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Lovely Liftback: 1977 Toyota Celica GT Survivor

It seems that the rear-wheel-drive models of Toyota’s Celica sports car are finally earning recognition among enthusiasts, especially the attractive first-generation model. This survivor-quality 1977 Toyota Celica GT that’s available here on eBay is a pristine example of a final year, 1st-gen model.

This Celica is available in Tacoma, Washington with a clean title. The seller claims that this is a one-owner vehicle that has never been restored, and everything on it is original.

On the outside, this vehicle is stunning. I’ve always loved the design of these liftback Celicas, and it’s impressive to see such a well-preserved example wearing the paint it left the factory with.

The cabin is the one area of this Celica that shows its age. The driver’s seat has various cracks in the upholstery and the wooden trim on the doors also has a few small blemishes. However, these are the only noteworthy flaws, and they shouldn’t deter someone from considering this time capsule.

As one of the last first-generation Celica models, this example features Toyota’s dependable 20R engine, which is a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder unit. The engine pairs to a 5-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels, and the drivetrain has 108,321 miles on it. This engine found it’s way into a number of Toyotas, including the Hilux pickup and the Corona. With 95 horsepower, it’s not a powerhouse, but it’s a fun engine for a light car like this.

At the time of publication, bidding is at $6,100 with the reserve not met. What do you think of this time capsule Toyota?

Comments

  1. Avatar Miguel

    Was the Celica ever sold as a front wheel drive car?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Winnipegcarnut Member

      The last 3 or 4 generations.

      Like 3
    • Avatar Will Fox

      In the 90’s to the end of their sales, yes.

      Like 2
  2. Avatar Dave Mika Member

    Survivor-grade or not, I don’t think they came with a Weber – not a bad carb really, and probably better than the stock Aisan one…

    Like 1
  3. Avatar gord

    already gone!!!

    Like 1
    • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

      And the high canceled bid was a healthy $8200. I wonder what it took to make the seller utter the “S” word?

      (SOLD)

      Like 4
  4. Avatar Will Fox

    I knew this gem wouldn’t last long. A west coast car; no wonder. Had this Celica been in the rust belt where I live, it would be toast after it’s first 3 years.

    Like 5
  5. Avatar PirateDick

    I know where there are two identical, nearly rust-free, sun-baked but original Celicas as this one right now and could be bought cheap, if anyone needs parts

    Like 4
    • Avatar Gord

      let us (or me?) know parallax@vianet.ca ty!

      Like 0
    • Avatar Tricky

      They respond well to a 1UZ-FE swap…..

      Like 0
  6. Avatar 433jeff

    I think 95 horse is pretty special for a 77, with a 5 speed it probably went good.

    Like 4
  7. Avatar stillrunners

    Always liked the styling and the mechanics were second to none…

    Like 2
  8. Avatar PDXBryan

    I had a beige one exactly like this back in my college days. It was the perfect car for me. Decent mpg, fun to drive, nice looking, good utility, and reliable! It didn’t get me any dates but that wasn’t the car’s fault ;^) My favorite memory is driving from Seattle back to Alaska with my Dad. As I recall, he liked driving it too!

    Like 7
  9. Avatar mark houseman

    I had the twin to this car two years ago. Bought it from the original owner’s adult son. Sold it to a guy in South America. It had been sitting in a pole barn for 25 years, didn’t run but engine wasn’t seized. It was all original and almost no rust. A great restoration project. Would like to have posted a picture but can’t see how to do it.

    Like 2
  10. Avatar Keith Wernli

    I had the identical car in the mid 1990’s. It was stolen from Portland, Or area and never recovered. Same color, interior everything and in very good condition. Funny this is in Washington just over the border.

    Like 3
  11. Avatar Stangalang

    Am I the only one who thinks the celica was Toyotas answer to the mustang..look at the tail end…and yes this is a beautiful car

    Like 10
  12. Avatar Kenbone

    A 69/70 mustangs baby brother. Always thought a matching pair would make a cool husband ,wife set. Done up to look alikewould be a cool thing

    Like 9
  13. Avatar Mark

    Great car. I had one in yellow.

    Like 3
  14. Avatar Freakinutz

    The nice thing about these Toyotas is that you could mix and match bits/pieces because different models ran the same drivetrain. I had a 72 Carina with the 1600 engine that ran and ran. Easy to work on. I pulled the tranny out (4 speed) and replaced it with a Corolla 5 speed. Reluctantly sold it with over 200K on the odo due to the upcoming birth of another child. First guy who saw it, bought it.

    Like 4
  15. Avatar chrlsful

    like the celica/stang twins idea (must B the 2+2 fastback tho).
    That great ’70 ford blue 4 both w/blacked out accents’n both a dark red interior? Sompin like that any way~

    Like 1
  16. Avatar Frank Motto

    My first car was a 5 year old 76 Celica, a mustard gold color. I remember it being fun to drive and it got 35 mpg on the highway with leaded gasoline. Like most cars of the time, it had its issues, driver seat was already cracked, rust/paint issues around the wheel well, leaky hatchback, a clutch was needed at 60k (ok, that might have been my fault). But, I look at this white one and say, boy, I would like to drive the old Celica again. I still have my first new car–an 89 Supra (Blue) with about 34k on it. Certainly not a speedster, but still fun to drive.

    Like 1
  17. Avatar Stevieg

    Nifty little car. Another one I wish I had the room for, along with the funds to buy.
    I sure wish I was in a better spot lol.

    Like 0
  18. Avatar GL

    Was my car with 208,000, not 108,000.

    Like 0
    • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

      THIS particular one was your car?

      Like 0
  19. Avatar GL

    yes

    Like 0
    • Avatar DayDreamBeliever

      Ugh.
      You certainly kept it clean.
      And the seller… had he bought from you?

      For sure, anyone buying a car sight-unseen, without checking past history, and doing adequate research is asking for trouble. Caveat Emptor!

      Like 0

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