A Journey of Restoration: Bringing New Life to 90s Toyota

In February 2024, I embarked on my very first restoration project, taking on the task of reviving a beloved family car – our Toyota Corona Premio 1996 FWD, equipped with a Toyota 7A-FE 1.8-liter engine.

Corona Premio has been a remarkable model in the Japanese Market and Bangladeshi Import Market in the late 90s and early 2000s. Corona was mostly popular in the higher mid-range family car segment, just above the Toyota Corolla and below product lines like the Toyota Camry and Toyota Crown. This unit has been in my family since I was just three months old. My dad has driven it all these years, and it holds a special place in my heart, as it’s the car I learned to drive with at the age of nine. Over the years, my dad has driven this car to almost 50 out of the 64 districts of Bangladesh, making it a part of countless memories.

The journey of restoring this car began with a vision to not only bring it back to life but to make it more luxurious, modern, and personalized. I started with the exterior, changing the paint from its original Silver and Golden combination to a stunning Mica Blue and Black. This bold new color combination set the tone for the transformation that was about to unfold.

Next, I turned my attention to the interior, where I aimed to create a space that exudes both luxury and comfort. Every visible component inside the car was replaced or upgraded – from the seats and door panels to the steering wheel, dashboard, floor mats, and even the roof. The new interior features a light brown color, which takes on an orange hue in harsh sunlight, paired with deep blue accents to complement the exterior. To add an extra touch of class, I incorporated diamond-cut designs on the door panels and armrests, inspired by the interiors of high-end vehicles like Bentley and Range Rover.

Technology played a significant role in modernizing the car. I upgraded the stereo system to a Mekede M6 Pro 3D UI Android 14 system, which offers features similar to those found in Tesla vehicles, such as real-time 3D motion tracking and integrated maps. It also comes with voice assistance and supports all Android apps. To enhance convenience, I integrated a PKE system, which eliminates the need for mechanical keys. With a remote or even an Android app, I can lock/unlock the car, release the trunk, and start/stop the engine without ever getting inside. NFC-enabled access adds another layer of modern tech – simply placing a card near the windshield locks or unlocks the car.

To make the car stand out even more, I installed body kits on all four sides, giving it a bold, commanding presence on the road. The manual cluster was swapped for an optical one with multiple trip information, and I added underglow lights and interior atmosphere lighting to elevate the car’s aesthetic to a royal, Rolls-Royce-like vibe.

For a more immersive driving experience, I upgraded the audio system with four stock JBL speakers, perfect for bringing those party vibes on the go.

Restoring this car was more than just a project; it was a way of breathing new life into a vehicle that has been a part of our family’s history. Now, with its luxurious upgrades and modern tech, it feels like a whole new car – one that carries the legacy of the past while embracing the innovations of the future.

Gallery