Toyota Starlet I (P40) gallery (1973–1978)

First generation Toyota Publica Starlet subcompact (P40 series) featuring sporty styling cues, rear-wheel drive, and 3K series engines.

All photos 1 I (P40) 0 1973–1978 II (P60) 1 1978–1984 III (P70) 0 1984–1989 IV (P80) 0 1989–1996 V (P90) 0 1996–1999

The first generation Toyota Publica Starlet (P40/P50 series) launched in Japan in April 1973 as a sports-themed derivative of the Publica line. Styled in collaboration with Italdesign under Giorgetto Giugiaro, the initial body was a two-door fastback coupe featuring clean profile contours and round headlamps. In October 1974, a four-door sedan and a three-door wagon joined the range. The driver-focused interior presented basic sport instrumentation with dual recessed gauge pods and a three-spoke steering wheel.

The rear-wheel-drive platform was powered by Toyota's K-series four-cylinder gasoline engines: a 1.0-liter 2K (58 hp) and a 1.2-liter 3K (68–74 hp). The sports 3K-B variant featured twin carburetors for elevated engine output. Transmissions included four- and five-speed manuals alongside a two-speed Toyoglide automatic. Front suspension utilized MacPherson struts paired with a leaf- or coil-sprung rear live axle. A 1976 update refreshed the front grille mesh and bumper guards.