Note: 7/30/2026 The seller has updated the listing with an image of the engine, now included below. JO
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, the seller 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
Only one motor pic in Craigslist post.
The Celica Supra was the real performance version, with the smooth inline-6. But even that topped out at 160hp in ’84-’85. That was respectable at the time. The 22R-E is literally a truck engine. Durable, low-revving, and all torque. It feels better than you might think, but it’s no tuner engine. Cam, intake, & exhaust won’t get you past 150. A turbo does though.
I Had one with factory power sunroof .. worked smoothly.. amazing !! Also yes they weren’t powerful cars … but that 22r motor ran beautifully!! On the highway it could easily pass cars because it was a 2.4 liter and wound up nicely !
These were great looking and very comfortable and smooth driving. They were not considered fast cars when new, but they were absolutely bulletproof reliable. Materials and build quality was better than a contemporary BMW, and the only thing that killed them was rust. Great cars.
I respectfully disagree on the comparison. While these Celicas were wonderful offerings and were extremely popular, they were not at the level of an early eighties BMW. The latter possessed clear advantages in engineering, materials, balance (a three series was much more entertaining to drive, even with the anemic power nearly every car was saddled with back then), strength, and durability. That said, later Bimmers lost their focus on simplicity, and while more powerful and capable, did begin showing quality issues. And regardless, I would love to add this car to my menagerie.
I would also add, US sales of nearly any Toyota far outstripped the German make back then. Bimmers (thankfully) hadn’t reached their yuppie status back then, in fact many non-car nuts in our heartland weren’t aware that BMW made anything but motorcycles.
Author is incorrect. The 2 tone with black on the bottom was absolutely factory 83-85.
OK, if you say so. I have to admit this one’s the first that I can recall seeing finished that way.
JO
Indeed it’s a factory option. In ’83 and ’84 it was simple, with the dark lower body. In ’85 they were dark upper and lower, with the midsection in the lighter shade. I have an ’85 two-tone blue GT-S done that way. I’d post a photo if I could!
I Had one with factory power sunroof .. worked smoothly.. amazing !! Also yes they weren’t powerful cars … but that 22r motor ran beautifully!! On the highway it could easily pass cars because it was a 2.4 liter and wound up nicely !
Totally Factory Jim … there were many running around my city back in the day with black packages on Color’s !!!
My best friend in high school had one exactly like this, and – yes – they were 2-tone just like this one.
Reliable, safe, and fun to drive. The seats are very comfortable.
The build quality and materials were amazing for the time and price.
I drove a notch-back version of this in ’85. Same paint scheme, same great seats. The seats were straight from the Supra but with cloth and were on par with Recaros at the time. Loved that car, but the paint was paper thin. I remember washing it and seeing primer when I scrubbed a little too hard on a bug splat. If only this was a notch-back vs. hatch…
Cloth was standard on the GT-S and Supra. Leather was an option on both. But after 40 years, the cloth has held up better unless the leather was given continuous TLC by its owners. I have an ’85 GT-S with the cloth and it’s in amazing shape – just as this ’85 is!
Sure a Supra was nicer, but more complicated. A 22RE is a really great engine. Enough power for a fun and comfortable, plus reliable, driver. Wish i could still buy a brand new one, just like this.
It sounds like you have some great memories and good times in the one you had Jim. That’s one of the nice things about seeing an older car that we once had, or a relative had it just brings you back to that time, I know it does for me.
This is one sweet Celica. I remember a friend of my sisters got one of these in red. I remember those headlights. And the instrument panel and switches, etc. I always thought these are great cars. This one looks like it’s in mint condition. Love the colors, and those rims too. And, its stick, which is a huge plus. Great write up Jim, I enjoyed it. Thank you.
These are some of my favorite Celicas, although partial to the early ones. We had nothing like it, what, an Escort GT? Datsun had their Z car, but the Celica was for a more refined audience, usually with a family. Once again, Mr. Rust. 1st, these had no business in a winter environment, but they sold a bunch. Sadly, they didn’t last, and I remeber some pretty rusty Celicas.
Side note: the car dealer down the block had a car exactly like this, was an older lady’s( cough), but clean. Well, being a small town, the cashier at the gas station bought it. One day, I see the right headlight broken and grill, I said, what happened? Hit a deer, and can’t find parts ANYWHERE! He ended up taping the headlight in, so be aware of that. That’s not the 1st time I’ve heard that either. They were great, fun cars. I wouldn’t dawddle here, this won’t be around long.
80s Toyotas were magic. Same, my favorite car was an 87 Toyota pickup. 110 hp. Second favorite an 85 4Runner. Third an 89 pickup. So simple and good.
I’ve had four starting with a new ’77 Corolla liftback then a used (’67 as I recall) FJ40, then a new ’80 4×4 pickup after I moved back east, and after that an ’89 4×4 pickup that I bought new in AZ. That’s the only one I’d love to have again, but a ’93 or or newer because that year they changed to a timing chain instead of the belt, and those were a pain to replace.. I know because I did it myself once.
