Better late than never, and better than many. That’s the story of Japan’s pony car, introduced almost six years after Ford’s Mustang. Toyota’s Celica headed straight for American shores, with the same long-hood/short-deck/sports-car feeling that the Mustang served up. No, it wasn’t a muscle car, but its low stance made it feel quick, and as a bonus, it didn’t need to visit the gas station as frequently. Over seven generations (so far!) and more than four decades, the Celica has been seen in almost every conceivable body style and drive configuration. Here on craigslist in Sandy, Oregon (about six miles from yours truly) is this 1985 Celica GT-S liftback, with an asking price of $6500. Thanks to Barney for sending over the tip!
The first North American Celicas received 1.9 to 2.2-liter four-cylinder engines with output hovering around 100 hp. Four-speed, five-speed, and, by 1973, automatic transmissions were available, driving the rear wheels. This third-gen Celica was one of the last rear-wheel drive examples, as Toyota shifted to front-wheel drive in August 1985. For the North American market, the GT-S was introduced in 1983 to counteract the bloat accumulated over the years, which had added pounds to each successive generation. The uprated model’s 2.4-liter 22R-E four-cylinder, now with fuel injection and about 116 hp, coupled with a five-speed manual, independent rear suspension, and ventilated front disc brakes, re-established the car’s sporty credentials. This one’s odometer reads over 217,000 miles, though the engine was rebuilt a couple of years ago. The clutch, master and slave cylinders, tires, brakes, suspension bushings, and alternator were all renewed or replaced. The seller notes that it runs well.
Inside, bucket seats with adjustable inflatable supports are in good condition; the dash is undamaged; the carpets are clean. The cargo area reveals minor water damage. The heater, sunroof, and power windows work well, but the air conditioning unit needs to be charged. Toyota modernized the Celica’s styling in 1981, shedding the rounded fender lines of previous generations in favor of sharp edges and pop-up headlamps. Years’ worth of receipts come with this car, along with a shop manual, advertising brochures, the owner’s handbook, and other documents.
Several parts come with the sale, including rear hatch louvers and a Supra differential. I’d like to know how many miles have accumulated on the rebuild and how the suspension is holding up, but if these pass muster, I think the asking price is close to market here. Though the mileage is high, the GT-S spec is desirable, and the documentation is a plus. What do you think – would you spring for this Celica?
Not a bad car. These look really good with the flares. If the car checks out in person it shouldn’t last long. Japanese cars from are rising in popularity, especially sporty stick shift versions. It won’t be long before this is considered a bargain. A buyer could do a lot worse.
Steve R
Seen um new like it was just yesterday. This one will be faught for
This was such a cool car back in the day. Vivid memories of a friend from high school, had a blue one circa 1986, and I was definitely jealous. That was when the 5.0 Mustangs were really starting to come into their own, and in the Detroit area, that was the car of choice for kids whose parents worked for Ford or a supplier. Our high school was rotten with them, which was why this car was all the more notable (and cool)…
Interesting , the owner calls this engine out as a 22R , even though it has the 22RE engine (EFI) I’m curious where sourced the steering wheel as this may have come from a newer Celica..
My girlfriend bought a brand new black 1985 Celica GTS. Having spent many miles behind the wheel I see things that aren’t original. I would like to see some undercarriage pictures. In 1985 the fender flares were body color. This maybe a GT with Supra seats.
Great cars.
It’s a true GT-S, the Craigslist add mentions it has IRS which only the Supra and GT-S are equipped with. The seats look correct and the flares might have been painted flat black. I am a Toyota parts man going back to 81. Many people wanted their plain Celica’s to be like a GT-S so I put a parts list together of what was needed cosmetically. Every part had to be bought individually and it was exceedingly expensive. No one ended up making the switch. We ended up using the list of parts for theft recoveries. Seats, wheels and tires plus the stereo and equalizer were always stolen, some right in our dealership’s parking lot.
Wish this was closer to ATL, brings back memories. Overall condition is very nice. Agree about the body-color fender flares. And the comment about the hatch being from a Celica Supra is weird. If this was a notchback from the same era, I would have to fly to Portland.
I agree with Toypartman. My girlfriends black 1985 Celica GTS got stolen twice .Once it was parked 10 from my front door. Both times recovered missing the radio and equalizer.
Was never big into Japanese sports cars but always though these and especially this era Supra were pretty cool cars. Overall it looks pretty clean.