT-TR trim, powered by Japan's first twin-cam turbocharged engine—the 1.8-liter 3T-GTE Twin Cam Turbo featuring dual spark plugs per cylinder outputting 160 horsepower. Standard engines included the 1.5-liter 5A-F, 1.6-liter DOHC 4A-GE (130 hp), 1.8-liter 1S, and the model's first 1.8-liter 1C diesel (65 hp). Transmissions were five-speed manuals or four-speed automatics. A 1983 facelift updated front grille mesh and rear taillight assemblies.