We understand that the styling of the 1970s and beyond Toyota Celica GT was inspired by the 1969 Ford Mustang “SportsRoof”. The appeal of that fastback appears in the seller’s 1976 edition which is a work-in-progress that he/she has owned for more than a decade. While still in the sporty Japanese car, the 20R inline-4 can be accompanied by at least one other engine. Located in Milford, Ohio, this project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $12,000. Barn Finder “Ted” is due credit for this tip!
The Celica enjoyed a long run from 1970 to 2006 across seven generations. In its homeland, it was sold through the Toyota Corolla Store chain of dealers, whereas any U.S. Toyota outlet could sell you one. The hatchback (or “Liftback” in Toyota-speak) joined the fray in 1973 and was called the GT in North America. The Celica was not an all-new car, much of it being derived from the Toyota Carina (as Ford did with the Falcon for the Mustang). The 1976 editions, like the seller’s car, saw the most noticeable physical updates in the car’s history up to then.
We’re told the non-operating engine in the seller’s car is the 2.2-liter version of the 20R. Noteworthy is that the Celica was the first 5-speed automobile sold by Toyota in America. Motor Trend was so enamored by the vehicle that it was named “Imported Car of the Year” in 1976. The seller found this GT in Arizona about 10 years ago with little to no rust. While he/she has spent a lot of time and money working on it, a lot more remains to be done at 73,000 miles. It only had two owners (which may include the seller).
The seller says everything is there to rebuild the car, whether the photos show it or not. There are lots of new parts installed or waiting to be put in. Besides the spare engine (s), the seller can throw in an automatic transmission, though this machine was built with a manual. The black paint no longer shines, and the brown interior will likely need a complete redo. Is anyone here in the market for a “Japanese Mustang”?
Had one of these in the early 80’s, was fun to drive and very dependable. You could hear the rust developing over night. Wouldn’t mind having another but @ $12k in this condition no thanks.
I had one in the 80’s as well. That car never let me down. In the winter when all the other cars in the household were dead my Celica always started. Rust was its only downfall there was little left of the body when I drove it to the junkyard. I miss that car.
It started out in Arizona but it’s been the last 10 years in Ohio it’s not rust free anymore and 12K is too much best of luck with your sale
I like these cars, If I squint from a distance, I see a 3/4-scale ’67 Mustang.
This would be fun restored in a bright color and a FI 22R under the hood. These were designed to be the Japanese Mustang. I think they did quite well in that regard. Too bad, as stated, that they hadn’t figured out the rust issue in those days, though in all fairness, most domestic manufacturers at that time were not that much better, only difference was the metal was a little thicker because they weighed twice as much. A beautiful design.
My brother sold me one in 83 for $150 ( which I think I still owe him). Cool car for an 18 year old. Drove it for a couple of years till the water pump went out then sold it to my best friend who drove it for a couple years till one day he was turning a corner, the car went one way and the gas tank went the other way.
After all that work, finish it. These are finally commanding high prices. My very first new car was a 1977 Celica GT coupe. Red with black interior. $12,000 undone and un-running is a big stretch though. I have a 40′ shipping container packed with ’70’s Toyota parts, NOS, NORS, used, refurbished, and a rebuilt 30 over 20R with a never run, brand new Thorley header made for the Celica, not a HiLux header.
should be a mustang eater. i had one in 76. it would eat and spit out the mustand gts. but!!! asking price is pretty high.
We’re not that stupid here. Tell that crap to someone else.
i wasnt calling anyone stupid, the car i had was a 5 speed. i outran those mustangs on a daily basis. if your a ford lover im sorry for you. but the facts are the facts. i said mustang eater and i meant it!!
Agree about the color change, but then again, mine was “pure yellow”. It was a ’77, and I bought it in 1984, used with 70,000 mi, from the proverbial little old lady next door for $3,000. Sold it with 168,000 miles for $500. It took me across the country (from the Los Angeles suburbs to Baltimore for college) eight times with only minor issues.
My first introduction to Toyota was a 76 Celica GT and it was love at first sight. Like to see it when it’s finished. Good luck to the seller. You might want to lower your ask though.
Vastly OVERPRICED given the condition shown in the ad.
I bought a 77′ lift back in 78′ and kept it until 86′ and gave it in as a trade-in for a 86′ Chrysler 5th Ave. Good dependable car but was thin on the sheet metal. My family grew then and I needed a larger and safer car. I agree, I think the price is a little high for its condition. Not sure of the paint code but it was an orangish-red.
The first two cars I sold at Beaverton Toyota were a dark chocolate brown metallic and Silver Metallic hatcback was back in July of 1976
we have 2 of these (almost 30 yr ownership)both notch. One is pretty complete w/turbo, other is prts.
I like em even if a lill small @ less than 95 inch WB. Like hatch even better~