A complex road tax system forced Japanese manufacturers to focus on small cars as their volume-selling models. Combining that philosophy with an ongoing drive towards high build quality resulted in some excellent cars that proved successful domestically and in foreign markets. A prime example of that thinking is this 1979 Toyota Celica GT. It is a one-owner survivor with a genuine 47,000 miles on its odometer. It isn’t perfect, but lifting its presentation to a higher level could be rewarding for its next owner. Any doubts that you may harbor about this Celica’s desirability should be eliminated by the intense auction action, and there is still time for you to throw your hat into the ring if you like what you see.

Toyota launched its Second Generation Celica for the 1978 model year, with the latest offering featuring one very major change in philosophy. While its predecessor was a domestic design, the Second Generation’s body was designed in California with a heavy focus on the North American market. The result was a physically larger car, although Toyota chose to reduce the car’s overall height to emphasize the sporting appearance. The owner purchased this GT in 1979, ordering it in Black Metallic. It would have looked stunning when it rolled off the showroom floor, with its sports credentials emphasized by the dealer-installed metal sliding sunroof. The seller states that the paint is original, although it shows significant deterioration. There is also a small dent on the driver’s side front fender and a cracked front indicator lens requiring attention. A close inspection reveals further minor panel imperfections, but neither it nor the areas of surface corrosion would justify steel replacement. The seller confirms that the gem has been garage-kept since Day One, helping to explain the lack of penetrating rust. The wheels should respond to some work with a high-quality polish, and although the windshield is scratched, the remaining glass looks okay.

Powering this Celica is Toyota’s bulletproof 2.2-liter 20R four that should generate 90hp and 122 ft/lbs of torque. Neither figure is startling, but the owner’s decision to pass on the optional three-speed automatic transmission in favor of the fantastic five-speed manual would make this an entertaining driver. It won’t set pulses racing with its acceleration, although it should bring a smile to the driver’s face if they wish to put in some effort behind the wheel. Those craving more could always ditch the 20R in favor of one of Toyota’s vast range of twin-cam powerplants. The seller claims that this classic has a genuine 47,000 miles on its odometer, and while there are Service Records that may serve as evidence, they aren’t complete. I do harbor doubts due to the engine bay presentation, which is why I would examine the documentation carefully before making a call either way on the odometer’s accuracy. The GT needs new tires due to the rubber’s age, but it appears to be the only mechanical shortcoming.

There are two characteristics worth noting with this Celica’s interior. The first is that it is unmolested, avoiding the typical array of aftermarket additions that seem to be a hallmark of classics from this era. The second is that it isn’t loaded with crumbling and broken plastic. The driver’s seat has outer edge wear, the pad is cracked above the gauges, and the cover is missing from the ashtray. Otherwise, it remains tidy and presentable for a driver-grade classic. Buyers on a budget could throw a $50 cover over the dash, and some slipcovers on the seats, and enjoy this GT in its current form. It isn’t highly-equipped by modern standards, but it retains its air conditioning, AM radio, and the factory cassette player.

Small cars don’t appeal to all tastes, but that is true for almost any vehicle. However, this 1979 Celica GT ticks enough boxes to attract an impressive thirty-two bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in New Lenox, Illinois. The current figure of $3,825 is below the reserve, although the interest it has stirred suggests that the price could climb significantly before the auction’s conclusion. These classics are extremely enjoyable to drive on a twisting ribbon of tarmac, but their user-friendly nature makes them a practical daily driver. Are those thoughts enough to tempt you to pursue this GT further?