From what I recall, Toyota Crowns were designed to be taxis & police cars in Japan, and steadily got popular in other markets as well as they were easy to maintain and cheap to run.
Toyota Crowns used to be the standard in Singapore as well, however in the last couple of years the main taxi company (Comfort) started upgrading to Hyundai Sonatas which cost more to maintain but are much more comfortable.
Yes the good old HK gas on/gas off style of driving! They must learn that in taxi school.
Instructor: No!!! That's too smooth! You've got to stamp on the pedal... show it who's boss! Then release it suddenly and without warning. Then repeat. Same with the breaks, don't squeeze them, snap them down... Again... Again...
Same driving style in Singapore, maybe even more ubiquitous there. I used to think it had to be an engine problem but was in the front seat not so long ago and could see his foot flapping on and off the accelerator. Why, why, why?
I've heard there's a thriving black market for licences. Might explain how where some of them got on the road.