Im looking for a Toyota Celica GTS Convertible,…. Red with black top… the wide alloy rim and tire.. automatic transmissions 4 or 6 cylinder dual overhead turbo……
The convertibles only came with the 22R-E in North America. Other markets had other options. The only sixes were Supras, and they did not offer that in coupe or convertible form.
Lovely looking car. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when the Toyota Celica looked like this. My favourite Celica trim was the GT and the GT-S. I hope whoever buys this car enjoys it.
I was working at a Toyota store when these came out. A family member bought a white one equipped like this one with a sun roof. I have spent many hours driving these and loved every minute except when I dearly needed/ wanted more horsepower. Which these are sorely lacking. Also, the GTS is basically a Supra without the engine. The standard and GT do not drive anything like a GTS! I have pushed one of these very hard in mountainous driving and never had an issue with the way the car reacted. A very pleasant experience. And I hate to say it. But this car marks a very definite line which afterwards Toyota quality started to slip. Toyotas are still nice cars. But they no longer have the quality edge. They have slipped and everyone else came up and in some cases passed Toyota. I still have my 1971 FJ40 Landcruiser and they will have to pry my cold dead fingers off the steering wheel. But if for no other reason (besides quality) of Toyota price gouging on replacement parts. I will never buy another Toyota! (same reason for Honda)
I had one just like it in maroon and also loved it a lot. The thing didn’t corner all that great but was super comfortable and would go like stink considering the engine displacement. Very reliable, fun car.
Fabulous cars. HP on the 22R/RE increased nearly every year in this generation. 96 in 1982 with the 22R. 105 in ’83 at the intro of the 22R-E. Then a bump in compression took it to 116 in ’85. But the 22R-E is the truck engine, and it’s tuned for torque. 90% of your torque is available from 2000-4400 rpm. You don’t need to rev these engines – in fact, the redline is low, at 5800. I think Toyota felt this was the engine for Americans, who weren’t used to having to rev the crap out of it to get power. I own an ’85 GT-S 5-spd, and it’s still solid as a rock and reliable as any new car. Definitely gets the looks!!
This is really nice car. My brother had one, same year as I recall, and when it hit 100k miles his old school thinking was it would need a rebuild so he and his father in law pulled the head and he told me later it looked like it was still brand new. They ended up rebuilding it anyway since they already had it apart and had all the parts, but that story has always stuck with me with respect to these engines. I had one in my ’80 4×4 pickup too and it was still running great at over 100k when I sold the truck. I think somebody is going to be quite happy with this beauty.
It is interesting that the ’84 Camry had a timing belt and yes it failed. Where have all the timing gears/chains gone?
I imagine they went by way of greater corporate profits. It’s a lot cheaper to make a belt than a chain to begin with, and they don’t last nearly as long so they make more money all the way around. Quality and Integrity have unfortunately been replaced by engineered obsolescence.
I worked at Toyota Marina Del Rey when they hit the lot. We sold them off the carriers before a tire hit the lot. Supra S had 4.10 rear gears so the inline six was a lot faster. But during this time of Toyota everything they built sold well. The Camry, Van, pick ups even tercels and corollas sold well. Easy $ for back then, being across the street from the marina just added to the experience for the customer.
This ’83 Celica GTS takes me down memory lane as well. It reminds me of my blue1983 Celica Supra 5-speed that I bought new and drove for 8 years. The absolutely best highway cruiser I’ve ever had in my 65 years of driving. The seller’s 4-cylinder version of the Supra would be an incredible car to own.
With the IRS it makes for a pretty entertaining drive. A bit more power would be nice, but how fast do you need to go in your 40+ year old Toyota?
I often thought about an engine swap with a 5.0 Ford from Mustang. That would have curred the horsepower issue.
I owned the previous body style Celica that was fully loaded with a 5 speed transmission. Good car, but not A GTS!
There’s a guy on YouTube (probably others too) who did a swap using the 1UZ Lexus quad-cam 4.0 V8. A Celica GT-S with a Toyota V8! Very cool! 😎
An old Toyota with no rust! That is indeed a rarity. I always loved this generation along with the very first, which I owned at one time.
These were nice cars. I had a GTS that was gold with copper paint on the lower half and fender flares.
7500 rpm was super fast for this quick revving engine mated to the 5 speed.
Too bad it didn’t accelerate fast but handled good, sounded great and looked cool.
GLWS
What engine did you have, Eric? The A60 Celica was limited to the 22R/22R-E in North America. Redline was 5,800 RPM, and anything over 5,000 sounded like mechanical torture anyway. 😅
I know other markets offered more sporting engine options, so I’m guessing yours was either Euro-market or JDM?