Whether a Mustang or a Celica, the notchback bodystyle does wonders for a car compared to its traditional hatchback form. This 1985 Toyota Celica GT is a rarely seen (anymore) example of the upright body style, and the seller has done a fair amount of work to make it an entertaining driver. Though it is an automatic and we’ll always prefer the manual ‘box, there’s a lot to like here. Find the Celica GT here on eBay with a $5,000 Buy-It-Now and the option to submit a best offer.
While here in the U.S. we saw many Celicas in convertible or liftback form, the more upright coupe design seemingly found fewer buyers. The seller claims this example wears mileage of just 91,000 and with no mention of rust or any obvious rot in the photos, we’d assume it to be rust-free (there’s also the Texas location working in its favor). The thick bumpers in this instance weren’t just a U.S.-market penalty, as they appeared on Japanese and European-spec models as well. Glass looks good and the only real obvious exterior demerit is a non-functioning power antenna.
In 1985, the Celica would have been outfitted with a 2.4L 22R-E motor featuring fuel injection and one of the biggest four-cylinders Toyota had offered up until that point. The seller has done some interesting modifications under the hood, most of which sounds like it will make this driver even more entertaining: “Upgraded the motor with a total rebuild with also a mild race cam upgrade, double row timing chain, polished and ported head, upgraded injectors and stainless steel headers.” That’s quite a list, and we imagine they wake this truck-like engine up nicely. At the very least, some money has seemingly been spent in the right places.
Interior photos reveal a nicely preserved cockpit, with clean seat upholstery and door panels, shiny interior plastics and a modern headunit the only deviation from stock condition. The seller doesn’t mention whether the A/C works and notes a power steering leak and “Check Engine” light that pops on due to the aftermarket headers not having a place to mount the O2 sensor (you can usually plug these with a bung to “fool” the emissions system). Overall, if the seller is open to an offer slightly under his asking price, this looks like a fun project car that likely won’t lose any value if its current condition is maintained.
Too bad this wasn’t the GTS model ? With a five speed. My old girlfriend bought a black 1985 Celica GTS brand new off the the showroom floor back in 85′. $14,410 I think is what she paid back in the day. Fun car to drive. Better balance than my brothers Supra.
1985. Last year for rear wheel drive and the last year it was a desirable car. I had several 85 Celicas but my favorite was a notch back just like this one with the same interior. Mine was a champagne gold color with a luggage rack with a padded half vinyl top. I think both the luggage rack and top were factory options. I’ve never seen another one with that half vinyl top.
Great running, great driving with consistent great mpg. I still regret selling my collection even years later.
If it’s mild, it’s not a race cam.
Great Cars there was a time when these where found all over, time has flown bye,bye,bye.
My brother had one of these many years ago. I was never taken by its styling, but it wasn’t a bad thing to drive. His Celica met its fate when he crashed into a multi-story car park that he failed to see. His driving leaves a bit to be desired.
“It’s the only multi-story parking lot on this street –
you can’t miss it”.
You’re so right. It was the only one on the street. Sadly, it hasn’t been an isolated incident for him. He also drove into a tree that he didn’t see. On another occasion he managed to reverse his car into my car, dad’s car into his car, and then backed his car through the front gates at my parent’s house which were closed at the time….and he managed to achieve all of that in about 10 minutes. I eventually refused to lend him my car!
Awesome looking Celica. My favourite Celicas have always been the first gen (1972-77) and this gen version.
I had an 83 gts celica about 3 years ago.I repaired the a/c [needed in az.] replaced head gasket and head, also timing chain and tensioners. I am more of an American car kind of guy but this car ran so well and got 30mpg consistently and was sooo comfortable paid 750 bucks for it. The cops here in mesa az. stole it.