The Toyota LiteAce and TownAce are a line of light commercial and derivative passenger vans produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Toyota. These vehicles originally utilized the cab-over-engine configuration, although since 1996 a semi-cab-over arrangement has featured instead. The LiteAce launched in 1970 as light-duty truck, with commercial and van/wagon body variants added in 1971. In 1976, Toyota released the larger TownAce van/wagon that derived from the LiteAce; a TownAce truck arrived later in 1978. Between 1982 and 1992, the series accommodated the MasterAce Surf—an upscale TownAce passenger wagon.
The two model lines existed separately until 1982 when TownAce trucks became rebadged LiteAce trucks—then in 1992 LiteAce vans became rebranded TownAce vans—thus unifying the once separate vehicle lines. In Japan, the LiteAce retailed at Toyota Auto Store dealerships, with the TownAce sold at Toyota Corolla Store dealerships. The LiteAce and TownAce have been commonly exported to Africa, Asia and Australia. Over the years, select LiteAce/TownAce models have also been available with Daihatsu Delta badging in Japan. Originally sold as the Delta 750 based on the LiteAce truck, later versions have been badged Delta Wide and based on the TownAce van. For the final Delta retailed between 1996 and 2001, the "Wide" suffix disappeared.
The LiteAce followed the introduction of the more compact MiniAce and larger HiAce in 1967, acting as an intermediacy between these two models in size and carrying capacity. By the mid-1970s, the MiniAce had been retired and the HiAce had grown, thus creating a void in the market resumed by the TownAce. The "Ace" moniker references the Toyota Toyoace medium-duty truck sold starting 1956. The "Lite" in LiteAce refers to its light-duty capability, and the "Town" in TownAce alludes to the suitability of the model for urban areas.
Toyota released the first generation LiteAce M10 truck in November 1970 as a larger, upscale model line to sit above the MiniAce that had been introduced in 1967. In effect, LiteAce filled the gap between the smaller MiniAce and larger HiAce whilst keeping within Japanese vehicle size regulations concerning exterior dimensions and engine displacement. This meant that buyers would not be liable for additional taxes for a larger vehicle as they were with the HiAce. LiteAce had also been developed following the growing popularity of affordable cab-over-engine trucks that could carry up to 1,000 kilograms (2,200 lb). Whereas the MiniAce truck had just a 500-kilogram (1,100 lb) payload capacity, the LiteAce truck offered 750 kilograms (1,650 lb) with a three-seat front bench. The cargo bed was available in high- or low-deck.
Toyota later released a one-box van/wagon version of the LiteAce in February 1971. Initially featuring just a single sliding door on the passenger side (curbside), the van/wagon was offered in three seating configurations, of one, two, and three rows—providing for three (van), six (van), and nine (wagon) passengers, respectively. A five-door, dual sliding door version arrived in September 1973 as an option, along with a new high-roof wagon model. The nine-seater wagon was retired in 1975 as it did not satisfy new Japanese emission standards. Later in October 1976, the TownAce (R10) was released—a larger model heavily based on the M10 series LiteAce.
Design-wise, the front-end was distinguished by vertical, black resin grilles above each headlamp. A single chrome recess held both the lamp and the black panel in place; this extended from the windshield to just above the bumper. The van/wagon featured a top-hinged back door, and ornate resin panels were placed above the tail lamps in accordance to the similar design upfront.
The LiteAce was designated KM10 when fitted with the 1166 cc 3K inline-four engine producing 68 PS (50 kW). In February 1978, this was replaced by the larger 1290 cc 4K-J engine (KM11). At the same time, there was a small facelift including a design change to panels above the headlamps and new badging.
This model (truck only) was also marketed in a slightly different badge engineered form as the Daihatsu Delta 750 (D10 series) from March 1971. Still with the 3K engine (and the chassis code KD10), this received a small front grille and other detail differences and was available with most of the same bodywork as the LiteAce. As per the donor Toyota, this was later updated in 1978 to the 4K-J engine (and now receiving the KD11 chassis code). A double cab pickup truck was also available of the KD11.
Second generation LiteAce van/wagons and trucks were released to the Japanese market in October 1979. Widely exported for the first time, the M20 included seating for up to eight in the wagon with a 2/3/3 arrangement, including fully reclining seatbacks for the second and third rows. Options included dual-zone air conditioners, a four-speaker audio system, and aluminum wheels. The high-roof GXL wagon grade also offered a moonroof option. Truck versions now included a "just low" model—created by fitting 10-inch double tires to the rear wheels (as opposed to 13-inch for the front wheels) to lower the bed floor further.
Toyota fitted the 1290 cc 4K-J inline-four engine (designated KM20 with this engine) with 69 PS (51 kW) to the van and truck initially, with the wagon receiving the 1770 cc 13T-U inline-four (TM20) good for 92 PS (68 kW). Both engines were teamed with a four-speed manual transmission. Updates to the wagon in December 1980 brought an optional three-speed automatic or five-speed manual as well. Further to these revisions, a flagship FXV grade joined the range and new second row seats with a swivel function to face either the forward or backwards position became optional in the wagon. In 1981, a "handy-cab" version that could accommodate a passenger in a wheelchair was introduced. A Montana package arrived in January 1982, complete with removable loft beds and electric curtains. Simultaneously, an eight-seat version with rear-facing second-row seats was introduced (being a 2/3/3 configuration). Then in April 1982, a medium roof height body variant with a twin moonroof was introduced.
