We all know the 1980s were big years for aftermarket companies to cozy up to the OEMs to make limited-production models like this convertible conversion 1985 Toyota Celica GTS convertible. This is actually one of my favorite Toyotas ever made, which is saying something considering I don’t love convertibles and that the 22-RE engine isn’t exactly a fire-starter. This one looks to be in incredible condition and amazingly, it’s located in my own backyard. I’ve never seen it around, but it’s located in Bristol, Rhode Island, if you want to check it out, and here on Barn Finds Classifieds for $12,000.
The ASC-modified Celica is one of the few non-factory convertibles I’ve seen where they absolutely nailed the design. All too often, convertibles appear clunky and ill-formed, barely hiding the fact that someone who didn’t work in the corporate design studio performed the lobotomy. The Celica escaped this fate, and it’s an absolute looker with the top down and the pop-up headlights illuminated. I love photos of this car when it’s rolling, as these are the absolute best-looking wheels Toyota has ever made, and coupled with those chunky fender flares, it’s hard to beat.
The seller’s car, like many others, is equipped with an automatic transmission. There were a few manual convertibles made, but not many. The seller’s car retains the unmistakable Toyota steering wheel, which appeared in everything from the Celica to the Cressida, and also features an aftermarket radio that occupies the large double-DIN space. The Celica benefits from a recent convertible top and will come with a new replacement dashboard cover. The interior appears to be quite clean but we don’t have a proper photo of the seats and carpet to tell conclusively what sort of shape they’re in. Toyotas of this era had very nicely-bolstered sport buckets.
The 22R-E engine is one of those mills you really can’t kill, and that’s why so many Toyota trucks from this era are still trooping along without issue. It’s not a sexy engine by any means but it will get the job done. The seller’s rare Celica convertible appears to be in very nice condition with loads of recent maintenance, including a new brake booster, master cylinder, ignition components, and a new ignition switch. The tires are in good shape and now is the time to buy a convertible before we get too far into the summer driving season.
I have an 85 Celica GT with those wheels. They are just gorgeous in person. Only thing missing is a set of white letter tires. I’m running BFG Radial TAs on mine.
Bought a GT-S just because of the wheels … as a Toyota salesman back in the ’80s I drove one of these as a demo … the three-piece top cover was a PITA to properly fit over the top, as opposed to the one-piece on the later Nissan 240 SX SE conv I had later … both cars were “bullet proof” but the 240SX was more fun to drive …
its mistankingly called in BF Classified: 1985 Toyota SUPRA GTS Convertible… but it’s for sure no Supra . Celica suites MUCH better :-)
It probably could be made into a Supra convertible, but possibly more work than would appear at first glance. Have to replace entire front to accommodate longer 6 cylinder engine, probably move rad mount forward, change from struts to Supra spec. The 2.8 with the automatic was perfectly acceptable.
The Toyota Celica was such a hot item, we couldn´t keep ´em on the lot, back in the day when I was the top dog in the F&I dept. at Longo Toyota. When the black Celica fastback came out, we sold ´em at way over sticker.
Wanted one of these BAD when they were new. By the time I mobilized to make it happen, the hella-ugly 86’s were introduced, and the malaise of cars styled to look like turds was here to stay. Like Jeff, I think this is the zenith of Toyota body styling. Combined with a “nailed it!” convertible conversion, it is the only one to own. My work trucks are all mid-80’s Toyotas, and the 22r is a favorite engine of mine. Bulletproof, easy to work on and get parts for, and capable of a decent performance build to scoot you along. The only thing I would insist on with a car like this is a 5-speed. Just my thing, but I hate automatics.
I wanted one of these BAD when they were new. By the time I mobilized to make it happen, the hella-ugly 86’s had been introduced and the malaise of turd-inspired “blob-mobiles” was here to stay. My work trucks are all same era Toyotas. One of my favorite engines, the 22r is capable terrific fuel economy AND performance. Super easy to work on and get parts for, they are impossible to beat for a modern mill. The only thing I would hold out for is a 5-speed. Just me, but I hate automatics
I had a 1986 Toyota pickup for a work truck. It had a carburetor 22R engine with a column automatic and, man was that thing indestructible. Not the quickest thing in the world, but it certainly got the job done.
The automatic kills pep, as does the OEM carb set up. Put a peppy cam and Weber 38/38 on there and they really scoot. No help for the auto except to get a manual truck in the first place.
I think my wife’s former 85 chevy nova, which was made at Nummi in a joint venture with Toyota even had that same steering wheel.
First car I ever bought with money from my first real job was an ’85 Celica GT 5-speed hatchback. Got it in 1989 for $4,900. Loved the car and wish I still had it, but it’s definitely a California car. In New England the headlights and power antenna constantly freeze in the winter, and RWD is useless in snow. Oh, then there’s the rust, which starts about 10 minutes after it leaves the showroom. No idea how this one survived in Rhode Island, but it looks great.