The Toyota Collection in Cologne - first of all, a large hall full of cars in bright colors. "Nä wat wor dat fröher ne superjeile Zick" (in High German: What a great time it used to be) comes to mind spontaneously. And in the city where the group Brings and their cult hit just quoted are at home, this is probably also legitimate. Here in Cologne-Marsdorf, the usual paint colors of black, white and grey metallic are not the order of the day. Such color diversity was probably last seen in the parking lots of the 1970s. Or in films and photos from the time when there were still telephones with dials.
The cheerful colors are certainly a special feature of the Toyota Collection, which is located not far from the A4 freeway. It displays a changing selection of around 75 cars on over 1800 square meters and originated from the collection of Passau car dealer Peter Pichert, who owned the largest collection of Toyota vehicles outside Japan. After his death in 2016, this was taken over by Toyota Germany. Incidentally, it also includes the brand's first model sold by him, a dark green Corolla Coupé from 1971.
Toyota has been building cars since 1935, initially under the name Toyoda. The first series-produced model was the AA with a six-cylinder engine and a displacement of 3.3 liters (note: an unrestored example is on display in the Louwman Museum in The Hague). The brand has been represented on the German market since 1971 - over half a century ago now - initially only with the Corolla, Corona and Celica models.
There is (almost) nothing missing
The Cologne collection covers the entire spectrum of the manufacturer: the range extends from off-roaders to saloons and sports and racing cars through to alternative drive systems. Of course, the Corolla, the best-selling car in the world, is also duly represented here. Key facts about the company's history are displayed on information boards and the exhibits are briefly described in two languages (German and English).
Visitors have probably seen some of the models on display at some point in the past. But how long ago was that? In any case, you are unlikely to find a presentation like this a second time. So far, so good.
Of course, it is to be welcomed that the collection has been open to the public again since September 2021. But the joy is unfortunately not unclouded. As with other museums that have reopened, the coronavirus regulations in force are taking their toll.
But in the case of the Cologne Collection in particular, this has a particularly unpleasant effect, as it means that a unique selling point, which in the author's opinion was a very special attraction of the museum, is no longer available. "Before Corona", visitors were allowed to "grasp" all the exhibits in the truest sense of the word. So not just stealthily when no one was looking, but rather this was definitely encouraged, as I was able to see for myself during an earlier visit in 2018.
"Back then" at Toyota, you were allowed to open the hood or doors of the cars on display and sit behind the wheel - which not only the youngest visitors were happy to do! This is currently no longer possible due to the restrictive hygiene measures. What a pity! With this in mind, let's take a short tour of the exhibits...
Exciting key players
An excerpt from the brand's racing history awaits visitors at the entrance: a TS050 Hybrid show car from 2016/17, a GT-One (1998/99, once used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans), the Corolla WRC rally car and an example of a Formula 1 racing car from the era of the brand that lasted from 2002 to 2009.
The Celica GT Sunchaser TA 40 from 1981, whose hood is signed by the works drivers of the time, Olivier Panis and Ralf Schumacher, fits in perfectly with this. The Toyota 2000 GT sports car, whose oversized profile greets visitors from the opposite wall, must be mentioned now at the latest. This vehicle can therefore be confidently described as the star of the exhibition. The 2000 GT even became a "Bond car" and - as a convertible version - played a role in the movie "You Only Live Twice". Today, the car has reached classic car Olympus. There were even two examples of this rare model on my most recent visit.
The small Sera sports coupé, which was officially only offered in Japan in the early 1990s, is also worthy of note. In addition to the glass dome, the "butterfly doors" are particularly striking. During my visit to the Toyota Collection, it was flanked by a kei car, the Sports 800. This is a pretty little coupé, which was the first production sports car built by Toyota from 1965 to 1969.
The off-road vehicles provide a contrast, ranging from the small Tercel with four-wheel drive to the RAV4 SUV and the FJ 40, which seems almost archaic today. Its debut was 50 years ago.
Perhaps less well known is the fact that the company also produced prestigious saloons. This is evidenced not least by a Crown from 1981 and the Century luxury car with a V12 engine, which was hand-built from 1997 to 2017.
A bit of comedy, a touch of the future
Among the exhibits, the Corona Mark II from 1975 with its typical "nose" radiator grille and the black Celica Liftback coupé from 1977, whose rear section cannot deny a similarity to the early Ford Mustang Fastback. The glittering "disco ball" based on the former Smart competitor iQ is probably not meant entirely seriously...
Of course, the exhibition also includes newer vehicle concepts, such as the hybrid pioneer Prius. At the exit, visitors are greeted by the latest edition of the Mirai, which is equipped with a fuel cell drive. Not only fans of Japanese cars will certainly have a lot to discover in the Toyota Collection.
The exhibition has been open again at certain times since September 4 and admission is free. Strict hygiene rules currently apply. It is essential to book a time slot and personalized tickets in advance.
Further information can be found on the Toyota Collection website.
