It was just the other day we featured what I assumed was a then-unicorn of a Toyota Celica GT-S convertible that was a former dealer demo car and still in very respectable condition. This proves lightning can indeed strike twice, as this is yet another ASC-converted Celica droptop with even lower miles and equipped with the rare manual transmission. The seller notes it remains in very original condition with just 67,121 original miles and that it, too, resides in the Sunshine State like the car we featured a few days ago. The Celica is listed here on eBay with bidding up to $8,200 and no reserve.
The ASC-modified Celica is one of those cars that looks great with the top up or down. That’s always impressed me about these convertible Celicas, as sometimes the aftermarket companies like ASC don’t quite nail the final concept, leaving you with a car that was clearly converted after it left the factory. Kudos to ASC for keeping this one as OEM as possible in appearance, and to Toyota for keeping the sweet fender flares and Supra wheels. The paint is said to be original with some “patina” and no large sections of bodywork evident other than some light touch-ups. The soft top is also said to be in good shape.
The interior is holding up well, with the gray cloth bucket seats and corresponding door panels and carpets showing no major signs of wear. This is the final year of the rear wheel drive Celicas, in addition to marking the departure from some of those styling cues I mentioned. By the next iteration of he Celica, the fat fenders would be gone, but Toyota would soldier on with the very 80s flip-up headlights. The seller is correct in noting that iconic cars of the 80s are enjoying a nice surge in values right about now as GenXers look to buy the cars from their youth before they go extinct or get too expensive.
The 22R-E engine is a fairly bulletproof mill that is easily serviced today considering how many other Toyotas used this engine. The low miles almost guarantees this Celica will provide years of dutiful service, especially if used solely as a summer vehicle or weekend-only ride. The rarity, combined with the appreciation for limited production cars from the 80s, will pretty much ensure this Celica GT-S convertible never loses much in the way of value, and the uber-rare five-speed transmission will keep this one desirable for years to come. Bidding ends tonight, so get your offer in soon.
top down photos always worry me – what condition is that top?
I checked out their website. There are photos confirming that it has a top, but I think I see a tear in the interior of the passenger side C-pillar top liner, and I don’t see any clear photos of the exterior of the top. They’re leaving money on the table if the top is decent, because this is a potential RADwood standout. This was a car with far more chassis capability than engine character. IIRC, the tires are an usually wide 14 inch size that probably can’t be found in a construction conducive to backroad fun these days. Maybe there’s a BFG muscle car tire that will fit, even if it is just a cruising tire.
I was a fan of these when they came out, along with the Dodge Dakota convertibles. Didn’t think they would ever be considered collectible, but if this goes for decent money it’s a good gamble in my opinion. I drove a couple sunroof models of similar vintage, and they were fun and comfortable. I’ll be watching this.
By the time I read this article, the auction was a done deal.
Sold for an interesting amount, $8,686.86
Looks like fun.
It just struck me, it is odd that there are “private listings” with “bidder identities protected’. On all auctions, there is limited knowledge of bidder’s identities and histories.
Well, whatever.
I like this car. I remember seeing them around back in the day, but have zero experience with them. Since it is obviously a low mileage well preserved Toyota, one could likely enjoy many trouble free miles as a cruiser!
If the buyer of this beauty ever returns to this post to sell, I’ll take it off their hands. loved em. still do ..