Minor changes to the M20 series LiteAce arrived for November 1982, including a front-end facelift and the adoption of power steering. The van gained the option of a 1626 cc 1Y (YM20) engine with 84 PS (62 kW). Toyota also upgraded the wagon's 13T-U engine to the 1812 cc 2Y (YM21; 95 PS or 70 kW) while proving a new 1839 cc 1C diesel option (63 PS or 46 kW) across the various body variants range (CM20).
When the second generation R20/R30 series TownAce van/wagon arrived in November 1982, the M20 LiteAce truck became the donor model for the next TownAce truck, with minor trim changes distinguishing the two. The subsequent generation of LiteAce van/wagon arrived in September 1985, but M20 manufacture continued until October 1986 when the truck variant came to the market.
Like the previous M10 series, the M20 TownAce again provided the base for the rebadged Daihatsu Delta 750 (D20 series) truck sold between October 1979 and October 1982. The 4K-J engine was fitted and designated KD20.
The third generation LiteAce van/wagon (M30/M40 series) were placed on the market in September 1985 with four roof variations—a standard roof, a high roof, a high roof with panoramic moonroof (Skylite roof), and a high roof for the SW grade. Dimensionally, body width increased at the expense of length. Improvements to stability and ride comfort were courtesy of an overhauled rear suspension type from a semi-elliptical leaf spring design to a four-link type with a Panhard rod. Further improvements were made by switching to rack and pinion steering.
The interior was designed so that the driver's seating position was virtually the same as in a sedan. Seating options included standard first rows on the cargo van, plus second-row positions on the wagon (five- or six-seater) and optional third-row seats that could be stowed sideways to for additional luggage space. Select trims levels heralded a fully reclining driver's seat and with some, the second-row seats could be turned three-ways (forward, sideways, and backward).
The engine is reached through a small hatch beneath the front seat; this does not open very wide and the limited access came in for some complaint. Engines fitted to the van/wagon included the 1486 cc 5K-U (70 PS or 51 kW) and 1812 cc 2Y-U (79 PS or 58 kW) gasoline engines and two 1974 cc diesels—the 2C (70 PS or 51 kW) and the turbocharged 2C-T (82 PS or 60 kW). In October 1985, a part-time four-wheel drive model was added to the model lineup.
Truck variants of the third generation LiteAce and TownAce launched in October 1986, designated M50/M60/M70/M80. These came installed with the 1998 cc 3Y-U gasoline engine or the 2C diesel. TownAce trucks were sold in two levels of trim, the unbadged DX and the more expensive Super X.
In a minor model change in August 1988, the front and rear of the van/wagon were redesigned, increasing the body length by 75 mm (3.0 in). This facelift was for Japan only. At the same time, Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) was employed for the first time in a one-box wagon, and the output of the turbocharged diesel engine was boosted to 85 PS (63 kW). In September 1989, the new Super SW specification was added, and a five-door version with dual sliding doors could be specified in conjunction with the SW grade. The manual transmission increased from four- to five-gears in August 1990 along with the fitment of a center high mount stop lamp. Then in October 1991, the four-wheel drive system became available with the truck body.
Although the van/wagon lines were fully redesigned in January 1992 with the rebodied R20 series, the truck line was not renewed until the S400 series in 2008, leaving the M50/M60/M70/M80 model in production until July 2007. Toyota issued a minor front-end facelift in November 1996 with a redesign of the single-piece plastic panel surrounding both headlamps—this now included the attachment of the modern-day Toyota logo. More substantially updated LiteAce and TownAce trucks were released in June 1999, with the front section of the body and dashboard thoroughly redesigned—however, the design of the doors and all parts rearward carried over verbatim. The optional four-wheel drive switched from part-time to full-time configuration, anti-lock brakes were made standard, and airbags an option. The gasoline engine was upgraded from to the 1781 cc 7K-E, and the 2C diesel engine made way for the 2184 cc 3C-E which remained in the market until discontinued in August 2004. From December 2004, production switched from the Honsha plant at Toyota, Aichi to the Hamura, Tokyo plant operated by the Toyota-owned Hino Motors.
The first TownAce (R10 series) made its sales debut in October 1976 as a widened and lengthened version of the LiteAce (M10), still using the same doors and some other panels. In the Toyota model hierarchy, TownAce occupied the position in between the LiteAce and HiAce. At first three- or six-seater vans were offered, the more popular TR10 receiving the 1588 cc 2T-J engine (93 PS or 68 kW), although the smallest KR10 has the 1166 cc 3K-J (64 PS or 47 kW). Eight-seater wagons have the desmogged 12T engine rather than the 2T-J (TR11G chassis code rather than TR10V), and therefore lower power at 85 PS (63 kW). The second and third rows of seating could be laid fully flat, and the third-row seats could be folded to expand the luggage compartment. The 4K-J motor with 69 PS (51 kW) replaced the 3K-J in February 1978. That October, the wagon engine was uprated to the 92 PS (68 kW) 1770 cc 13T-U (TR15), and high-roof models with heights of 1,975 and 1,990 mm (77.8 and 78.3 in) were introduced. Further changes in October 1978 included suspension revisions, the release of the flagship "Custom Extra" grade with manual sunroof. October 1979 changes adjusted the trim surrounding the headlamps, introduced a revised dashboard, and resulted in the "Custom Extra" being renamed "Super Extra".
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