My favorite car! On February 22, 1983, I bought a brand new Toyota Celica GT. I owned it for ten years, and it has to be my favorite of all that I’ve owned. I cannot fully explain how or why; it just hit that sweet spot for me. That’s why, when I spied this listing for a similar ’83 GT, courtesy of Barney, I had to take a trip down memory lane. This example is sporting GTS equipment, a great upgrade, and appears to be in excellent condition. Little Rock, Arkansas, is where you’ll find it, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $8,800.
This ’83 Toyota is a member of the third generation (’82-’85) and was offered in standard ST trim, or the more enthusiastic GT trim. Body styles included a two-door notchback and a two-door liftback such as our subject. Starting in ’83, a Celica GT could be outfitted with GTS equipment, which provided wider tires and wheels under flared fenders, suspension mods (independent rear suspension), and much sportier seats, among other differences. Our 101K-mile subject is wearing a two-tone finish with black below the beltline, including the wheel arches. My thought is that this is an aftermarket treatment, as I don’t recall seeing another so finished. Anyway, the paint still looks strong, and the body appears to be sound – no rust, which was a problem with mine – more than likely due to geography: snow vs. a no-snow operating environment. Soft black plastic for bumpers, bumper guards, end caps, etc. was all the rage in this era, but what’s attached here still looks sound and pliable.
One area where the Celica GT/GTS fell a bit short was in the power department. The engine used was the absolutely excellent 22 R-E, a 2.4 liter, in-line four with a single overhead cam. The power rating, however, was just 105 JIS. Now, while that sounds unimpressive, I know my Celica with its five-speed manual transmission, the same as is found in our subject car, scooted along pretty well – hardly a world beater but no complaints on my part. Unfortunately, there is no accompanying image of the prime mover, and the seller also neglects to tell us anything about this GTS’s running and driving characteristics other than to mention, “new exhaust system, new brake master cylinder, belts, pulleys, hoses, fuel filter, plug wires, tires…”
The interior of this Celica, the instrument panel in particular, really takes me back – every detail is instantly recognizable. The environment, in its entirety, is in remarkable condition considering this car’s age and mileage, but then again that’s the quality focus where Toyota imbibed to truly set their products apart from their competition. The optional GTS seats were a significant improvement, ergonomically, over the standard GT pieces. This is an A/C equipped Celica; no word, however, on its operational status. If memory serves me right, these all came to the U.S. without A/C, and it was then added by the servicing arm of the Toyota importer. Please let me know via the comments if you know differently on this matter.
There you have it. Some of you may still wonder how such a car could have so much significance for me. It’s hard to say; it was hardly a perfect car and had its detractions, but it seems that the positives greatly outnumbered the negatives and everything conspired to create a balanced and attractive road car. No! No, I’m not interested in reliving the past and don’t want another, but I have truly enjoyed briefly reliving a pleasant part of my automotive past. Let’s talk price: at $8,800, is this Toyota Celica GTS priced right or not quite right?
Wow they really cheaped-out in the horsepower department. No motor pic either; why bother. What could be done to bring HP up to 190+? it will compete with other era type cars with those numbers. Were these offered with factory sunroofs? Jim glad you got to tell your story. These are very nice cars, notchback too