• Seller: Jan W illey
• Location: Kempner, Texas
• Mileage: 61,000 Shown
• Chassis #: JT2RA43C6B0055470
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 2.4-Liter 22R Four-Cylinder
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual

Many enthusiasts are drawn by the lure of classic Convertibles, which is understandable. They offer excellent opportunities to hit the road on sunny days with the wind in your hair to revel in all Mother Nature offers. This 1981 Toyota Celica Convertible is a perfect example of the breed with some important positive attributes. It is rock-solid and presents nicely, and since the Celica enjoys a well-deserved reputation for bulletproof reliability, it should offer years of classic motoring pleasure. The owner has been its custodian since 2018, accumulating 10,000 carefree miles behind the wheel. She has decided that the time is right for this gem to find a new home, listing the Convertible exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Toyota’s second-generation Celica range landed on showroom floors for the 1978 model year, with the final cars rolling off the line in mid-1981. That makes this Convertible one of the last produced, which can be a significant consideration. It is nice to be the first on your block to own a particular vehicle, but early cars often feature unexpected quality problems that prompt manufacturers to implement design changes to eliminate the issues. However, with this Celica emerging as production ended, it would be one of the best-built cars to leave the factory. The car started life as a Coupe but was transformed into a Convertible by American Custom Coachworks of Beverly Hills, California. The company operated for over fifty years, developing a reputation for quality that allowed it to become the country’s largest custom coachbuilder during the 1970s. Therefore, the work quality is beyond question. This gem presents well for a vehicle of this vintage, with its Beige paint holding an excellent shine. There are a few minor imperfections, but the overall appearance is consistent with a survivor-grade car that has been treated respectfully. The panels are very straight, with one ding caused by a departing tire cap. However, the seller has a repair quote for those who aren’t drawn to the DIY approach. The Celica didn’t develop a reputation for rust problems, but since this one is a dry-climate survivor, its rust-free status is unsurprising. The soft-top exhibits one small but repairable hole and fits as tight as a drum. The trim is in excellent condition, and the glass is crystal clear.

Powering this Celica is Toyota’s legendary 2.4-liter 22R four-cylinder engine, producing 97hp and 128 ft/lbs of torque. Thankfully, the first owner passed on the optional automatic transmission, selecting the five-speed manual unit providing a more engaging driving experience befitting a Japanese sports car. The 22R is notoriously tough, with no inherent design weaknesses. It also delivers excellent fuel economy, opening the possibility that this Celica could become a practical daily driver for its new owner. Potential buyers should be reassured that this classic has a known ownership history, and has always been meticulously maintained. The current owner recently had the gas lines cleaned to eliminate some bad fuel. It rolls on Uniroyal tires that are fairly new, and is a turnkey proposition that runs and drives extremely well.

I would describe this Celica’s interior as above average for a Japanese vehicle of this vintage. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to UV exposure, with no cracked or crumbling pieces. The driver’s seat has developed a split on the base that is hidden beneath a slipcover. An upholsterer might be able to install a blind patch, although replacement covers are surprisingly easy to find for those seeking perfect presentation. However, leaving the seats as-is would be a valid approach if the winning bidder is on a budget. The owner is unsure whether the air conditioning operates, allowing the buyer to perform a spot of detective work. The interior features are typical of the era, with the new owner receiving a sports gauge cluster, a tachometer, a rear defogger, and an AM/FM radio.

This photo provides a clear insight into the life this 1981 Toyota Celica Convertible has led at the hands of its current owner. It remains hidden under a cover when not roaming the streets, protecting it from dust, dirt, and other things that might inflict damage. That helps to explain why it still presents nicely forty-four years after it emerged from the factory. It has been treated respectfully and maintained appropriately throughout its life, and the winning bidder will reap the reward from that approach. Summer is only a few short months away, allowing someone to buy this beauty and potentially address its few minor identified shortcomings before the sun shows its face again. Could that someone be you?

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